Clutch And Gear Patents (Class 192/20)
  • Patent number: 7631737
    Abstract: To achieve automatic setting into coincidence, the following are provided: a mechanical tension elements arranged to act on an upstream member (9) substantially along the axis (X) along which approach elements (13) act, but in the opposite direction; elements (37) for constraining the member (9) in rotation with a mechanical angular guide element; and phase-shifter elements (47) for shifting the phase of the upstream member (9) relative to the downstream member (10) by sliding against a reference that is stationary in rotation relative to the downstream member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignees: Eurocopter, Artus
    Inventors: Charles Louis, Jean-Luc Leman, Patrick Quesne
  • Publication number: 20090250301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch unit, which has two subunits. One subunit is connected to the output shaft of an engine, and the other subunit is pre-mounted on the side of the transmission. Both subunits are coupled to one another via an axial plug-type connection, which includes meshing first profiles and second profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Philippe MIH, Bin ZHOU, Matthias ZINK
  • Publication number: 20090173590
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gear-clutch assembly (1) is disclosed. The device comprises a gear (10) having grooves (10c) that open inwardly toward the axis and extend axially. A hub (12) is located within the gear (10) where it is capable of rotating within the gear (10). The hub (12) has grooves (12k) that open outwardly away from the axis and extend axially. Keys (17) are located within the grooves (12k) of the hub (12) and are capable of moving radially toward and away from the axis, the arrangement being such that when the keys (17) are permitted to move away from the axis, at least one will enter one of the grooves (10c) in the gear (10) to couple the gear (10) and huh (12) so that they will rotate in unison. The device also comprises an actuator assembly (3) for effecting radial displacement of the keys (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Xaiolan Ai
  • Patent number: 7555968
    Abstract: A transmission device between a primary drive shaft and an output shaft includes a housing inside of which is housed at least partially a reduction gear mechanism that consists of an engine-driving element, meshed with a driven element, adapted to be coupled to or uncoupled from the output shaft by a clutch mechanism that is activated/deactivated by axial movement of the gearwheel on the shaft. The clutch mechanism, retracted to the disengaged position, assumes the shape of a plate that is integral in rotation with the output shaft. The plate has on its face opposite the gearwheel, ramps designed to work during the engagement phase with ramps that are supported by the gearwheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: France Reducteurs
    Inventor: Robert Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20090101429
    Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly is operatively coupled to the steering wheel and includes components (18, 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly includes a steering gear (34) and components (28, 30) for actuating the steering gear in response to the monitored rotation. The mechanism, when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The mechanism when in the second mode of operation, providing a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear sufficient to enable manual actuation of the steering gear and permit actuation of the steering gear in response to the monitored steering wheel rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080296114
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a motor of an automated barrier has a clutch and an override switch. The clutch is connected to the motor and has a body, an engaging frame, a cam segment and an engaging gear. The body is connected to the motor and has a cover, a mounting bracket and a pivot pin. The engaging frame is pivotally connected to the body and has a gudgeon, a rack lock and two elongated holes. The cam assembly is pivotally mounted in the engaging frame and to the body and has a cam block, two cam disks, a cable, a lobe and a pintle. The engaging gear is rotatably mounted in the body adjacent to the engaging frame. The override switch is connected to the clutch and has a casing, a switch mechanism and a switch spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Tai-Shan Chen
  • Publication number: 20080283351
    Abstract: A power transfer/transmission apparatus includes clutch adjusting mechanisms that are easy to assemble and are stably supported, the power transfer/transmission apparatus has a clutch housing, the clutch housing includes a vertical wall (a flange and a vertical wall) connected to a joint shaft and a peripheral wall connected to the vertical wall and enclosing a main clutch, the flange has an output unit support that rotatably supports a first end of a clutch output unit at a position that is axially different from the position of the joint shaft, a second end of the clutch output unit includes a centering part that forms a hollow axle joint having inner splines engaged with an axle so that the axle joint and axle may rotate together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Susumu Sasaki, Atsushi Tamura, Isao Hirota
  • Publication number: 20080224499
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism of the present power device comprises a fixed gear member, a moving gear member engaged with the fixed gear member when moving to a clutch connecting position, an armature for moving the moving gear member to the clutch connecting position when rotated relatively to the moving gear member, an electromagnetic coil unit for applying a brake resistance to the armature, and a clutch holding surface for abutting against the moving gear member when the electromagnetic coil unit is turned off in the clutch connecting state and for holding the moving gear member at a brake-clutch connecting position. The abutment of the moving gear member against the clutch holding surface is released by rotating the moving gear member relatively to the armature in a state in which the electromagnetic coil unit is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhito YOKOMORI
  • Patent number: 7401425
    Abstract: A snowthrower has independent wheel drive trains to allow steering by clutching one drive train while unclutching the other drive train. The clutch in each drive train comprises a plurality of pivotal pawls carried on a drive member with the pawls pivoting in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive member. The pawls have heads that project through one face of the drive member and tails located on an opposite face of the drive member. The heads of the pawls can engage or disengage notches that are fixed to the driven member to clutch or unclutch the drive and driven members. A shift member axially presses on the tails of the pawls to disengage the heads of the pawls from the driven member. The shift member is selectively moved by an operator using a steering lever on the snowthrower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Nathan J. Friberg, Donald M. White, III
  • Publication number: 20080105510
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes clutch members having an engaged position, in which torque generated by a drive is transmitted to an output, and a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output. The clutch members are capable of slipping with respect to each other in order to prevent damage caused by overload conditions. The clutch mechanism further comprises an actuator associated with a clutch member. If the clutch members slip and a characteristic associated with slipping of the clutch members, such as the temperature rise of the slipping surfaces or the relative rotational speed of the clutch members is above a predetermined value, transmission of torque to the output is interrupted. The clutch mechanism is particularly suited for inclusion in a drive mechanism for the agitator of a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Guy James Burlington, Martin David Townsend
  • Publication number: 20080041187
    Abstract: A transfer case assembly (10) for selectively moving a seal assembly in a plurality of adjustment directions. The assembly comprises a motor (12) and a drive shaft (14) operatively connected to the motor (12) for rotation in response to actuation of the motor. A plurality of driving gears (16, 18, 20) are mounted to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A plurality of drives (24, 28, 32) shafts corresponding with the respective plurality of driving gears are provided for independently controlling movement of the seat assembly in the fore/aft, up and down direction. A driven gear is rotatably mounted to each of the driven shafts and meshed with a respective one of the driving gears for rotation therewith. A coupler (22, 26, 30) is disposed adjacent to each of the driven gears for selectively coupling the driven gears to the respective driven shafts (24, 28, 32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Lavoie, Brent Frazier
  • Patent number: 7316304
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive center disconnect electric actuator is provided. The actuator includes a one-way motor that actuates a cam mechanism for causing engagement and disengagement of the center disconnect. The actuator achieves improved reliability and efficiency through a less expensive construction than conventional actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Heravi, Ernest Ozsvath, Scott Stocker, Kip E. Clohessy, Bryan M. Averill
  • Publication number: 20070240958
    Abstract: A clutch actuator comprises a worm shaft that rotates along with a clutch motor. The worm shaft is meshed with a worm wheel. The worm wheel is fixed to one end of a crank shaft member of a crank shaft separately from a crank arm of the crank shaft. A bearing that supports the crank shaft is provided between the worm wheel and the crank arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicants: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA MORIC
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Hisashi Kazuta
  • Publication number: 20070240957
    Abstract: A clutch actuator comprises a motor having a motor shaft. A worm shaft is formed with a threaded section. A worm wheel meshes with the threaded section of the worm shaft. An output rod reciprocates in an axial direction to disengage and engage a clutch. A crank shaft converts rotational motion of the worm wheel to reciprocating motion of the output rod. The motor shaft and the worm shaft are coupled by a spline connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicants: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Moric
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Hisashi Kazuta
  • Patent number: 7258213
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated face gear clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
  • Patent number: 7213482
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator is provided that minimizes back drive effort by de-coupling the internal drive train of the actuator from the actuator output using a clutch. The clutch facilitates transfer of power to an output gear stage when the actuator motor is energized, but disengages the output gear stage when the actuator motor is de-energized. When the actuator output is manually operated, the clutch disengages the output gear stage, thereby reducing the number of gears that must be back driven by the manual actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Minasian, William H. Fort
  • Patent number: 7111716
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated face gear clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
  • Patent number: 7099573
    Abstract: A zoom lens camera includes an optical-element drive mechanism for a photographing optical system, and a zooming-associating mechanism for associating a zooming-associated driven member with a zooming operation to be driven by the optical-element drive mechanism in a ready-to-photograph state, and for releasing the association of the zooming-associated driven member with the zooming operation between the ready-to-photograph state and the retracted state. The zooming-associating mechanism includes three rotational members, and includes a master rotational member and a slave rotational member at opposite ends thereof. Opposed surfaces of two adjacent rotational members include rotation transfer portions engaged with each other at predetermined relative angular positions so as to integrally rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Ikemizo
  • Patent number: 7055795
    Abstract: The present invention provides a motorized valve actuator wherein the drive from the motor to the output shaft of the actuator is via a worm and worm wheel or other gear mesh which is incapable of being back driven, the actuator having an alternative manual drive, the manual drive comprising a hand wheel and a clutch and lever to change from motor power drive to hand drive mode, the actuator further having an intermediate shaft between the motor and output shaft, the hand wheel being carried by or at least operatively linked to the intermediate shaft to drive the intermediate shaft, the clutch mechanism being associated with/mounted on the intermediate shaft, the intermediate shaft being positioned between the motor and the worm/worm wheel drive whereby the clutch mechanism associated with/mounted on the intermediate shaft operates substantially freely when the lever is operated to bring the actuator into hand drive mode, the output shaft torque generated by the previous motor powered run and locked into the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Rotork Controls Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Masefield Lay
  • Patent number: 6951521
    Abstract: A transmission actuator has a torque generating mechanism for generating a torque from a drive shaft, a speed reduction mechanism for multiplying a torque from the torque generating mechanism through a differential motion produced by a difference in gear ratio between a gearset of a first internally toothed gear and a first externally toothed gear and a gearset of a second internally toothed gear and a second externally toothed gear, a motion direction changing mechanism for converting the torque multiplied into a thrust and a friction engagement mechanism for transmitting power from an input shaft to an output shaft by virtue of the thrust so converted, wherein the drive shaft is made hollow so that the input shaft and the output shaft are disposed in a hollow portion of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiko Hakui
  • Patent number: 6892867
    Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two rotatable, coaxial shaft members (2, 4) has a number of alternate clutch discs (5, 6), connected to the two shaft members and engageable to counteract differential rotational speed between the shaft members. The rotational movement may be braked by braking means (26-28), whose rotational velocity is proportional to the rotational speed differential. Means for transmitting the rotational speed differential to the braking means comprises a roller arrangement (20-25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Haldex Traction AB
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 6834749
    Abstract: A drive coupling system and method of engaging/disengaging the coupling provided by a drive coupling system are disclosed. The drive coupling system includes first and second torque couplers coupled respectively to drive and driven shafts. One of the couplers includes a support and first and second members rotatably coupled to the support, where each coupler includes a respective extension and a respective plurality of gear teeth. The first and second members are capable of being respectively rotated to first and second rotational positions beyond which the first plurality of gear teeth are able to at least begin to slip out of alignment with the second plurality of gear teeth. The relative slipping of the first plurality of gear teeth with respect to the second plurality of gear teeth is limited due to contact occurring between the extensions. As the relative slipping occurs, teeth of the two members become locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6814158
    Abstract: In a hand-guided percussion drilling machine an arresting coupling non-rotatably coupling a drilling spindle relative to a machine housing is arranged on an intermediate shaft rotatably connected with the drilling spindle and extending parallel to and at a radial distance from the drilling spindle and at a radial distance from the motor shaft, wherein the arresting coupling openings during a torque transmission from a drive motor to a tool holder in one direction and closes during a torque transmission from the tool holder in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Scintilla AG
    Inventors: Karin Bieber, Thomas Iseli
  • Patent number: 6814197
    Abstract: An actuating device for a friction clutch device installed in the drive train of a motor vehicle introduces actuating forces, especially clutch-engaging or clutch-releasing forces, to the friction clutch device to actuate at least one friction clutch of the friction clutch device in the engaging or releasing direction. At least one actuating element assigned to a friction clutch can be shifted axially relative to at least one support element, which is essentially fixed in the axial direction, to exert the actuating forces. The actuating element belongs to an actuator assigned to the clutch or can be shifted axially relative to the support element by the intermediate action of an actuator assigned to the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Markus Heiartz, Andreas Orlamünder, Sebastian Vogt, Olaf Pagels, Georg Zink, Christoph Kleuker
  • Publication number: 20040074729
    Abstract: An apparatus which can effect relative movements between first and second parts that are rotatable relative to each other between several positions utilizes a helix having a stack of convolutions and being non-rotatably associated with one of the parts, a follower (such as a pin or an eccentric or an annulus of rolling elements) which is arranged to extend between at least two convolutions of the helix and is affixed to the other part, an electric or fluid-operated or other suitable motor which serves to rotate at least one of the parts relative to the other part, a further part (such as the release bearing for a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle) which is movable axially with and relative to the first part, and a coupling device serving to separably connect the further part to the first part except in at least one selected position of the second part relative to the first part. Such arrangement facilitates convenient separation of the clutch from the means for operating the release bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau
    Inventor: Christoph Raber
  • Patent number: 6698303
    Abstract: An automated gear drive, comprising two main gearshafts (18, 20) bearing drive pinions (22, 24) and linked each by a clutch (E1, E2) to a clutch shaft (10), a gearbox output shaft (12) bearing driven pinions (26) each of which is associated with one-way locking device (28) controlled to be selectively interlocked with the gearbox output shaft (12), the one-way locking device (28) being controlled by mechanical device (30, 32, 34) common to all the loose pinions (26) of the different gear ratios. The automated gear drive enables in particular gear ratio shift with uninterrupted torque transmission to the gearbox output shaft (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Christian Hoffmann, Pascal Thery
  • Publication number: 20040035664
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting a driving machine part and a driven machine part, such as shafts, wheel hubs or the like, includes an intermediate shaft and articulated lever couplings situated at the ends of the intermediate shaft. Each articulated lever coupling has at least three identical articulated levers, which engage via elastic joints situated at their ends with the intermediate shaft and with the adjacent machine parts to be connected. The axes of the elastic joints of each articulated lever are oriented perpendicularly to an axial plane, the axial plane being parallel to the articulated lever and intersecting the axis of the intermediate shaft and the axes of the machine parts to be connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicants: Carl Freudenberg KG, A. Friedrich Flender GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Cordts, Robert Peters, Christian Meyer
  • Patent number: 6684994
    Abstract: An electrostatic unit for location of members of mechanical devices includes a housing of the electrostatic location unit, a locating member arranged in the housing and movable from one position to another, an electrostatic location apparatus for location of the locating member in one of the positions, placed in the housing and including two electrically conductive members and a layer of a dielectric therebetween, conformal surfaces of the electrically conductive members and the dielectric for electrostatic interaction and location of one relative to the other when they are in close proximity to each other and an electric charge is applied to the electrically conductive members. At least one of the members of the electrostatic location apparatus includes a layer of an elastic material on a conformal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Martyn Sergeevich Nunuparov
  • Publication number: 20030192762
    Abstract: An active bi-directional overrunning clutch that includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. An input shaft is connected to the flange. The clutch further includes a plurality of rollers contacting the input shaft and a coupling. A roller cage positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and coupling. The friction ground ring is in contact with the roller cage. The clutch also includes a worm gear in contact with the friction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Brent M. Peura
  • Patent number: 6588559
    Abstract: A two-way clutch biasing assembly including a two-way clutch having an inner race attached to an input shaft and an outer race attached to an output shaft. The inner and outer races having inner cammed portions between them, with an engagement assembly interposed therein that is adapted to rotate bi-directionally thereby providing selective mechanical engagement between the races in either direction. A planetary gear assembly is provided having a ring gear, planetary gears on a carrier, and a sun gear that is adapted to rotate the engagement assembly within the two-way clutch. A drag clutch assembly is also slidingly connected to the carrier to hold the carrier stationary when the input shaft is stationary, such that sun gear is rotated by the plurality of planetary gears, thereby rotating the engagement assembly within the two-way clutch and providing a mechanical advantage in engaging the races together when the input shaft begins to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6565476
    Abstract: A car clutch including a clutch base formed with a seating part and an input-side ring gear. An output shaft is fitted through the seating part and has first and second sun gears. A first carrier member is in contact with the clutch base and a second carrier member is installed on a clutch cover. A first planetary gear is meshed with the first sun gear and the input-side ring gear. A secondary planetary gear is meshed with the second sun gear. A first rotating member has an output-side ring gear which is meshed with second planetary gears. Clutch springs are installed on a second rotating member. Power shutoff rods are installed through the clutch cover and have a fitting projection fitted into a connecting part of the second rotating member. Lever-squeezing elastic members are each installed between each release lever and the clutch cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Myung-soon Bae
  • Patent number: 6561943
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus including a clutch base having a supporting boss which has first spline grooves, a clutch cover, an output shaft having a sun gear, rotating bearings fitted around the output shaft such that the output shaft can be rotated in one direction and not in the other, planetary gear sections each possessing a guide shaft and a planetary gear which is meshed with the sun gear, a rotating member having a ring gear which is meshed with planetary gears and third spline grooves, a multiple disc clutch member having inner plates which are splined into the rotating member and outer plates which are splined into the supporting boss, a pressing plate letting the inner and outer plates to be tightly engages with one another, pressing means for applying pressing force to the pressing plate, and pressing force adjusting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Myung-soon Bae
  • Patent number: 6557677
    Abstract: An active bi-directional overrunning clutch that includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. An input shaft is connected to the flange. The clutch further includes a plurality of rollers contacting the input shaft and a coupling. A roller cage positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and coupling. The friction ground ring is in contact with the roller cage. The clutch also includes a worm gear in contact with the friction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Peura
  • Publication number: 20030075412
    Abstract: An actuating device for a friction clutch device installed in the drive train of a motor vehicle introduces actuating forces, especially clutch-engaging or clutch-releasing forces, to the friction clutch device to actuate at least one friction clutch of the friction clutch device in the engaging or releasing direction. At least one actuating element assigned to a friction clutch can be shifted axially relative to at least one support element, which is essentially fixed in the axial direction, to exert the actuating forces. The actuating element belongs to an actuator assigned to the clutch or can be shifted axially relative to the support element by the intermediate action of an actuator assigned to the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Markus Heiartz, Andreas Orlamunder, Sebastian Vogt, Olaf Pagels, Georg Zink, Christoph Kleuker
  • Patent number: 6450311
    Abstract: The object is to provide a small-sized automatic operating apparatus for a friction clutch. In an automatic operating apparatus 1 for a friction clutch in which the rotation of a motor 2 is reduced by a reduction mechanism 3 to rotate a crank 4, thereby axially moving an output rod 6 for connecting and disconnecting a friction clutch, a spring type accumulator 7 provided immovably on the casing 8 is connected with a crank 4 through a link 5. During connection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 accumulates the force received through the crank 4 and the link 5 from the output rod 6 axially moving in the direction of the arrow ‘a’ by receiving the pushing force of a piston rod in a hydraulic cylinder. During disconnection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 releases the accumulated force through the link 5 into the crank 4, thereby aiding the axial movement of the output rod 6 in the direction of the arrow ‘b’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Goto, Mikihiro Kito
  • Publication number: 20010050205
    Abstract: The object is to provide a small-sized automatic operating apparatus for a friction clutch. In an automatic operating apparatus 1 for a friction clutch in which the rotation of a motor 2 is reduced by a reduction mechanism 3 to rotate a crank 4, thereby axially moving an output rod 6 for connecting and disconnecting a friction clutch, a spring type accumulator 7 provided immovably on the casing 8 is connected with a crank 4 through a link 5. During connection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 accumulates the force received through the crank 4 and the link 5 from the output rod 6 axially moving in the direction of the arrow ‘a’ by receiving the pushing force of a piston rod in a hydraulic cylinder. During disconnection of the friction clutch, the accumulator 7 releases the accumulated force through the link 5 into the crank 4, thereby aiding the axial movement of the output rod 6 in the direction of the arrow ‘b’.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Goto, Mikihiro Kito
  • Publication number: 20010035292
    Abstract: A hand-guided drilling machine or percussion drilling machine has a machine housing, a drilling spindle, a drive motor for rotatably driving the drilling spindle, a tool holderformed as a drilling chuck and screwed with the drilling spindle through a thread, the drilling spindle during exchanging a tool or exchanging the tool holder receiving a releasing or tightening moment, an arresting device non-rotatably coupling the drilling spindle relative to the machine housing, an intermediate shaft non-rotatably connected with the drilling spindle, a component connected with the machine housing, the arresting device being arranged between one element selected from the group consisting of the drilling spindle and the intermediate shaft and another element selected from the group consisting of the machine housing and the component, the arresting device automatically opening during a torque transmission from the drive motor to the tool and automatically closing during the torque transmission from the tool holder in an
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: BIEBER
    Inventors: KARIN BIEBER, THOMAS ISELI
  • Patent number: 6308811
    Abstract: A method of side transmission through a unidirectional clutch is provided. The method includes the step of providing a side transmission gear at one end of a unidirectional clutch body, so that the side transmission gear forms an integral part of the clutch body to bear a turning moment of an applied force. Either an outside-brake or an inner-driving- joint clutch for implementing side transmission with the above-mentioned method is allowed to direct transmit a force in one fixed direction without the need of being mounted in an additional holder in the tight fit manner. The problem of no-load at constant angle in the conventional ratchet-type clutch is eliminated. Moreover, since the clutch having integral side transmission gear does not require high precision tight-fit with an additional holder, it can be produced at simplified process and reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Chun-Hsiung Chang
  • Patent number: 6247566
    Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two rotatable, coaxial shaft members (1, 2) contains a number of alternate clutch discs (5, 6) for counteracting differential rotational speed between the two shaft members. Planetary gear means (11, 15, 16-20) are connected to the first shaft means (1). A pressure plate (7) is connected to the second shaft member (2) and is axially displaceable against the clutch discs (5, 6) for their engagement. Transmission means in the form of rollers (10) are arranged between the gear means and the pressure plate for axially displacing the pressure plate against the clutch discs at a certain rotation differential between the gear means and the pressure plate. Electrical braking means (21-24) connected to the gear means can provide a force to the transmission means for its axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 6058916
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes a detecting means (16) for detecting the position of an accelerator pedal (14) or an accelerator lever, a clutch (8) which is disposed between a diesel engine (1) and the mechanical supercharger (10), and a coupling/decoupling means (16) for coupling or decoupling a clutch (8) based on a signal from the detecting means (16). A control method includes the steps of detecting the stroke distance of the accelerator pedal (14) or the accelerator lever, and operating the mechanical supercharger (10) when the stroke distance detected ranges from a predetermined value in the vicinity of the full stroke to the full stroke. This improves responsiveness in the initial stage of acceleration, and obtains better normal running performance and better hill-climbing ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Godo Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5934433
    Abstract: An actuator for automated operation of a friction clutch includes a drive that is connected with an input part of a gearing and an output part of the gearing that is movable into operative connection via a transmission member with a disengagement bearing of the friction clutch. The transmission element has a pitch region rotatable for driving an engagement element into force-applying contact with a disengagement bearing for displacing the disengaging bearing and thereby disengaging the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Lutz Leimbach, Erwin Bair, Reiner Voss, Heiko Schulz-Andres
  • Patent number: 5701211
    Abstract: An improved gear train for the adjustment structure in a mirror includes a slip clutch disk connection that allows a pinion gear to rotate relative to an intermediate gear reduction. The pinion gear is engaged to rotate a rack, and the rack is connected to the mirror to adjust the position of the mirror. The rack is spring biased into engagement with the pinion, thus insuring that the two move with each other quietly and smoothly. The rack can be biased into engagement with the pinion gear, since it need not be able to slip relative to the pinion gear, as was the case in the prior art. The clutch disk allows the pinion gear to move with the rack when the mirror is manually adjusted. The inventive clutch disk is relatively simple, including a clutch drive gear rotatably journaled on a drive shaft. The drive shaft is fixed to rotate with the pinion gear. A spring biases a friction face of the clutch drive gear into engagement with the clutch disk, which also rotates with the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Perry, Kerry Helmer
  • Patent number: 5680916
    Abstract: An actuator is provided with a drive system and a crank mechanism which converts the motion of the drive system into an essentially translational motion of an output element. The crank mechanism is designed as a worm gear pair with a worm gear which sits on the output shaft and is engaged with a segment worm gear which is rotationally mounted in a housing, whereby engaged with the segment worm gear, in addition to the output element, there is an energy storing device, preferably a spring device, mounted so that it can pivot in a bearing, which energy storing device can move relative to the segment worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Udo Borschert, Lutz Leimbach, Ullrich Scherpf, Manfred Waning, Michael Zottmann
  • Patent number: 5520064
    Abstract: A portable rescue tool which operates off electric power and which comprises a clutch mechanism for orienting high torque spreading and/or cutting motion that is produced by the portable rescue tool in a plurality of possible directions with respect to the portable rescue tool. The portable rescue tool comprises a rotary switch for controlling the operation of the portable rescue tool, a DC motor connected to the rotary switch for providing a high speed, low torque output, a gear reduction assembly coupled to the DC motor for decreasing the speed and increasing the torque of the DC motor output, an actuator assembly coupled to the gear reduction assembly for providing a low speed, high torque output, and a clutch mechanism associated with the actuator assembly for orienting the direction of the low speed, high torque output with respect to the portable rescue tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Curtiss Wright Flight Systems Inc.
    Inventors: William Hickerson, John D. McCarthy, Bradley C. Litz, Edward A. Mayer
  • Patent number: 5497844
    Abstract: A child's riding vehicle employing a unique and novel gear assembly and engagement structure includes a frame having plural wheels, and a gear assembly fixed on the frame which includes an output gear non-rotatably connected to at least one of the vehicle's wheels. A motor on the frame is mounted on an arm which is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a segment gear mounted on the frame adjacent the gear assembly engages the motor's pinion and defines a path between the engaged and disengaged position. Unique and novel gear tooth profiles are employed in both the gear assembly and the engagement structure to prevent the same from jamming during transition between the engaged and disengaged positions and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Fritzinger
  • Patent number: 5458013
    Abstract: A coupling structure for a reversing mechanism of a printing press, having a fixed gear (18), a pivotable regulating gear (20), and a plurality of parallel tightening bolts (30) extending in a regularly spaced manner around a cylinder shaft (12) of the reversing mechanism. A one-way clutch (54) transmits limited tightening torque to the bolts (30) to hold gears (18) and (20) together in an engaged state, whereas in a release state, the bolts (30) are freely loosened. A center gear 56 having an internal gear (62) transmits torque to the one-way clutch from an external drive motor (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Shinohara Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 5281190
    Abstract: Multi-mode friction clutch having a plurality of interleaved clutch plates operable for establishing gear ratios in planetary and countershaft type automatic transmissions and operative to provide smooth and self-synchronized shifting without the use of one-way roller or sprag clutches. Gear thrust forces from associated helical gearing and opposing hydraulic pressure forces are used to regulate the hydraulic pressure of a piston chamber by shifting an annular control sleeve which controls fluid exhaust from the chamber to maintain a direct relationship between the torque capacity of the clutch and the variable torque it actually carries. Consequently, the clutch is automatically released when the transmitted torque diminishes to zero or reverses. The clutch is applied in a normal lock mode for predetermined gear ratios, set in one-way mode for shifting and totally released when the shift is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Erkki Koivunen
  • Patent number: 5267912
    Abstract: A mechanical-centrifugal clutch, without friction surfaces, includes a planetary support for receiving input torque and a sun gear for developing output torque without any free wheeling mechanism. A plurality of at least four weighted planetary gears is driven by the planetary support and drives the sun gear. The weighted planetary gears include centrifugal effect masses and are disposed in a special relative shift relative to one another for imparting substantial continuity in the transmission of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Juan G. Casanova
  • Patent number: 5265528
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism for releasing a frictional connection in a double gearwheel drive of a sheet-fed rotary press wherein a gearwheel ring is mounted concentrically on and frictionally connected to a main gearwheel by a spring biased annular clamping element, the clutch including an annular actuator mounted on the press in alignment with but normally out of contact with the annular clamping element and the double gearwheel and means for selectively engaging the actuator with the clamping element and causing relative axial displacement thereof to overcome the spring bias and free the gearwheel ring from frictional engagement with the main gearwheel. The actuator may include an annular fluid pressure cylinder, a camming mechanism or an electromagnet for causing the relative axial displacement of the annular clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Josef Mathes
  • Patent number: 5249657
    Abstract: A motor-operated actuator has a clutch members are set in slide recesses formed in a drive member which are regulated in movement with a clutch base. A protrusion is formed on each of the clutch members, and a groove is formed around the protrusion. Both end portions of a return spring are placed in the grooves of the clutch members, and fixed there by thermal caulking. Thereby, the clutch member is prevented from being damaged by unsatisfactory disengagement. The clutch members are prevented from being disconnected from the return spring, and the former can be positively connected to the latter with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sotsuo Miyoshi