[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch release assembly for adjusting clutch release system, and more specifically, to a self-adjusting mechanism for the clutch release system and the method thereto.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In conventional clutch release assembly, the clutch cover diaphragm spring fingers are pushed by a clutch release bearing (CRB) for clutch disengagement on pedal operation. The clutch cover diaphragm spring fingers tend to push the CRB in opposite direction as the clutch disc starts to wear with time, during vehicle operation. This results in counter-clockwise (reverse) rotation of the clutch release arm. Hence, it is required to loosen a nut at the clutch cable joint as an adjustment.

[0003] Fig. 1 illustrates a clutch release assembly 100. The clutch release assembly 100 comprises of a clutch cable 102, arm 104, a shaft 110, bushes 108, and a clutch release bearing 112. The shaft 110 is connected with the arm 104 along a non-rotating joint 106. In conventional mechanism, as illustrated in Fig.1, due to clutch disc wear, not illustrated in Fig. 1, with time, diaphragm spring tend to move out, not illustrated in Fig. 1, and push the clutch release bearing 112 to the opposite side. This results in counter-clockwise rotation of the clutch release arm 104 and further results in reducing the free play, which may result is excessive preload on diaphragm spring causing clutch slip and excessive clutch disc wear. Hence, it is required to loosen the nut at the clutch cable joint 114 as an adjustment.

[0004] With the conventional system as discussed above, there is no provision of self-adjustment and adjustment needs to be done manually by loosening the nut on the screw end of the clutch cable at the clutch cable joint 114.

[0005] In view of the above mentioned structural limitations and deficiencies in the solutions available in state-of-the-art, there is a practical need to devise and provide a solution that eliminates the aforesaid deficiencies, in the form of a self-adjusting mechanism for clutch release system.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a clutch assembly and a method of adjusting clutch release system. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a clutch release assembly including a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft is parallel to the second shaft, and adapted to rotate about their rotation axes. The clutch assembly further includes a circular ratchet, a con rod, a pawl and a clutch release arm. The circular ratchet is mounted on the first shaft, and adapted to rotate along with the first shaft. The con rod is fixed on the second shaft. The pawl is attached to the con rod by means of a solid pin. The pawl is configured to engage and disengage with the circular ratchet. Further, the clutch release arm mounted on the second shaft and is coupled with a clutch cable, the clutch release arm is adapted to rotate the second shaft.
[0008] In an aspect, the clutch release assembly includes a clutch release bearing, the clutch release bearing is connected with the first shaft, which in-turn is connected the second shaft by means of the ratchet and pawl.

[0009] In an aspect, the clutch assembly includes a stopper placed at a height similar to a height of the pawl, and one end of the stopper is attached to a transmission case of a vehicle.

[00010] In an aspect, the clutch assembly includes a stopper and a spring, the stopper is fixed to the transmission case of the vehicle, and one end of the spring is attached to the stopper and another end is attached to the pawl.

[00011] In an aspect, the clutch includes a plurality of bushes, where at least two bushes of the plurality of bushes are put on the each of the first and second shafts.

[00012] In an aspect, a method of adjusting clutch release system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying load from a clutch cable to a clutch release arm mounted in the second shaft, when a clutch pedal is pressed, which in turn is transferred through a ratchet and a pawl from the second shaft to a first shaft and thus to the clutch release bearing for clutch disengagement. Furthermore, during each release stroke, the pawl starts moving in the opposite direction and hits a stopper which causes the pawl to lift the ratchet from the initial position and enables the ratchet to move as much as the clutch cover diaphragm spring fingers forces due to wear of the clutch disc.

[00013] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.

[00014] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[00015] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

[00016] Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional clutch release system in accordance with state- of-the-art.

[00017] Fig. 2 illustrates a clutch release system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00018] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the clutch release system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00019] Fig. 4(a) illustrates working of the clutch release system with direction of movement of components contained thereon in normal condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00020] Fig. 4(b) illustrates working of the clutch release system with direction of movement of components contained thereon when clutch disc wear in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00021] Fig. 5(a) illustrates a top view of the clutch release system when a load is applied from a clutch cable to a clutch release arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00022] Fig. 5(b) illustrates a top view of the clutch release system when a pawl hits a stopper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00023] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00024] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[00025] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[00026] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

[00027] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

[00028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[00029] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[00030] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00031] Fig. 2 illustrates a clutch release system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The clutch release assembly 200 includes two shafts, namely a first shaft 204 and a second shaft 202, a circular ratchet 206, a con rod 208, a pawl 210, a clutch release arm 212 and a clutch release cable not illustrated in Fig. 2. The first shaft 204 and the second shaft 202 are parallel to each other and adapted to rotate about their rotation axes. The circular ratchet 206 is mounted on the first shaft 204, and is adapted to rotate along with the first shaft 204. The con rod 208 is fixed on the second shaft 202. The pawl 210 is attached on the con rod 208 and pawl 210 is configured to engage and disengage with the circular ratchet 206. The clutch release arm 212 is mounted on the second shaft 202 and is coupled with a clutch cable not illustrated in Fig. 2. The clutch release arm 212 is adapted to rotate the second shaft 202.

[00032] Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the clutch release system 200 comprises a pin 216 and the pawl 210 is attached with the con rod 208 by the pin 216. The clutch release assembly 200 further comprises a clutch release bearing 224, two forks 222 mounted on the first shaft, as illustrated in Fig. 2. The clutch release bearing 224 is connected with the first shaft 204 via the two forks 222. Moreover, the clutch assembly 200 comprises a stopper 214 placed at a height similar to a height of the pawl 210. One end of the stopper 214 is attached to a transmission case of a vehicle, not illustrated in Fig. 2. The clutch release assembly 200 also comprises another stopper 220 fixed to a transmission case of a vehicle; and a spring 218. The one end of the spring 218 is attached to the stopper 220 and another end is attached to the pawl 210. Additionally, the clutch release assembly 200 comprises a plurality of bushes 226a-d, and at least two bushes of the plurality of bushes 226a-d are put on each of the first 204 and second 202 shafts.

[00033] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the clutch release system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the components described with the help of Fig. 2 are not described again with Fig. 3.

[00034] Fig. 4(a) describes the working of the clutch release system with direction of movement of components contained thereon in normal condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a clutch pedal is pressed, load from clutch cable is applied to the clutch release arm 402 which is transferred through the ratchet 406 and pawl 404 from the second shaft 408 to the first shaft 410, and leads to the clutch release bearing 412 for clutch disengagement. As illustrated in Fig. 4(a), when the load is applied and clutch release system is working in normal condition, both of the shafts 410, 408, pawl 404, ratchet 406, and clutch release arm 402 rotate in clock-wise direction.

[00035] Fig. 4(b) illustrates the working of the clutch release system with direction of movement of components contained thereon when clutch disc wear of in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. During each clutch pedal release stroke, the pawl 404 hits the stopper 414 that causes it to lift out of the ratchet 406. The ratchet 406 may now move as much as the clutch cover diaphragm spring fingers force it to due to clutch disc wear. This kind of working mechanism ensures that at the end of each stroke of clutch pedal, there will be an automatic adjustment between the two shafts as per the system requirement, thus eliminating any manual work. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 4(b), during each release stroke, both of the shafts 410, 408, pawl 404, ratchet 406, and clutch release arm 402 rotate in counter clock-wise direction.

[00036] Fig. 5 (a) illustrates a top view of the clutch release system 200 when load is applied from a clutch cable to a clutch release arm 502 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 5(a), the pawl 504 is engaging with the ratchet 506 when a load is applied on the clutch pedal. Further, Fig. 5(b) illustrates a top view of the clutch release system 200 when the pawl 504 hits a stopper 508 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 5(b), at end of the clutch pedal return stroke, the pawl 504 gets disengaged from the ratchet 506 and rotates counter clockwise because of the stopper 508 and enables the ratchet to move as much as the clutch cover diaphragm spring fingers force it to due to clutch disc wear. This ensures that at the end of each stroke of clutch pedal, there will be an automatic adjustment between the two shafts as per the system requirement, thus eliminating any manual work.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[00037] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, self-adjustment of position of the clutch release arm caused by change in set height of the clutch cover diaphragm springs due to clutch disc wear may be performed.
[00038] The present disclosure further provides for adjustment of clutch release arm achieved through the application of a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows for compensation of clutch release arm position at the end of each clutch pedal stroke. Since the adjustment happens at the end of each clutch pedal stroke, manual adjustment is eliminated.

[00039] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims:We Claim:
1. A clutch release assembly (200) for self-adjustment of cable type clutch release system comprising:
a first shaft (204) and a second shaft (202), wherein the first shaft (204) is parallel to the second shaft (202), and adapted to rotate about their rotation axes;
a circular ratchet (206) mounted on the first shaft (204), and adapted to rotate along with the first shaft (204);
a con rod (208) fixed on the second shaft (202);
a pawl (210) attached to the con rod (208) by means of a solid pin (216), wherein the pawl (210) is configured to engage and disengage with the circular ratchet (206), and
a clutch release arm (212) mounted on the second shaft (202) and is coupled with a clutch cable, wherein the clutch release arm (212) is adapted to rotate the second shaft (202).

2. The clutch release assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a clutch release bearing (224) connected with the first shaft (204), which in-turn connected with the second shaft (202) by means of the ratchet (206) and pawl (210).

3. The clutch release assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a stopper (214) placed at a height similar to a height of the pawl (210), and wherein one end of the stopper (214) is attached to a transmission case of a vehicle.
4. The clutch release assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a stopper (220) fixed to the transmission case of the vehicle; and
a spring (218), wherein one end of the spring (218) is attached to the stopper (220) and another end is attached to the pawl (210).

5. The clutch release assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of bushes (226a-d), wherein at least two bushes of the plurality of bushes (226a-d) are put on each of the first (204) and second (202) shafts.

6. A method for adjusting clutch release system, the method comprising:
applying load from a clutch cable to a clutch release arm (402) mounted in a second shaft (408), when a clutch pedal is pressed, which in turn is transferred through a ratchet (406) and a pawl (404) from the second shaft (408) to a first shaft (410) and thus to the clutch release bearing (412) for clutch disengagement;
during each release stroke, the pawl (404) starts moving in the opposite direction and hits a stopper (414) which causes the pawl (404) to lift out of the ratchet (406) from the initial position and enables the ratchet to move as much as the clutch cover diaphragm spring fingers forces due to wear of the clutch disc.