Switchable coupling, in particular for passenger vehicle auxiliary assemblies

US9109638B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT · DE

Inventors

• Rico Baumgart · Limbach-Oberfrohna, DE
• Peter Tenberge · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Joerg Aurich · Chemnitz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 15, 2011
• Grant date: Aug 18, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 8, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D47/00
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A switchable coupling, in particular for vehicle auxiliary assemblies, is provided. The coupling includes an actuating system actuated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically between a driving element and an output element, and a switching element movable between switching start and end positions counter to the force of one or more resetting elements upon actuation of the actuating system. In the end position, the switching element connects the driving and output elements such that the output element and an auxiliary coupling connected thereto rotate with the driving element. After deactuation, locking bodies located on the auxiliary coupling produce an connection between the driving and output elements which continues to conduct torque between the driving and output elements. The connection is interrupted only when the rotational speed of the driving element falls below a limit value. The coupling does not require a permanent supply of power in the open or closed state.