US 5,267,635 AGranted

Clutch actuator system

AssigneeAutomotive Products plc

InventorsDavid C. Peterson, Keith V. Leigh-Monstevens

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Abstract

A clutch actuation system for use in engaging and disengaging the clutch of a manual transmission motor vehicle. The system includes a sensor sensing the rotary movement of the clutch pedal, an electric motor having a screw output shaft driving a ball nut mechanism engaging a clutch release member, a further sensor sensing the position of the ball nut mechanism and thereby of the clutch release member, and an electronic control module. The module compares the magnitude of the position signal received from the clutch pedal position sensor to the magnitude of the position signal received from the ball nut position sensor and operates in a closed-loop servo manner to move the clutch release member via the electric motor through a distance proportioned to the extent of pivotal movement of the clutch pedal so that the operator, by precise control of the extent of pivotal movement of the clutch pedal, can precisely control the extent of engagement or disengagement of the clutch. Return movement of the system to the clutch engaged position is preferably accomplished by back driving the ball nut and motor via the clutch diaphragm spring.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A clutch actuator system for use with a clutch having a clutch shaft and a clutch release member operative when actuated to engage and disengage the clutch, the actuator system including input signal means operative in response to operator movement of a control member to generate an electrical input signal indicative of a desire to disengage the clutch and control means operative in response to receipt of the input signal to actuate the release member, characterized in that the clutch includes a clutch housing;

the clutch release member comprises a clutch release lever projecting out of the clutch housing to define a free end outside of the clutch housing;
the input signal generated by the input signal means is an electrical signal proportioned to the position of the control member;
the control means includes means generating an electrical position signal proportioned to the position of the clutch release lever, means comparing the input signal and the position signal and operative in response to a sensed difference in the input and position signals to generate an electrical output signal, and an electrical motor positioned outside of the clutch housing, receiving the electrical output signal, having an output shaft rotatable about an axis displaced from the rotational axis of the clutch shaft, and having a screw element and nut element assembly drivingly interconnecting the output shaft of the motor and the free end of the clutch release lever;
and the electrical position signal generating means comprises a release lever position sensor mounted outside the clutch housing proximate the electrical motor and including a probe engaging one of said elements.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.