Thrust plate for rollers of centrifugal clutch module

Details Thrust plate for rollers of centrifugal clutch module Thrust plate for rollers of centrifugal clutch module

2002-03-29

2003-10-21

Bonck, Rodney H. (Department: 3681)

192 clutches and power-stop control

Clutches

Operators

C192S03000R, C192S10900B

Reexamination Certificate

active

06634479

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to improvements in centrifugal modules of automatically actuated clutches. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in high speed functioning of weight and roller structures contained in such centrifugal modules, and commensurately to reduced wear rates of rollers subject to centrifugal forces within the modules.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Automatically actuated centrifugal clutches employed with heavy-duty electromechanical highway line-haul truck transmissions include so-call centrifugal actuation modules that house centrifugally actuated weights. The centrifugal modules are affixed to engine flywheel rings, and each of a plurality of centrifugally actuated weights is adapted to swing in an arc about a pivot link fixed to the module housing structure. As such, the weights contained within the modules are radially outwardly movable against resistive spring forces as a function of engine speed; the higher the speed, the greater the movement between limits. Rollers attached to the weights are adapted to roll atop ramp segments that are cammed for clutch engagement and disengagement, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The rollers operate under relatively high centrifugal forces, and thus give rise to issues that work against satisfactory operation of the modules over the useful lives of the clutches. For example, in one centrifugal module rigidly attached to an engine flywheel ring, the rollers are supported for rotation on axles fixed in slots provided in the weights. The mass of the rollers subjects the rollers to centrifugal forces that urge the sides of the rollers into walls of the slots. The result is an accelerated wear of the rollers, and scouring of the slot walls. The condition is exacerbated at higher clutch rotation speeds at which the operative centrifugal forces become higher. Thus, a need exists to avoid premature deterioration of the rollers, along with scouring of the walls of the slots subject to such roller contact, particularly under higher clutch rotation speeds associated with centrifugal clutch operation at highway line-haul speeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides improved operation of an actuation module of a centrifugally actuated vehicular clutch. The actuation module incorporates a plurality of clutch engagement actuating weights. The weights are mounted on pivot links that are adapted to permit the weights to pivot radially outwardly under centrifugal forces induced by rotation of the actuation module. One weight is secured to each of the pivot links, and in one described embodiment, a set of springs counters the radially outward movement of the weights.
Each weight defines a slot, and a roller is disposed in each of the slots. Each slot defines a pair of spaced walls, and each of the rollers is rotatable on an axle secured between the pair of walls. The rollers engage cams (ramps) that rotate with the module but are axially displaceable with respect to the module for engagement and disengagement of the clutch. Each of the rollers, as well as each of the associated pairs of walls, is oriented in a direction of pivotal movement transverse to the longitudinal axis of its associated weight. A roller thrust plate is secured between each roller and the wall of the slot spaced farthest away from the pivot link to avoid deterioration of the roller and commensurate scouring of the slot wall.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2107075 (1938-02-01), Lyman
patent: 2987155 (1961-06-01), Maurice et al.
patent: 3462205 (1969-08-01), Darr et al.
patent: 3724622 (1973-04-01), Barbulesco et al.
patent: 2003/0042103 (2003-03-01), Gochenour et al.

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