Apparatus and method for sensing clutch slippage
US4949828A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 1988 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2500/70668
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A soft start electromagnetic coupling has a driven member and a driving member that are coupled together in response to a magnetic flux produced by a direct current flow through a winding on the clutch. When the members are coupled by an electromagnetic flux, they may slip relative to reach other during starting, when the load on the coupling changes or when the accessory driven by the coupling freezes or becomes jammed. Relative slippage of the members produces an alternating current component in the direct current flow that is detected to indicate the slippage. The presence of an alternating current component can be sensed through a rectifier or frequency filter. Preferably, the presence of a persistent alternating current component causes a switch to open, interrupting the flow of direct current to the coupling. Interruption of the current flow disengages the coupling and prevents damage to other accessories that may be driven by the same endless belt and to the belt that engages the driven member of the coupling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.