US1686760A - Clutch control - Google Patents

Description

W. S. MYERS4 CLUTCH CONTRQL Oct.. 9, 192s. 1y686,76o

Filed July 22, 1927 @for-wey. L

Patented Oct. 9, 1928.

NIT!) STATES 'WALTER S. MYERS, OF DARBY, PENNSYLVANIA.

CLUTCH CONTROL.

Application filed July 22, v1927.

The invention relates to clutch control. The object is to provide a clutch cont-rol for motors especially for motor cars, which shall operate in certain relationship with the operation of the accelerator.

The invention comprises means whereby, when the accelerator is operated, by depressing the accelerator pedal,the clutch is thrown into operation, and when the' accelerator pedal is released and becomes inactive, the clutch likewise becomes inactive.

The invention comprises a clutch operating motor and a circuit control therefor whereby the motor operates in either direction depending upon the movement of the accelerator pedal.

As a result of the means herein described:

One pedal controls the fuel supply and the clutch. Theclutch is always out except when the foot is applied to the accelerator.

This eliminates the usual danger resulting from operating the self-starter when the car is in gear. When the operator slows down the car to a marked degree, the clutch releases, thereby preventing strain on motor wllich might result from this speed whilein high gear.

When the accelerator is released the clutch releases and the pedal brake may be operated immediately without danger of damaging the gears or stalling the motor, as often occurs when the brake is applied before releasing the clutch. I

Referring to the drawings which illustrate merely by way of example suit-able means for effecting the invention: i

Fig. 1 is a view, partly in perspective and partly diagrammatic, showing the general assembly.

Fig. 2 is part section, part elevation ofthe accelerator and controls, on an enlarged scale.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In Fig. 1, the clutch 7, of usual form, is provided with clutch collar 8, clutch saddle 9, clutch lever 10 and clutch rod 1l. This rod 11 is connected to one end of lever 12 pivotally mounted at 13. The other end 'of the lever, which may be bifurcated, is connected tothe trunnions 14 on the block 15, threaded on the threaded shaft 16 of electric motor 17. This shaft 16 is suitably journalled at its outer end as at 18 in a part of the frame 19 supporting motor 17. The circuit of the motor is provided with certain fixed and movable contacts for making and breaking the Serial No. 207,640.

circuit and for reversing the cirduit to cause the reverse 4movement of the motor.

Referring to Fig. 2, the accelerator pedal 20 y tact elements and the bottom of the housing 24. A collar 23 is provided on the rod 23 seated in a-recess in contact 26. f

As shown by the scheme of wiring in Fig. 1, when elements 25 and 26 are in contact, the

motor is inthe generator circuit in one direction and when elements 26 and 27 are in contact the motor is in-the generator circuit in the opposite direction.

In the position shown in Fig. 2, the accelerator and .clutch are both released. 'Upon depressing the accelerator pedal 20, the element 26 is separated from element 25 and carried, against the tension of spring 28, into contact with element 27. This brings the motor 17 into the generator circuit and causes it to rotate the shaft 16 in direction to cause the movement of block 15 towards the motor. This brings the clutch 7 into action. When the pedal 20 is released the element 26 separates from 27 and contacts with 25 due to the action of spring 28. Whereupon the movement of the motor is reversed and the block 15 carried back to initial position, in which the clutch is released. The pivoted contact members 30 and 31, operated by arm 32 on block 15, serve to break the circuit of the motor at the end of the required movement of block 15 in each direction.

The` spring 29 in housing 24 permits the further movement of the accelerator after contact is made between elements 26 and 27.

Suitable electric insulation 33 `is provided between the actuating parts and the elements 25, 26 and 27.

In operation.

The engine is started in the usual way and the accelerator can be used to prime the engine while the gear shift lever is in neutral` 27 and the motor operated to move block 15 to .the right to throw in the clutch.

When the foot pressure is Withdrawn fromY pedal 20, contact is made betwen 26 and 25 and the motor moves block 15 in opposite direction to release the clutch.

The process of building the car into high l gear is merely one of applying and removing `or causing synchronous movement of the accelerator and clutch.

2. ln a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator having a spring controlled toot pedal, and means whereby the depressionV of the said foot pedal causes the operative engagement of the clutch.

.3. ln a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator having a spring controlled toot pedal, and means whereby the depression of the said foot pedal causes the operative engagement of the clutch and the release of the foot pedal causes the release of the clutch.

4. In a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator and a clutch,y an electric motor for the actuation of the clutch intov and out of clutch engagement, contacts in the motor circuit controlled by the accelerator-actuating means.

5. In a clutch control, the combination of an accelerator and a clutch, an electric motor for the actuation of the clutch into and out of clutch engagement, contacts in the motor circuit controlled by the accelerator-actuating means, and motor controlled cut-outs for limiting the movement of the motor in opposite directions.

WALTER S. MYERS.

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