Rotational control apparatus with selective fluid actuation supply
US5878858A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S277/914
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A versatile apparatus (2) for controlling the transmission of rotational forces between first and second rotatable members preferably takes the form of a clutch that can be activated by axially shifting an internal actuation member (140) through the introduction of either liquid or gaseous mediums. The clutch includes first and second transmission members (177, 281) which are rotatably mounted within a housing (5) and adapted to be attached to the first and second rotatable members respectively. A coupling assembly (226), preferably including first and second sets of axially spaced interface elements (252-254 and 274, 275), is interposed between the transmission members (177, 284) within the housing and axial movement of the actuation member (140) causes the interface elements (252-254 and 274, 275) to be frictionally engaged. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second sets of axially spaced friction interface elements (252-254 and 274, 275) are biased to a disengaged position by back-to-back arranged belleville washers (264-268), which maintain a constant disengagement force regardless of wear on the frictional surfaces thereof. To minimize associated manufacturing costs, t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.