Electro-rheological clutch apply system
US5094328A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D37/008
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apply system for clutches employing electro-rheological fluid to transmit torque between two sets of interleaved plates. The plates are disposed within a stationary housing. The first set of plates is fixed to the stationary housing. The second set of plates is fixed to a shaft rotatable relative to the housing. A piston is coaxially disposed against the plates at one end of the interleaved plates. A piston apply chamber is located in the stationary housing on the opposite side of the piston. The electro-rheological fluid is circulated through the system by a pump, passing by the apply side of the piston, then between the plates, and then back to the pump. When there is a voltage potential between the plates, the flow between the plates is restricted and the pressure of the fluid on the piston builds, displacing the piston toward the plates. The plates are moved closer together by the piston. Contact between the plates is prevented by insulating elements mounted to alternate surfaces of the plates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.