Centrifugal clutch

US10302157B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Franz Kurth · Nuremberg, DE
• Ralph Schimpf · Ergolding, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 20, 2016
• Grant date: May 28, 2019
• Expiry date: Jan 22, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D2041/0605
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A centrifugal clutch is disclosed. The clutch may include an inner rotating element whose outer periphery includes a plurality of ramps and at least one centrifugal weight device surrounding the inner rotating element, which includes a plurality of peripherally distributed centrifugal weights and whose inner periphery includes a plurality of counter ramps for forming a positive frictional engagement with the ramps of the inner rotating element. It may further include an outer rotating element surrounding the at least one centrifugal weight device, wherein the centrifugal weights can be pressed outwards through a friction lining against an inner periphery of the outer rotating element in opposition to the action of a spring arrangement. The centrifugal weight device may be generally formed by an annular plate structure including at least one plate element, wherein the plate structure includes a plurality of peripherally distributed peripheral sections that form the centrifugal weights.