192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Operators
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-28
2001-11-27
Lorence, Richard M. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Operators
C192S11000B, C074S512000, C074S500500, C180S315000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321893
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a clutch actuation system for a vehicle. In one aspect, it relates to a clutch actuation system having a clutch pedal within a vehicle cab attached to a clutch pedal shaft that projects through a vehicle firewall, as well as a clutch cable and clutch spring linked to the shaft and located outside of the vehicle cab.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to provide a clutch actuation system on vehicles for actuating the clutch of the vehicle in response to the actuation of a clutch pedal in the vehicle cab. Commonly known clutch actuation systems typically have a mechanical linkage mechanism, a clutch cable, a hydraulic system, or some combination thereof to translate the clutch pedal actuation to actuation of the clutch lever on the clutch housing. But, many of these commonly known clutch actuation systems have disadvantages in their design. For example, clutch actuation systems are often difficult to adjust when the adjustment points are located inside the cab under the dash or below the cab next to the transmission because it is difficult to access such adjustment points. Thus, a need exists for a clutch actuation system that has easily accessible adjustment points.
Also, many clutch actuation systems have unprotected linkages or other moving parts that are exposed to the environment in the engine compartment or below the cab. Such exposed parts may require frequent lubrication to prolong the life and maintain the functionality of the clutch actuation system. Hence, there is a need for a clutch actuation system that has sealed components and a limited number of moving parts that are exposed to the environment outside the cab.
Some clutch actuation systems that use linkage mechanisms typically do not provide a modular design that can be used for a variety of different vehicles or a variety of different transmissions. Thus, a need exists for a clutch actuation system that provides a modular design capable of use on a variety of vehicles or with a variety of transmissions.
Clutch actuation systems that use only mechanical linkages often translate vibrations from the transmission to the vehicle cab via the linkages. It is desirable to isolate the vehicle cab from vibrations to provide comfort for the vehicle occupants. Therefore, a need exists for a clutch actuation system that translates little or no vibrations of the transmission to the vehicle cab.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Many of the needs outlined above are addressed by the present invention hereof. It is an object of the present invention to provide a clutch actuation system for a vehicle that has easily accessible adjustment points.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a clutch actuation system for a vehicle that has sealed components and a limited number of moving parts that are exposed to the environment outside the cab.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a clutch actuation system for a vehicle that provides a modular design capable of use on a variety of different vehicles or with a variety of different transmissions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clutch actuation system for a vehicle that reduces vibrations of the transmission translated to the vehicle cab.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a clutch actuation system is provided for actuating a clutch lever of a clutch system in response to the actuation of a clutch pedal in a vehicle cab. The clutch pedal is attached to a clutch pedal shaft. The clutch pedal shaft lies on a first rotational axis. In one possible embodiment the first rotational axis extends laterally relative to the vehicle cab when the clutch actuation system is operably installed on the vehicle. A first bearing member pivotably supports a first shaft end of the clutch pedal shaft such that the shaft can pivot within the first bearing member. The clutch pedal is attached to the shaft proximate to the first bearing member. The first bearing member is attached to the vehicle cab and it is entirely within the vehicle cab when the clutch actuation system is operably installed on the vehicle.
A second bearing member pivotably supports a second shaft end such that the shaft can also pivot within the second bearing member. The second bearing member is adapted to attach to the vehicle firewall such that a portion of the second bearing member is located on one side of the firewall within the vehicle cab and another portion of the second bearing member is located on the other side of the firewall in the engine compartment. The second shaft end extends through the second bearing member and through the firewall into the engine compartment when the clutch actuation system is operably installed on the vehicle.
A clutch pedal lever is attached to the second shaft end such that as the clutch pedal pivots about the first rotational axis, the clutch lever correspondingly pivots about the first rotational axis via the shaft. The clutch pedal lever is located within the engine compartment when the clutch actuation system is operably installed on the vehicle. A clutch cable firewall bracket is adapted to attach to the vehicle within the engine compartment proximate to the clutch pedal lever.
A clutch return spring biases the clutch pedal. The clutch return spring can be located in a many different places while still biasing the clutch pedal. In another possible embodiment, the clutch return spring has a first spring end attached to the clutch pedal lever and a second spring end attached to the clutch cable firewall bracket. Hence, the clutch return spring can bias the clutch pedal via the clutch pedal lever about the shaft, and it can be located within the engine compartment.
A clutch cable is used for pulling the clutch lever. At least a portion of the clutch cable is surrounded by a cable housing. A first cable housing end is attached to the clutch cable firewall bracket. A first cable end is connected to the clutch pedal lever such that the clutch cable moves relative to the cable housing when the clutch pedal lever pivots about the first rotational axis. A second cable end is connected to the clutch lever such that the clutch cable actuates the clutch lever when the clutch pedal lever pivots about the first rotational axis via the shaft in response to the clutch pedal pivoting about the first rotational axis. The clutch cable and cable housing are located entirely outside of the vehicle cab when the clutch actuation system is operably installed on the vehicle. In yet another possible embodiment, adjustment nuts attach the first cable housing end to the clutch cable firewall bracket such that the clutch cable can be adjusted at the clutch cable firewall bracket, which may be easily accessible in engine compartment when the clutch actuation system is operably installed on the vehicle.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of installing and adjusting a clutch actuation system for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises fourteen steps. First, a clevis link of the clutch actuation system is threaded onto a second cable end of a clutch cable of the clutch actuation system to a position where about half of the threads on the second cable end are threaded into the clevis link. Second, a clutch stop bracket of the clutch actuation system is installed on a structural member within a cab of the vehicle such that mounting bolts for the clutch stop bracket are loose enough that the clutch stop bracket can still be moved while on the structural member. Third, a clutch stop adjustment tool is inserted into mounting holes designated for a first bearing member of the clutch actuation system. The mounting holes are formed in the structural member. Fourth, the clutch stop bracket is slid along a surface of the structural member while the mounting bolts are still loosely fastened to a position where the clutch stop bracket abuts the clutch stop adjustment tool. Fifth, the mounting bolts are tightened while maintaining the clutch stop
Marko Kenneth M.
Muhlert Michael K.
Stoor Dave L.
Lorence Richard M.
Paccar Inc
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood
LandOfFree
Clutch actuation system for a vehicle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Clutch actuation system for a vehicle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Clutch actuation system for a vehicle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2596301