Clutch release mechanisms

摘要

A vehicle clutch, when engaged, should have a predetermined clearance between its release bearing and its release plate. To disengage the clutch, a release bearing carrier sleeve is slideable to cause the bearing to contact the plate and then displace it axially. To indicate deleterious lack of clearance, the bearing has an electrically-insulating mounting and is connected to the vehicle's electric supply by a power line containing a warning light. The plate is inherently connected electrically to the vehicle's chassis, and the bearing thus acts as a switch. To prevent the light being illuminated when normal operation of the clutch occurs, the power line also contains an automatic electronic delay circuit.