Compact universal fluid-actuated clutch
US8474589B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D25/123
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A compact universal fluid-actuated clutch employs a pair of tapered roller bearings between a cover plate and output shaft, the roller bearings serving to not only rotationally maintain the output shaft, but receive and transfer clutch reactionary forces therethrough. Lubrication to the tapered roller bearings serves to lubricate not only a thrust bearing through which the actuation forces are transferred, but also to lubricate the clutch, as well, in the embodiment of a wet clutch. Also provided is an output shaft brake assembly, which is also lubricated through the tapered roller bearings, and which is of a small compact nature, consisting of a piston rotatably secured to the end cover, and a rotor operatively attached to the output shaft. The invention substantially eliminates the need for rotary unions and rifle boring of the output shaft, and allows for adaptation of the shaft to direct or belt drive equipment connections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.