Clutch assembly with a planetary gear set
US6102827A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2037/002
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clutch includes a stationary housing member, a rotating member supported for rotation with respect to the stationary housing member, and a planetary gear assembly operably interconnecting the rotating member to an output shaft. The planetary gear assembly reduces the magnitude of speed transmitted to the output shaft. An actuating mechanism is used to switch the rotating member between a disengaged position where the rotating member rotates freely with respect to the stationary housing member and an engaged position where the rotating member is grounded to the stationary housing member. The actuating mechanism includes a magneto rheological fluid and a plurality of actuation coils. An electric current is supplied to the creating a magnetic flux. When a current is applied to the coils, the rotating member is placed in the engaged position and when there is no current in the coils, the rotating member is in the disengaged position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.