Importance

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Abstract

An electric actuator for use in engaging and disengaging the clutch of a manual transmission motor vehicle. The actuator comprises an electric motor which is sized to be positioned within the housing of the clutch. The motor includes an annular armature assembly which is positioned concentrically around the clutch shaft and which drives a nut member which in turn drives a screw member to move the release bearing linearly to engage and disengage the clutch. In one embodiment, the nut and screw comprise an acme thread arrangement and in another embodiment the nut and screw are of the ball type. In one embodiment the screw advances linearly in response to rotation of the armature assembly and in another embodiment the housing and armature assembly advance linearly in response to rotation of the armature assembly while the screw remains fixed. In each of the embodiments, the motor housing, the armature assembly, the nut member, and the screw are respectively positioned concentrically within each other and concentrically about the clutch shaft to provide a compact package which slips over the clutch shaft and which is readily secured to the housing structure of the clutch and associated gear box.

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First Claim