192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Automatic
Utility Patent
1999-02-23
2001-01-02
Lorence, Richard M. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Automatic
C192S090000, C192S094000, C192S084600
Utility Patent
active
06167997
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a clutch which is actuated by an electronically controlled and powered actuation system.
Clutches are utilized to selectively transmit drive between an input shaft to an output shaft. As an example, most vehicle drive lines have a clutch between the engine and the transmission. By selectively actuating the clutch, the driver can break the rotational drive from the engine to the transmission such as to allow gear shifting.
Typically, known transmissions are mechanically controlled through a foot pedal and lever and spring mechanism. These known systems require relatively large actuation systems which create packaging and layout problems. Further, these systems have not been suitable for automatic control.
It is known to automatically actuate the clutch; however, the actuation systems have not been as well designed as would be desirable. As an example, hydraulic power systems have been used which require pump tubes, etc. Again, it is desirable to make the actuation system as compact as practical.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a disclosed embodiment of this invention, a clutch mechanism is operable to move a sliding sleeve along a shaft between engaged and disengaged positions. The sliding sleeve would preferably move an associated clutch disk to selectively move the clutch between engaged and disengaged positions.
In one embodiment, the sleeve is driven by an annular motor which drives a rotary to linear transmission mechanism for driving the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, a ball screw arrangement is utilized.
In another embodiment, the mechanism for driving the sleeve has a distance amplifying arrangement. In particular, a motor for creating a small amount of linear movement transmits that linear movement to an input side of a lever. The opposed side of the lever is positioned a greater distance from a fulcrum than the input side. The opposed side of the lever transmits movement to the sleeve. Since the lever fulcrum is positioned more adjacent to the input side, there is an amplification of movement at the transmit side. Thus, the original movement may be provided by known small devices which provide only a small amount of linear movement. As an example, piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuators may be utilized.
In a third embodiment, the actuator is packaged within the clutch housing and rotating with the clutch cover. A rotating electrical connection supplies power and control to the actuator.
These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
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patent: 5934430 (1999-08-01), Kolomeitsev et al.
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patent: 2279124 (1994-12-01), None
patent: 98/58189 (1998-12-01), None
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Lorence Richard M.
ZF Meritor
LandOfFree
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