Release clutch for a vehicle
AssigneeBrp-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG
InventorsNorbert Korenjak, Heinz Kusel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle includes an engine that powers a wheel through a drive train. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and toothed gearing disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A release clutch is also disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A controller controls the release clutch so as to disengage the clutch when the engine is not running and engage the clutch when the engine is running. The controller includes a hydraulic cylinder that fluidly connects to the engine's oil system so that engine-generated oil pressure engages the release clutch. Disengagement of the release clutch makes it easier to push the vehicle when the engine is not running, for example, when the engine breaks down.
Claims20
A vehicle, comprising:
- a propulsion unit;
- a propelled device;
- a continuously variably transmission operatively connecting the propulsion unit to the propelled device;
- a release clutch disposed between the continuously variable transmission and the propelled device, the release clutch having an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the release clutch transfers power from the continuously variable transmission to the propelled device when in the engaged position, and wherein the release clutch does not transfer power from the continuously variable transmission to the propelled device when in the disengaged position;
- a non-centrifugally operated controller, the controller comprising an actuator that operates the release clutch;
- and
- a manual override switch operatively connected to the controller, the manual override switch allowing a rider to selectively change the position of the release clutch,
- wherein the controller automatically disengages the release clutch when the propulsion unit is not operating.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a propulsion unit;
- a propelled device;
- a continuously variably transmission operatively connecting the propulsion unit to the propelled device;
- a release clutch disposed between the continuously variable transmission and the propelled device, the release clutch having an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the release clutch transfers power from the continuously variable transmission to the propelled device when in the engaged position, and wherein the release clutch does not transfer power from the continuously variable transmission to the propelled device when in the disengaged position, the release clutch comprising:
- a shaft having a set of shaft teeth;
- and
- a gear disposed on the shaft, the gear having a set of gear teeth, and
- a non-centrifugally operated controller, the controller comprising an actuator operating the release clutch,
- the actuator selectively displacing the gear along the shaft between
- a first position where the gear rotates independently of the shaft such that the release clutch is in the disengaged position, and
- a second position where the gear teeth engage the shaft teeth, causing the shaft to rotate with the gear such that the release clutch is in the engaged position, and
- the controller automatically disengaging the release clutch when the propulsion unit is not operating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.