Rotary shafts – gudgeons – housings – and flexible couplings for ro – Torque transmitted via flexible element – Element is an open loop spring curved about rotational axis
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-28
2001-04-10
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3629)
Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro
Torque transmitted via flexible element
Element is an open loop spring curved about rotational axis
C464S030000, C464S160000, C192S055100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213882
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power transmission mechanism that connects a power source to a powered device. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a power transmission mechanism having a disconnection mechanism that cuts power transmission from a vehicle engine to a compressor when an excessive torque load is applied to the compressor of a vehicle air-conditioning system.
Generally, a power transmission mechanism of this kind includes a power transmitter. The power transmitter is located between a rotor located on the engine and a drive shaft of the compressor. When a torque load applied to the compressor exceeds a predetermined value, the power transmitter is deformed and disconnects the power transmission between the rotor and the drive shaft. As a result, excessive torque load does not affect the engine.
However, when the engine is operated at high or middle speed and is suddenly decelerated or stopped, a negative torque can be applied to the drive shaft. That is, when the reduction of rotation speed of the compressor drive shaft is slower than the reduction of engine speed, the compressor seems to be independently operating. This is due to the inertia of the compressor. In this state, the negative torque may disconnect the power transmission mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to provide a power transmission mechanism that prevents unnecessary disconnection of power transmission when a negative torque load is applied to a powered device.
To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a power transmission mechanism having a first rotor and a second rotor. The second rotor is coaxial with the first rotor, and power from the first rotor is transmitted to the second rotor to rotate the first and the second rotors in the same direction. The mechanism is structured as follows. A resilient power transmission member is located between the first and the second rotors. The power transmission member has a fixed end that is fixed to one of the first and the second rotors and a free end that is releasably engaged with the other of the first and the second rotors. A transmission surface is provided on the other of the first and the second rotors to oppose and engage the free end of the power transmission member. When the transmission surface engages the free end of the transmission member, the transmission surface transfers power from the first rotor to the second rotor, and relative rotation between the first and the second rotors is permitted due to deformation of the power transmission member in accordance with the load of the second rotor. The transmission of power is discontinued if the free end of the transmission member is separated from the transmission surface. A release member separates the free end of the power transmission member from the transmission surface in accordance with relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor when the load applied to the second rotor exceeds a predetermined value. An engaging surface on the other of the first and the second rotors is opposed to the transmission surface for engaging the free end of the power transmission member if the second rotor is driven faster than the first rotor by inertia when the first rotor is decelerated.
The present invention further provides a method for assembling a power transmission mechanism having a first rotor and a second rotor. The second rotor is coaxial with the first rotor, and power from the first rotor is transmitted to the second rotor to rotate the first and the second rotors in the same direction. The method includes the following steps. First, fixing a resilient power transmission member to the second rotor. The power transmission member has a fixed end and a free end. Then, forming a transmission surface and a limiting surface on the first rotor. Then, engaging the free end of the transmission member with the transmission surface and the limiting surface by deforming the power transmission member axially and radially.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2988187 (1961-06-01), Doble
patent: 4194607 (1980-03-01), Yamaguchi
patent: 4243128 (1981-01-01), Shirai
patent: 4480736 (1984-11-01), Loizeau
patent: 4718526 (1988-01-01), Koitabashi
patent: 5542884 (1996-08-01), Gotz
patent: 5967274 (1999-10-01), Leone et al.
Kimura Kazuya
Okada Masahiko
Takenaka Kenji
Uryu Akifumi
Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
Knight Anthony
Morgan & Finnegan , LLP
Thompson Kenn
LandOfFree
Power transmission mechanism and its assembly method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Power transmission mechanism and its assembly method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Power transmission mechanism and its assembly method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2503564