Automatic slack adjuster.

摘要

An automatic slack adjuster (10) for a vehicle braking system includes a spur gear (30) and a worm (48) for indexing the spur gear (30) relative to the adjuster housing (12) when a brake adjustment is effected. Rotation of the worm gear (48) is effected through a rack (74) and pinion (62) drive arrangement. The rack (74) is reciprocated by a yoke assembly (14) which connects the actuator housing (12) with a conventional pneumatic actuator, and the pinion (62) includes teeth (70) which mesh with recesses (80) on the rack (74). A clutch spring (69) connects the adjustment or worm shaft (46) for rotation with the pinion (62) when a brake application is effected requiring adjustment of the brake, and releases to permit the pinion (62) to return to its normal position by rotating relative to the adjustment or worm shaft (46) during brake release.