GB219975A - Improvements in automatic clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

219,975. Ruppert, W. July 31, 1923, [Convention date]. Void [Published under Sect.91 of the Act]. Clutches.-In automatic release devices for power transmissions embodying heavy masses, such as for presses, the retardation due to overload or shoch causes an auxiliary oscillatory mass, normally moving synchronously with the transmission elements, to disconnect them by virtue of its inertia. As applied to a clutch, Fig. 3, a disc 18, secured to a shaft 16, is connected to a driving-wheel 17, loose on the shaft or secured to a driving-shaft, by a pivoted pawl 19, which engages under the pressure of a spring 21 a recess 22 in the wheel 17 and a cam 26 on an auxiliary flywheel 23. This flywheel has a limited freedom on the boss of the disc 18 determined by a stop 24, and when its inertia causes it to overrun the disc, the pawl 19 is cammed out of the recess 22. In a modification, Fig. 7, the shape of the cam 35 and position of the stop shoulder 39 are such that the spring pawl 36 is never fully disengaged from the cam, but acts, when the recess 38 is suitably positioned, to return the flywheel 31 as soon as the shock or overload has passed. In a further modification, the auxiliary flywheel acts by a pin to turn a cam lever against a spring which normally causes it to hold clutch shoes expanded against a driving-drum. The driving or driven flywheel or pulley 55 shown in Fig. 10 is clutched between fast and loose discs 56, 57. Plate springs 60, 61 act through adjustable abutments to turn the auxiliary flywheel 58 mounted on screwthreads on the shaft 59, thereby applying clutching-pressure which is relieved when the flywheel 58 overruns. Re-engagement of the clutches may be cushioned by mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic means.