192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutch and brake – Sliding operation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-20
2001-10-23
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutch and brake
Sliding operation
C192S1030FA, C192S070120, C192S085060, C192S03000R, C192S03000R, C192S209000, C192S113340, C192S10900B
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305515
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention herein resides in the art of power transmission devices and, more particularly, to couplers between a power source and a power driven implement. More particularly, the invention relates to power takeoff units. Specifically, the invention relates to a hydraulic power takeoff clutch assembly adapted to be driven by the flywheel of an engine and which is hydraulically actuated, and adapted to provide power not only from a rotating output shaft, but through hydraulic pumps driven by the input, as well.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of clutches of various types to couple power from a power source such as an engine to auxiliary pieces of equipment is commonly known. Presently, over center mechanical engine clutches are often used to couple the flywheel of an engine to an auxiliary piece of equipment. Such clutches suffer from a number of problems, including pilot bearing failures, excessive wear, frequent adjustment and maintenance and operator abuse while attempting to achieve engagement when the clutch is coupling the engine with a high inertia load such as crushers and hammer mills. Indeed, in view of the state of the prior art, there is a need for a hydraulically actuated, wet multiple disk clutch to serve as a power takeoff unit between an engine and a high inertia load. Moreover, there is a need in the art for such a power takeoff unit which can serve as a torque limiter, while also providing a means for driving auxiliary hydraulic pumps. Further, there remains a need in the art for such a power takeoff unit which may easily and effectively be engaged to connect a high inertia load.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the invention to provide a hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch unit in which the input end of the clutch thereof is rigidly and directly coupled to the engine flywheel, without the need for bearing support of the clutch input.
Still a further aspect of the invention is the provision of a hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch unit which includes a gear on the input of the clutch assembly which may be employed to drive hydraulic pumps for powering auxiliary equipment, or for actuating the hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch unit itself.
Yet another aspect of the invention is the provision of a hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch unit which provides for ease of removal of a clutch module while allowing the remainder of the unit to stay secured to the engine itself, thus allowing for servicing of the clutch assembly without removal of the entirety of the power takeoff clutch unit and pump drives from the engine.
Yet a further aspect of the invention is the provision of a hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch unit which employs an automatic brake structure which retards rotation of the output shaft except when the clutch is engaged.
Still another aspect of the invention is the provision of a hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch unit which employs a rotary union for coupling hydraulic, cooling and lubricating fluids to the clutch assembly.
Still a further aspect of the invention is to provide a hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch unit which is electronically controlled so as to achieve effective start-up and controlled operation.
Yet a further aspect of the invention is to provide a hydraulically power takeoff clutch unit which is reliable and durable in operation, readily constructed from state of the art components, and readily adapted to implementation with existing equipment.
The foregoing and other aspects of the invention which will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds are achieved by a power takeoff clutch unit for interconnection with a flywheel of an engine, comprising: an adapter plate secured to and driven by the flywheel; an input hub assembly connected to and driven by said adapter plate; an output hub assembly; an output shaft interconnected with said output hub assembly and rotatable therewith; a fluid actuated clutch assembly interposed between said input hub assembly and said output hub assembly, said clutch assembly selectively interengaging said input and output hubs; and a seal maintained upon said input hub assembly to maintain oil within the unit.
Other aspects of the invention which will become apparent herein are attained by the hydraulic power takeoff clutch unit presented above, and further comprising a housing encasing said input hub assembly, and wherein said input hub assembly further comprises a gear hub having a gear defined about an outer circumference thereof.
Yet other aspects of the invention which will become apparent herein are achieved by the power takeoff unit presented above, and further comprising: a housing adapted to be secured to the engine, said housing maintaining said clutch assembly; an annular end cover removably secured to said housing, said output shaft passing through said end cover; and wherein said clutch assembly is secured to said output shaft, such that said end cover, clutch assembly and output shaft are separable from said housing as a unit.
Still further aspects of the invention which will become apparent herein are attained by the power takeoff clutch unit presented above, further comprising: an input speed sensor producing a first output signal corresponding to the instantaneous rotational speed of the flywheel; an output speed sensor producing a second output signal corresponding to the instantaneous rotational speed of the output shaft; a hydraulic valve in selective communication with said clutch assembly; a lubrication valve in selective communication with said clutch assembly; and a control unit interposed among said input and output speed sensors and said hydraulic and lubrication valves, said control unit effecting engagement and disengagement of said clutch assembly through said hydraulic valve as a function of said first and second output signals.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4488626 (1984-12-01), Handke
patent: 4574926 (1986-03-01), Bubak
patent: 4629050 (1986-12-01), Valier
patent: 4720929 (1988-01-01), Umberson
patent: 5261517 (1993-11-01), Hering
patent: 5769187 (1998-06-01), Sommer
patent: 6041903 (2000-03-01), Burns et al.
patent: 6076646 (2000-06-01), Burns
Guinter Joseph W.
Heidenreich David C.
Herchick Robert E.
Marmor Charles A
Power Transmission Technology, Inc.
Renner Kenner Greive Bobak Taylor & Weber
Rodriguez Saul
LandOfFree
Hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2602340