Abstract: A device for transmitting rotational power from a rotational power source to a rotational driven member is provided with a first rotating member provided for rotation in a rotational direction about an axis, and a second rotating member provided for rotation about the same axis. The first rotating member is connected to the rotational power source and the second rotating member is connected to the rotational driven member. An mechanism for rotationally connecting the first and second rotating member is provided. The connecting mechanism is provided with at least one elastic member made of a rubber material; a first holder member for holding the elastic member from the radially outside of the elastic member; and a second holder member for holding the elastic member from the radially inside of the elastic member. The first and second holder members are mounted to one of the first and second rotating members.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for a transport refrigeration system including an engine and a compressor is characterized by an improved drive connection between the clutch and the compressor. The clutch includes a rotor assembly connected with the engine, a housing centrifugally activated for rotation with the rotor assembly, and a coupling adaptor for transmitting rotation of the housing to a drive shaft of the compressor. The rotor assembly, housing coupling adaptor, and drive shaft are all coaxially arranged. The housing contains a plurality of radial rubber bushings for receiving drive pins which pass through radial openings in the coupling adaptor and which extend parallel to the axis of the adaptor. The drive pins and bushings minimize noise and vibrations within the clutch and prevent radial forces from being delivered to the compressor drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a clutch disc with an elastic connection between the carrier plate and the hub. The elastic connection is in the form of elastic elements, which elastic elements are fastened parallel to the axis of rotation by rivets.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch for an automotive air conditioning compressor supports the armature co axial to, and facing, a pulley friction disk with a novel support structure that self cools the armature, as well as providing a torque cushion. A multi lobed drive plate is welded to a compressor shaft mounted hub, while a similarly shaped armature support disk turns freely on the outer surface of the hub, supporting armature rings on spring fingers co axial and parallel to a belt driven pulley friction disk. The lobes of the drive plate and support disk are aligned in three pairs, with a significant axial gap between, and extend radially over the entire outer face of the armature rings, while leaving most of the outer face exposed to the ambient air. A layer of resilient elastomer is bonded between the aligned lobes of the drive plate and support disk, holding them together, limiting the degree to which the support disk can twist on the hub, and cushioning the shock of initial engagement.

Abstract: An improved, torque cushioned compressor clutch supports the armature on a hard plastic molded disk, the inner edge of which closely pilots on, but is not directly attached to, a cylindrical surface of a drive shaft mounted central hub. Instead, the outer face of the disk, near the inner edge, is abutted with an axially inwardly facing shoulder, which keeps it from pulling axially off of the hub. A softer elastomer overmold adheres to both sides of the harder support disk, adhering to the hub as well, but not adhering to the interface between the disk inner edge and hub. Therefore, when the clutch engages, the disk is free to turn on the hub, at least as far as the "wind up" limit of the elastomer allows, cushioning the engagement shock. However, during operation, the close fit of the disk on the hub prevents radial whirl.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic clutch is provided with a permanent magnetic return mechanism. The clutch includes a rotor connected to a driven device, such as a refrigerant compressor, a flywheel connected to a driving device such as an internal combustion engine, and a contact plate assembly for transmitting torque between the flywheel and the rotor when moved from a disengagement to an engagement position by an electromagnet. Permanent magnet assemblies are used to bias the contact plate assembly into a non-engagement position when the electromagnet is deactuated. The use of permanent magnets in lieu of resilient mechanical components such as springs to bias the contact plate assembly into a return position substantially extends the service life of the clutch when it is used in conjunction with a prime mover such as a diesel engine, whose output is accompanied by momentary spikes of high torque.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch which can completely meet an excessive starting torque upon starting. It is assumed that the width of each first gap in the rotating direction is the deformation and displacement of each elastic member which is smaller than the deformation and displacement of the elastic member based on a peak torque T1 just after the electromagnetic clutch is activated, and is generated based on a torque T slightly larger than a maximum torque T2 after the lapse of a predetermined time. Thus, when a torque (for example, T1) larger than the torque T is exerted on the elastic member, the outer peripheral surface of a second fitting portion abuts against the inner peripheral surface of a flange portion. As a result, the elastic member is not deformed by more than the above described deformation and displacement.