Abstract: An electromagnetically operated unit for controlling a radial connection. The unit has a first device which is optionally coupleable with a second device. The second device includes a magnet and/or electromagnet. The unit also has radially movable switching elements that are supported about the circumference of one of the devices, which additionally has contoured and/or frictional surfaces, which mate with respective contoured and/or frictional surfaces of the other one of the devices, thus effectuate engagement of the first and second devices. When the unit is designed with a closed current system the switching elements are biased to disengage when current is applied to the magnet and with an open current system the switching elements are biased to engage, against the force of a spring, when current is applied to the magnet.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electric motor drivingly coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a first piston biasedly engaged by a spring, slidably positioned within a housing and operable to supply pressurized fluid to a second piston. Supply of pressurized fluid to the second piston provides the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A multiple disc clutch including a clutch outer and a clutch inner, for enabling a gentle releasing/engaging operation. The multiple disc clutch includes a clutch inner having a clutch center and a clutch piston, and outer and inner friction discs being alternately arranged between the clutch center and the clutch piston. A clutch spring performs energization to narrow an interval between the clutch center and the clutch piston. A clutch release mechanism reduces friction force between the outer and inner friction discs and releases an engaged state of the clutch by widening the interval between the clutch center and the clutch piston. A release spring is provided between the clutch piston and the clutch release mechanism.

Abstract: A drive member (1) for a water pump of the cooling-water circuit of an internal combustion engine, with a drive wheel (7) and a shaft (4) which is coupled to the water pump, is proposed. According to the invention, for the transmission of torque between the drive wheel (7) and the shaft (4), an electromagnetically actuable friction-disk clutch (9, 10, 11, 12) and a second clutch device in the form of an eddy-current clutch (14) are provided, the latter taking up the shaft (4) when the friction-disk clutch is out of engagement. Moreover, a frictional shift clutch for a drive member of this type is proposed.

Abstract: A clutch-actuating device for a clutch in a motor vehicle power train has an actuator motor driving an actuating member and a transfer mechanism which transmits the movement of the actuating member to a clutch release element that is movable against an opposing force of a clutch spring to displace the clutch from a closed position to an open position. The transfer mechanism has a first movement range in which the movement of the actuating member in the opening direction of the clutch does not displace the clutch from its closed position, and a second movement range in which the movement of the actuating member causes a displacement of the clutch. The transfer mechanism has an interval of loose play, which is used up within the first range.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator is mounted with its shaft connected to the rotational operative shaft of a service brake actuator. The spring brake actuator has a clock spring, which is mechanically charged at a rotation of the actuator shaft in a brake release direction. It also has an electric coil for keeping when electrically energized—the clock spring in its charged condition. Further, it has means for transferring the rotative energy of the clock spring to the actuator shaft in a brake applying direction, when the coil is energized, but allowing free rotation of the shaft in either direction, when the coil is energized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling two shafts which are intended for rotating in the prolongation of one another with respect to a casing. A dog clutch ensures that the two shafts are coupled.

Abstract: A clutch-actuating device for a clutch in a motor vehicle power train has an actuator motor driving an actuating member and a transfer mechanism which transmits the movement of the actuating member to a clutch release element that is movable against an opposing force of a clutch spring to displace the clutch from a closed position to an open position. The transfer mechanism has a first movement range in which the movement of the actuating member in the opening direction of the clutch does not displace the clutch from its closed position, and a second movement range in which the movement of the actuating member causes a displacement of the clutch. The transfer mechanism has an interval of loose play, which is used up within the first range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling two shafts that are intended to rotate in the continuation of one another with respect to a casing (4). A dog clutch couples the two shafts.

Abstract: A parking pawl is implemented on a series type, hybrid electric vehicle by providing a transmission having a moveable locking plate. The locking plate is used to selectively engage and disengage from one of the power transfer gears of the transmission. While the locking plate is linearly moveable between engaged and disengaged position, it is locked against rotation and prevents rotation of the power transfer gear when engaged thereto. An electromagnet is used to pull the locking plate from an engaged position to a retracted, disengaged position. A compression spring biases the plate toward the engaged position with the rotating gear. The locking plate can be held in the retracted position by moveable locking pins to avoid any need to keep the electromagnet energized.

Abstract: A clutch engaging and disengaging apparatus 1 is provided with a motor 2, a motion converting mechanism 3 that converts the rotational motion of the motor 2 into linear motion, a load storing mechanism 4 that stores a load when the motion converting mechanism 3 moves linearly in one direction and releases the stored load when the motion converting mechanism 3 moves linearly in the opposite direction, and a hydraulic mechanism 6 that uses the linear motion of the motion converting mechanism to produce hydraulic pressure and engage or disengage the clutch. The load storing mechanism 4 has an assist spring 41 that is coupled to the motion converting mechanism 3 and can extend and contract in response to the linear motion of the motion converting mechanism 3 and a spring cover 44 that supports an axially facing end part of the assist spring 41.

Abstract: A torque transmission system for the transmission of torque between a prime mover and a gearbox in a vehicle includes an input shaft, which can rotate around a first axis of rotation; at least one output shaft, which can rotate around a second axis of rotation transversely offset from the first axis of rotation; and a first clutch arrangement with an output area, which is or can be connected nonrotatably to the output shaft, and an input area, which can be connected as desired to the output area for the transmission of torque. A drive arrangement connects the input shaft to the input area so that the input area can be caused to rotate by the input shaft.

Abstract: The engageable and disengageable friction clutch between the prime mover and the gearbox in the power train of a motor vehicle can be adjusted by an electric motor against the opposition of at least one resilient element by applying rest current from a source to an electric motor which opposes the bias of the resilient element in response to detection, by a sensor, that the bias of such resilient element upon a displaceable clutch actuating member exceeds the force then being exerted by the clutch. The application of rest current to the motor normally takes place when the vehicle is started and/or subsequent to shifting of the gearbox into a different gear. The thus actuated motor can prevent a worm wheel gearing or an analogous motor-operated component from partially disengaging the clutch when the disengagement is undesirable or harmful.

Abstract: To provide a clutch connection control system capable of shortening a time required for clutch connection, preventing the degradation of riding comfort upon clutch connection, and ensuring good operability. A separation distance, that is, a shift amount of a clutch driven side from a clutch drive side is controlled by a clutch release mechanism driven by a drive motor. A drive side turning speed detecting portion detects a turning speed Nin of the drive side. A driven side turning speed detecting portion detects a turning speed Nout of the driven side. A turning speed difference detecting portion detects a difference Nd between the detected drive side turning speed Nin and driven side turning speed Nout. A rate-of-change detecting portion detects a time-dependent rate of change &Dgr;Nd of the detected turning speed difference Nd.

Abstract: The object is to provide a small-sized automatic operating apparatus for a friction clutch. In an automatic operating apparatus 1 for a friction clutch in which the rotation of a motor 2 is reduced by a reduction mechanism 3 to rotate a crank 4, thereby axially moving an output rod 6 for connecting and disconnecting a friction clutch, a spring type accumulator 7 provided immovably on the casing 8 is connected with a crank 4 through a link 5. During connection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 accumulates the force received through the crank 4 and the link 5 from the output rod 6 axially moving in the direction of the arrow ‘a’ by receiving the pushing force of a piston rod in a hydraulic cylinder. During disconnection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 releases the accumulated force through the link 5 into the crank 4, thereby aiding the axial movement of the output rod 6 in the direction of the arrow ‘b’.

Abstract: A clutch for connecting a flywheel (1) on a drive shaft (2) of an engine with a driven shaft (15) of a gearbox. The flywheel (1) is connected to a clutch cover (7) and between them there is disposed an axially movable pressure plate (8). A clutch disc (9), which is non-rotationally connected to the driven shaft (15), can be clamped between the pressure plate (8) and the flywheel (2) by means of a spring (21) which forces the pressure plate (8) against the flywheel (2). By operating an actuator device (44), the spring's (21) connection with the pressure plate (8) can be broken. According to the invention the clutch comprises a swivel being arranged between the actuator and the driven shaft. The swivel is for transferring a pressure fluid or an electric current to the actuator which may be a hydraulic or an electric actuator.

Abstract: An electric motor brake has a printed circuit board which circumferentially locates and. Returns a plurality of electromagnetic coil assemblies within a coil housing. The circuit board simplifies both the assembly and wiring associated with the electric motor brake. The circuit board is located within the coil housing and a stand off located between the printed circuit, board and the coil housing electrically connects the coil stators of each coil assembly with the coil housing. The circuit board connects each third coil assembly in a circular pattern to the same phase of a three-phase AC power source.

Abstract: A two-way clutch is provided which comprises an inner member formed with a plurality of pockets opening toward its outer peripheral surface, an outer member mounted on the inner member and formed with a plurality of pockets opening toward its inner peripheral surface, a cam ring formed with a cam surface on its inner peripheral surface, a plurality of block members received in the pockets of the inner member so as to protrude in a diametric direction, a plurality of resilient members received in the pockets of the inner member for biasing the block members radially outwardly, and a switch spring mounted to the inner member for maintaining a predetermined phase of the cam ring relative to the inner ring. With this construction, the inner and outer members can be engaged through the block members to transmit power by aligning the pockets of the inner and outer members with each other and by controlling the phase of the cam ring.

Abstract: A clutch control apparatus includes a clutch disk, which is engaged with a flywheel, by means of a diaphragm spring; a release mechanism (including a rod and an electric motor) for pressing a central portion of the diaphragm spring; and a clutch control circuit. The clutch control circuit calculates an ideal clutch load and an output torque of the electric motor for a detected stroke of the rod. On the basis of these values, the clutch control circuit obtains the acceleration of the rod. The clutch control circuit estimates a stroke of the rod from the obtained acceleration and causes an adjust wedge member to rotate such that a detected actual stroke and the estimated stroke become equal, thereby modifying the attitude of the diaphragm spring accordingly.

Abstract: A motion transmitting apparatus wherein an electric motor, an engine or another prime mover rotates an axially fixed first part relative to a coaxial axially movable non-rotatable second part. The structure which serves to move the second part axially in response to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first part includes a follower borne by the first part and a helical spring having end convolutions affixed to the first part. The follower extends between two intermediate convolutions of the helical spring. If the apparatus is utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle, the axially movable part can serve to engage or disengage or change the extent of engagement of the friction clutch between the output element of the engine and the input element of the change-speed transmission.

Abstract: The object is to provide a small-sized automatic operating apparatus for a friction clutch. In an automatic operating apparatus 1 for a friction clutch in which the rotation of a motor 2 is reduced by a reduction mechanism 3 to rotate a crank 4, thereby axially moving an output rod 6 for connecting and disconnecting a friction clutch, a spring type accumulator 7 provided immovably on the casing 8 is connected with a crank 4 through a link 5. During connection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 accumulates the force received through the crank 4 and the link 5 from the output rod 6 axially moving in the direction of the arrow ‘a’ by receiving the pushing force of a piston rod in a hydraulic cylinder. During disconnection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 releases the accumulated force through the link 5 into the crank 4, thereby aiding the axial movement of the output rod 6 in the direction of the arrow ‘b’.

Abstract: A spring-set, electromagnetically released brake that requires a relatively small amount of current to release is provided. The brake includes a magnet shell disposed about a first axis. The shell includes a radially outwardly extending pole. The brake also includes an armature disposed radially outwardly of the pole and pivotable at a first axial end and a first engagement element, such as a brake shoe, coupled to the armature proximate a second axial end of the armature. The brake further includes a spring disposed about the pole. The spring biases the armature radially outwardly to urge the first engagement element towards a second engagement element such as a friction surface in a brake drum. Finally, the brake includes a coil disposed about the pole and means for selectively energizing the coil to urge the armature radially inwardly and the first engagement element away from the second engagement element. A bobbin for use in the brake is also provided.

Abstract: For an electromagnetically actuated brake, in particular a stopping brake, having a high stopping moment and short braking paths and consisting of a cam disc (3) which is guided in a torsion-proof manner, a spring (4) which presses the cam disc axially into the locking position, and an electromagnet (5, 6, 7) which unlocks the cam disc against the spring (4), it is proposed that the axially movable cam disc (3) be of ferromagnetic construction and that a number of cams (31) be provided which engage, in a form-locking manner, in the recesses (11) in the rotatable part (1) to be braked, the cams (31) and recesses having flanks standing perpendicularly to the direction of rotation and the spring being constructed as a leaf spring (4) with three bending arms which act upon the face of the cam disc (3) at an equal distance from one another.

Abstract: The friction clutch has on the one hand a clutch engagement device comprising a diaphragm (3) and on the other hand a linkage (80), an actuator (50, 60, 70, 90, 91) for controlling the said linkage, and an adjustment device (10), for compensating for the wear on the friction linings (7) the actuator has an electric motor (50), a mechanical transmission (60) with an input element (51) and an elastic assistance device (70) bearing on a fixed part (91, 66) and on a movable part (61) forming a nut for cooperating with the output shaft (51) of the electric motor, the movable part (61) forms the output element of the mechanical transmission (60) while being able to act on the linkage (80) while the device for taking up wear (10) is mounted inside the declutching device.

Abstract: Clutches are provided with electrically controlled actuation elements for selectively moving a sleeve between engaged and non-engaged positions. The electrically controlled elements may include rotary motors driving a sleeve through a ball screw connection. An actuator having a distance amplification element for driving the sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spring-actuated electromagnetic brake includes an adjustment plate attached a rotating shaft and having an annular recess in one end face thereof facing a boss of a brake plate slidably mounted on the rotating plate. An annular elastic member is disposed in the annular recess in such a manner that when the brake is in the released state, the elastic member partially projects from the recess and is in contact with an end face of the boss. A slide-distance adjustment bolt having an enlarged head and a thread-free shank of a length larger than the thickness of the adjustment plate extends through an opening of the adjustment plate and is threaded on the end face of the boss. The brake plate is slidable in one direction by the force of the brake spring and in the opposite direction by the recovery force of the elastic member. The range of sliding movement of the brake plate is determined by the difference between the length of the shank of the bolt and the thickness of the adjustment plate.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a torque transmission system with a manually switchable gearbox in the power train of a motor vehicle involves the utilization of at least one sensor unit at the input side of the torque transmission system to ascertain relevant positions of the shift lever of the gearbox and the driving torque of the engine of the motor vehicle. The thus obtained shift lever signals are memorized, together with comparison signals which are obtained as a result of filtering of the shift lever signals, and various characteristics of such signals are recognized and identified to indicate the intention of the operator of the vehicle regarding the switching of the gearbox. The thus obtained switching intention signals are transmitted to a controlled clutch operating system.

Abstract: In providing automated shifting of a manual transmission, the electro-mechanical clutch actuator of the present invention is provided for disengaging and engaging the clutch of a manual-type transmission. The control algorithm includes utilizing an adaptively learned touchpoint along with a series of calibrated offsets for positioning the clutch during different modes of operation. During engagement of the clutch, a closed-loop, PID, "rate of clutch slip" calculational scheme controls the rate of clutch engagement to a predetermined numeric rate of clutch slip.

Abstract: An automatic clutch operating control apparatus which can rapidly perform the disconnection of a friction clutch of a transmission by the assistance of the accumulated load in a coil spring. Comprising a motor 4 rotatable forward and backward; reduction means 27, 23 for reducing the rotation of the motor 4; movement conversion means 19, 21, 15, 9 for converting the rotation of the motor to the axial movement of a piston rod 6; a hydraulic master cylinder 3 including the piston rod 6 for supplying working oil into a friction clutch to compress the spring in the clutch so that the clutch will be disconnected; a coil spring 31 provided on the piston rod 6 of the hydraulic master cylinder 3 so as to accumulate the load by the compression due to the repulsive force of the spring in the clutch when the motor 4 is rotated backward to connect the clutch and so as to release the accumulated load when the motor 4 is rotated forward.

Abstract: An automatic operating apparatus for a friction clutch is disclosed which apparatus performs the disconnection of the clutch of a transmission by the assistance of the accumulated load in a load accumulator which can perform the accumulation and the release of the load by a simple mechanism. In the automatic clutch operating apparatus having a reducer 9, 13 to reduce the forward rotating force of a motor 1 and a movement converter 10, 12 to make a piston rod 4a of a hydraulic master cylinder 2 move in the axial direction so as to disconnect the friction clutch, a link mechanism is constructed for accumulating the loads due to the rotating force of the motor 1 and the repulsive force of the clutch spring in the load accumulator 16, 18 when the motor 1 is rotated backward to connect the friction clutch and for releasing the accumulated loads when the motor 1 is rotated forward to disconnect the clutch.

Abstract: A dual clutch system is provided for a transmission having dual input shafts. The dual clutch system includes first and second flywheels as well as first and second friction disk assemblies and first and second pressure plates for pressing against said first and second friction disk assemblies, respectively. The pressure plates are each operatively engaged by an electromechanical clutch actuator.

Abstract: A loom coupling has a loom shaft with a disk having teeth on its face engageable with a toothed wheel mounted on a machine shaft. An annular electromagnet on a support surrounding the end of the loom shaft is juxtaposed directly with the disk and axially effective springs on the end of the loom shaft resistant displacement of the disk so that the disk can be brought directly into contact with the electromagnet against the force of the springs when the electromagnet is energized.

Abstract: An automatic clutch control apparatus which can rapidly perform the disconnection of a friction clutch of a transmission by the assistance of the accumulated load in a coil spring comprising a motor 4 rotatable forward and backward; reduction means 27, 23 for reducing the rotation of the motor 4; movement conversion means 19, 21, 15, 9 for converting the rotation of the motor to the axial movement of a piston rod 6; a hydraulic master cylinder 3 including the piston rod 6 for supplying working oil into a friction clutch to compress a spring in the clutch so that the clutch will be disconnected; a coil spring 31 provided on the piston rod 6 of the hydraulic master cylinder 3 so as to accumulate the load by the compression due to the repulsive force of the spring in the clutch when the motor 4 is rotated backward to connect the clutch and so as to release the accumulated load when the motor 4 is rotated forward.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical clutch actuator is provided for disengaging a clutch of a transmission. The clutch actuator includes an assist spring for reducing the amount of motor torque required for operating the clutch actuator. The clutch actuator also includes a self adjustment feature which accommodates for clutch disk wear.

Abstract: In providing automated shifting of a manual transmission, the electro-mechanical clutch actuator of the present invention is provided for disengaging and engaging the clutch of a manual-type transmission. The electromechanical clutch actuator is provided with an assist spring/cam assembly which is designed to reduce the load on the electric motor. The assist spring/cam assembly allows the shift (including clutch release and engagement) to be made faster and with a reduced-size motor. The clutch actuator also includes a mechanical wear adjuster which automatically adjusts the position of the release linkage as a clutch disk wears over its useful life.

Abstract: A control unit for a friction clutch or another torque transmitting system and/or for a transmission system in a motor vehicle employs an actor having an electric motor arranged to drive a single-stage or multi-stage transmission which, in turn, transmits motion to one or more mobile parts of the torque transmitting and/or transmission system by way of one or more output elements of the actor. The motor receives signals from one or more sensors and/or from the electronic circuitry in the vehicle and/or from a memory. At least one coil spring and/or another energy storing element is or can be provided to guarantee that the torque transmitting system assumes a predetermined (e.g., disengaged) condition and/or that the transmission system is in a predetermined gear ratio when the actor is not in use to change the magnitude of torque being (or to be) transmitted by the torque transmitting system and/or the ratio of the transmission system.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly in an automotive vehicle transmission is located between an engine-driven input shaft and a torque input shaft for a multiple ratio transmission. A clutch spring normally applies a clutch engaging force to the clutch assembly, thus establishing a torque flow path between the input shaft and the multiple ratio gearing. An electromechanically actuated ball ramp mechanism applies a friction clutch release force to the friction clutch assembly, thereby interrupting the torque flow path between the transmission input shaft and the multiple ratio gearing. An electromagnetic clutch actuator for the ball ramp mechanism, when it is energized, actuates the ball ramp mechanism to disengage the friction clutch. One element of the ball ramp mechanism is grounded to a transmission housing when the electromagnetic actuator is energized.

Abstract: A motor vehicle clutch includes an axis of rotation, a pressure plate, a cover, an apply spring, a release bearing, a stator housing, a stator, a rotor, a rotor housing and a plurality of cam followers. The pressure plate is concentric with the axis of rotation. The cover extends radially over the pressure plate. The apply spring is disposed between the cover and the pressure plate and biases the pressure plate away from the cover. The release bearing is concentric with and axially displaceable along the axis of rotation and is connected to the apply spring for selectively deflecting the spring with axial movement. The stator housing is stationary and is concentric with the axis of rotation. The stator is fixed within the stator housing and has a plurality of poles with windings there about. The rotor is also concentric to the axis of rotation and is operably excited by the stator. The rotor housing is fixed to the rotor. The rotor housing has a plurality of cam ramps arcuately disposed about the axis.

Abstract: In an electric chain hoist, there is a slipping clutch in the drive line which connects the electric motor to the chain sprocket, the slipping clutch acting as an overload safeguard. A holding brake is also provided to hold the drive line in the braked state when the motor is switched off. The brake exerts its braking action primarily on that part of the drive line which lies between the slipping clutch and the chain sprocket. To prevent the slipping clutch from entering the slipping state when the motor is switched on before the brake has been released to a sufficient extent, the brake is designed in such a way that it acts on both parts of the drive line.

Abstract: An automotive starting clutch having an input, including a pressure plate and a back plate, and an output disk releasably clamped by the pressure plate for rotation with the input. A control diaphragm provides a control force to vary the clamping force of the pressure plate between zero and maximum values and includes radial fingers movable axially to vary the control force. The control force of the diaphragm is counterbalanced by a Belleville spring in proportion with actuating travel of the radial fingers. By adding a single Belleville spring to an otherwise conventional clutch, it is possible to reduce considerably the control force of a conventional starting friction clutch, allowing the use of inexpensive electronically controlled actuators.

Abstract: A quick release clutch interposed between the handle and rod of a manual seat adjuster uses a piezoelectric element to create a rapid disconnect on the selective application of an electrical signal. A resilient bearing on one side of a shoulder interface maintains frictional contact between two clutch members, while an expandable piezoelectric stack on the other side pushes the shoulders apart.

Abstract: A chain hoist contains a slipping overload clutch in the drive line which connects the electric motor to the chain sprocket. This slipping clutch has two clutch halves which are in frictional engagement with one another and are preloaded into frictional engagement with one another by a spring. A holding brake is furthermore provided and this holding brake acts against the clutch disks so as to increase the frictional grip between the clutch disks in the applied state. This ensures that when the hoist is started and the disengagement of the brake is delayed, the slipping clutch does not enter the slipping state.

Abstract: An automatic clutch system includes an operating cylinder which is interconnected through a release lever with a friction element engaging mechanism. The operating cylinder is communicated with a master cylinder and an auxiliary cylinder through a hydraulic passage. A worm wheel driven by a motor has first and second connecting points which are oppositely disposed with respect to a rotation axis of the worm wheel. The first connecting point is interconnected with a piston rod of the master cylinder and has a first distance from the rotation axis. The second connecting point is interconnecting with a piston rod of the auxiliary cylinder and has a second distance from the rotation axis. The second distance is set smaller than the first distance so that the volume change of the auxiliary cylinder side is smaller than that of the mater cylinder side. Therefore, this cylinder arrangement functions stable to cancel a reaction force of a pressure spring of the friction element engaging mechanism to the worm wheel.

Abstract: A control device including an electric motor (11), which acts through a transmission (12) on a piston (13) of an actuator (14), a resilient assistor (15) which acts on a member (16) of the transmission (12), and a compensator (17) which provides controlled modulation of the action of the resilient assistor (15) on the member (16). The compensator (17) has at least one train of rollers (37), which are mounted for rotation about a fixed axis (A2) which includes, spaced away from the latter, a roller (38A) making contact with a plate (39A) which is fixed to the member (16) of the transmission (12), and a roller (38B) making contact with a plate (39) on which the resilient assistor (15) bears, and which is moveable axially with respect to the plate.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for a motor vehicle friction clutch has a drive, a gear unit which converts the movement of the drive into a substantially translatory movement of an output member, the excursion of this gear unit being definable with respect to every working direction by at least one stop, and a clutch position detector. A damping device is associated with each stop. In a position of the gear unit in which the gear unit, in a movement directed toward the stop, has reached an exactly defined reference position relative to this stop, this reference position being situated prior to the stop, the damping device can be activated in order to retard the gear unit until the latter comes into contact with the stop.

Abstract: A friction clutch with an actuator for automated operation, having an electronic control system preferably located separately from the actuator. Whereby to reduce the intensity of the control currents for the electric motor of the actuator, there can be a compensating spring which assists the actuation force of the friction clutch, a mechanism which automatically compensates for wear inside the friction clutch, an optimally-efficient, helical spur gear with involute gear teeth, as well as a device to reduce the release force of the friction clutch.

Abstract: An actuator is provided with a drive system and a crank mechanism which converts the motion of the drive system into an essentially translational motion of an output element. The crank mechanism is designed as a worm gear pair with a worm gear which sits on the output shaft and is engaged with a segment worm gear which is rotationally mounted in a housing, whereby engaged with the segment worm gear, in addition to the output element, there is an energy storing device, preferably a spring device, mounted so that it can pivot in a bearing, which energy storing device can move relative to the segment worm gear.

Abstract: A motor vehicle clutch assembly has an actuator device. The clutch assembly is a friction clutch assembly. The actuator device moves linearly and is for engaging and disengaging the clutch. The actuator device is powered by a motor. The actuator device has a device for blocking the linear movement of the actuator device in a preferred position, thereby reducing work done by the motor.

Abstract: An actuator for a motor vehicle friction clutch comprises a drive system, a transmission which converts its motion into an essentially translational motion of an output element, whereby the travel of the transmission can be limited by at least one stop, and a clutch position regulating system.

Abstract: An integral motor-brake incorporating an electrically actuated disc stack having minimized residual magnetism. A plurality of alignment pins are provided having abutments at each end therefor for trapping therebetween the discs of the disc stacks. Residual magnetism is minimized by the following features being provided, singly or in combination: 1) A non-magnetic material is located between an armature plate and an electromagnetic coil assembly, wherein the non-magnetic material serves as a spacer to add reluctance to the magnetic circuit and may be for example a wafer for instance composed of aluminum or stainless steel or may be a coating; and 2) A driver circuit for energizing the primary and secondary electromagnetic coils, wherein the self-induced EMF produced when current is shut-off is rapidly dissipated.