SUPERCHARGER CLUTCH

摘要

A clutch for releasably coupling an engine to a supercharger, where the supercharger and the engine are operatively connected to the clutch using gears. The clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the clutch is actuated to the engaged position by engine oil pressure. The clutch includes a cylinder with a piston slidably seated therein, wherein movement of the piston actuates the clutch between the engaged and disengaged positions. The clutch further includes a hydraulic circuit that is configured to actuate the piston to the engaged position, wherein the hydraulic circuit couples the engine oil pressure and the piston. The link to the engine oil pressure causes the clutch to be actuated to the engaged position after engine startup and to the disengaged position prior to or at engine shutdown, thereby protecting the supercharger and couplings from shocks typically experienced during engine startup and shutdown.