192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Torque responsive
Patent
1990-12-21
1991-12-03
Lorence, Richard
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Torque responsive
192113B, 464 10, 464 30, 403 15, 403 39, F16D 700
Patent
active
050693204
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a torque-limiting clutch arrangement which comprises two mutually coaxial clutch elements which are non-rotatably connected to a driving shaft and a driven shaft respectively and which engage one another through the intermediary of two mutually opposing, pressurized surfaces, therewith forming a friction joint which is dimensioned to slip when the torque on the clutch exceeds a predetermined value; and a device which is operative to detect slip occurrences in the friction joint and to disengage or separate the clutch elements when slip occurs.
Torque-limiting clutches or couplings of this kind are known to the art in many different forms. The clutch normally has the form of a conventional disc-clutch comprising a pressure plate which is applied by means of a powerful spring force When slip occurs, a device comes into function and relieves the pressure on the pressure plate, so as to disengage the clutch. In the case of one simple design, described and illustrated in DE 22 15 053, the spring pressure is generated by compressed-air springs which are pressurized via a compressed-air conduit. This conduit communicates with an outwardly projecting nipple mounted on one clutch element. The nipple is closed at one end and when relative rotation occurs between the two clutch elements, the nipple is punctured by a moveable member provided on the other of said clutch-elements.
Such a clutch arrangement is both complicated and space-demanding, particularly when intended for high torques. Another drawback with a clutch of this kind is that once the clutch is overloaded, so that the clutch is disengaged and the driven shaft has stopped, the clutch cannot be reengaged until the nipple has been replaced and the compressed-air springs repressurized.
The object of the present invention is to provide a clutch of the kind described in the introduction which is of simple and reliable construction and which will remain reliable, even after several years in use; which is particularly adapted for high torques; and which when disengaged under overload conditions is ready for re-use immediately, without needing to replace any of the clutch components or to take any other form of remedial action with respect to the clutch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This object is achieved with a clutch constructed in accordance with the invention and having the characteristic features set forth in the following claims. Considered as a clutch arrangement, the inventive arrangement has the simplest and most-compact construction possible, namely a cylindrical sleeve which is clamped rigidly, preferably shrink-fitted, onto a cylindrical part. Moveable parts, i.e. pump means driven by mutual rotation of the cylindrical parts, do not begin to function until slip occurs between the cylindrical parts as a result of an overload Pressure fluid is delivered to a pressure conduit at the requisite pressure, such as to force the fluid through openings provided in at least one of said friction surfaces and produce a hydrostatic layer which separates the two cylindrical parts so that the friction generated therebetween will be at a minimum. Immediately upon cessation of the mutual rotation of said parts, the pump means will cease to operate and the hydrostatic layer is dispersed so as to reestablish frictional contact between the clutch elements A closed pressure-fluid circuit is obtained, by providing drainage channels in at least one of said friction surfaces, said circuit enabling the clutch to be held disengaged over a long period of time, if necessary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an inventive clutch arrangement, and
FIG. 2 illustrates schematically alterative positioning of the pump units of said arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Shown in the drawing is a drive shaft 1 which is keyed by a key 2 to a first clutch or coupling element comprising a first cylindrical sleeve 3 which is press-fitted on one end of the drive shaft and the free-end of whi
REFERENCES:
patent: 2277554 (1942-03-01), McCoy
patent: 2543396 (1951-02-01), Wolff
patent: 3107765 (1963-10-01), Davies
patent: 3818722 (1974-06-01), Vogel
Lorence Richard
Metalform Safeset AB
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