Method for pre-setting a self-adjusting friction torque device
First Claim
1. A method of pre-setting a self-adjusting clutch having a plurality of cam rings, an indicator wear tab on one of the cam rings and a release bearing having a position which is directly affected by a position of the indicator wear tab, comprising the steps of:
- a) releasing the clutch pressure to allow the indicator wear tab to move;
b) positioning an adjustable contact element against the indicator wear tab to limit the movement of the indicator wear tab so as to specifically locate the position of the wear tab and, hence, the position of the release bearing;
c) reapplying the clutch pressure;
d) measuring the position of the release bearing to ensure that the position of the release bearing is within a predetermined range, and wherein, if the measured position is outside of the predetermined range, repeating steps a) through d) until the measured position is within the predetermined range by readjusting the position of the adjustable contact element.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for pre-adjusting, prior to engagement of an engine and a transmission, a self-adjusting clutch such as a self-adjusting clutch manufactured by Dana Corporation'"'"'s Spicer Clutch Division of Auburn, Indiana, known as the Spicer Solo, Adjustment-Free Clutch. The method includes the steps of: a) releasing the clutch pressure to allow the indicator wear tab of the clutch to move; b) positioning an adjustable contact element against the indicator wear tab to limit the movement of the indicator wear tab so as to specifically locate the position of the wear tab and, hence, the position of the release bearing; c) reapplying the clutch pressure; d) taking a reading of the position of the release bearing. Steps a) through d) can be repeated as needed. The adjustable contact element is preferably mounted on a generally U-shape frame having means to attach the frame proximate the clutch and means to adjust the position of the contact element. The present invention enables much smaller pre-set tolerances of the position of the release bearing--e.g., much smaller than 0.100 inches and even as low as about 0.23 inches in certain embodiments. As a result, clutch life, operability and maintenance can be greatly improved.
11 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method of pre-setting a self-adjusting clutch having a plurality of cam rings, an indicator wear tab on one of the cam rings and a release bearing having a position which is directly affected by a position of the indicator wear tab, comprising the steps of:
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a) releasing the clutch pressure to allow the indicator wear tab to move; b) positioning an adjustable contact element against the indicator wear tab to limit the movement of the indicator wear tab so as to specifically locate the position of the wear tab and, hence, the position of the release bearing; c) reapplying the clutch pressure; d) measuring the position of the release bearing to ensure that the position of the release bearing is within a predetermined range, and wherein, if the measured position is outside of the predetermined range, repeating steps a) through d) until the measured position is within the predetermined range by readjusting the position of the adjustable contact element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification