Shaft decoupler
US6059085A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D9/08
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A decoupling apparatus for disconnecting an engine starter from an engine includes a first rotatable decoupler shaft, having a first clutch jaw, coaxially mounted with respect to a second rotatable decoupler shaft having a second clutch jaw. The two shafts can translate relative to each other from a first position in which the first and second clutch jaws are engaged to a second position in which the jaws are disengaged. A torsional shear pin with a unitary shaft has a first end in contact with a resilient member and a second end attached to the first decoupler shaft, thereby urging the first and second decoupler shafts into the first position. The torsional shear pin is frangible in response to angular movement of the first decoupler shaft relative to the second decoupler shaft to release the axially compressive force, thereby permitting the first and second decoupler shafts to move into the second position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.