Electronic system for monitoring clutch brake engagement and clutch slippage
First Claim
1. In a friction clutch assembly including a rotatable input member, a rotatable output member, means for selectively connecting the input member to the output member for rotation therewith, and clutch brake means connected for rotation with the output member for selectively slowing the rotational speed of the output member, a system for generating an indication when the rotational speed of the clutch brake means is less than a predetermined minimum rotational speed comprising:
- means for generating a signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the clutch brake means;
means for generating a signal which is representative of the predetermined minimum rotational speed; and
means responsive to said clutch brake means rotational speed signal and said predetermined minimum rotational speed signal for generating an indication when said clutch brake means rotational speed is less than said predetermined minimum rotational speed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic system for monitoring the operation of a vehicle friction clutch assembly and for generating an indication when the clutch brake of the assembly is frictionally engaged is disclosed. The system generates an electrical signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the clutch brake. To accomplish this, a plurality of magnets or a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth are secured to the clutch brake. A sensor is disposed near the clutch brake which is responsive to the passage of the magnets and teeth rotating thereby. The sensor generates an electrical pulse train signal having a frequency which is proportional to the rotational speed of the clutch brake. An electronic control circuit is provided for generating an indication when the value of the clutch brake rotational speed signal approaches zero, indicating that the clutch brake is frictionally engaged. A similar sensor be provided for determining the rotational speed of the flywheel of the friction clutch assembly. The control circuit compares the flywheel rotational speed signal with the clutch brake rotational speed signal and generates an indication when the values of the two signals are not equal or when they differ by more than a predetermined amount. Such a situation would occur when there is slippage in the friction clutch assembly which requires maintenance. The flywheel rotational speed signal can also be displayed separately as an analog or digital representation of the engine speed.
43 Citations
13 Claims
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1. In a friction clutch assembly including a rotatable input member, a rotatable output member, means for selectively connecting the input member to the output member for rotation therewith, and clutch brake means connected for rotation with the output member for selectively slowing the rotational speed of the output member, a system for generating an indication when the rotational speed of the clutch brake means is less than a predetermined minimum rotational speed comprising:
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means for generating a signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the clutch brake means; means for generating a signal which is representative of the predetermined minimum rotational speed; and means responsive to said clutch brake means rotational speed signal and said predetermined minimum rotational speed signal for generating an indication when said clutch brake means rotational speed is less than said predetermined minimum rotational speed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A friction clutch assembly comprising:
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a housing; a rotatable input member; a rotatable output member; means for selectively connecting said input member to said output member for rotation therewith including a movable release bearing; clutch brake means connected for rotation with the output member and axially movable therealong, said clutch brake means adapted to be selectively frictionally engaged between said housing and said release bearing; means for generating a signal which is representative of the rotational speed of said clutch brake means; means for generating a signal which is representative of a predetermined rotational speed for said clutch brake means; and means responsive to said clutch brake means rotational speed signal and said predetermined rotational speed signal for generating an indication when said clutch brake means rotational speed is less than said predetermined rotational speed. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification