GB145110A - Improvements in or relating to friction clutches, or brakes - Google Patents

Abstract

145,110. Woodhouse, A. E. March 17, 1919. Fluid-pressure; band; blocks acting on drums; energy-absorbing elements.-In friction clutches and brakes, water, brine, or other liquid in an enclosing casing is caused by the rotation of the parts to press the frictional parts into engagement, the grip being regulated by the use of valves or the equivalent arranged in a liquid circuit including the casing and, if desired, a heat radiator. In the form shown in Fig. 2, clutch and brake bands n, o, surrounding a drum m are secured to pins p, p<1>, r, r<1> arranged eccentrically on pins carrying on their other ends weights u, the whole enclosed in a casing in a liquid circuit. Vanes g on the band n, o produce pressure in the casing to act on the weights u, which are normally thrown outward centrifugally to disengage the clutch or brake when the casing is empty, and move them inwards to rotate the pins and effect engagement. Valves in the circuit may be so controlled as to vary the pressure produced and thus the clutch or brake grip. In the form shown in Fig. 6, friction segments 2 of cork, wood, or hollow metal lighter than the liquid used are carried by one member 1 which may be formed as or enclosed by a casing, the segments disengaging from the drum 3 centrifugally. Liquid may be discharged to a passage in a stationary sleeve surrounding the rotating casing or by means of an outflow pipe 6 which is so pivoted on the frame 7 that its end may be adjusted radially in the casing to vary the rate at which the liquid is removed and thus the engaging-pressure. The valves on the pipe 6 may be controlled by hand or automatically, for instance by a governor operated by the rotating parts. The liquid may be supplied from a stream or raised tank.