Dynamic modification of centrifugal clutch

US7306084B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF Meritor, LLC · US

Inventors

• Muneer AbuSamra · Southern Pines, US
• Ludger Ronge · Eriskirch, DE
• Charles E. Allen, Jr. · Rochester Hills, US
• Winfried Sturmer · Euerbach, DE
• Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann · Meckenbeuren, DE
• Loren Christopher Dreier · Southern Pines, US
• Robert Sayman · Eriskirch, DE
• James DeVore · Laurinburg, US
• Ronald Muetzel · Southern Pines, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 23, 2003
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2007
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D43/12
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A centrifugal clutch assembly includes movable centrifugal weight reaction surfaces that provide for actuation at varying rotational speeds. A radially movable front plate with a ramped surface changes the radial position at which the centrifugal weight begins moving the front plate axially to compress a clamp spring and begin clutch actuation. An axially movable back plate moves axially to change the magnitude of compression caused by axial movement of the front plate. The changes to clamping force corresponding to movement of the reaction surfaces of the centrifugal weight change the rotational speed required to beginning and maintain actuation of the clutch assembly.