US3762522A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-adjusting clutch or brake
Assignee: Stearns Electric Corp
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Filing: 1972-05-10
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Granted: 1973-10-02
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Expires: 1992-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A clutch or brake with relatively movable friction surfaces is provided with an adjustable stop mechanism which includes position adjusting retainer rings to maintain a pre-determined air gap between the friction faces of the clutch armature and magnet frame when separated irrespecitve of wear. The retainer rings frictionally grip sleeves which are reciprocal between spaced stops on studs or pins fixed to the clutch hub and upon which the armature is reciprocable. The frictional grip of the retainer rings is overcome by the magnetic flux of the field magnet when energized to enable the armature to shift axially to an adjusted position on the sleeves to compensate for wear of the axially facing clutch friction surfaces. The one-way retaining rings maintain the armature at the adjusted position on the sleeves when the clutch is de-energized with the clutch faces at the pre-determined air gap.
Inventors
- 👤 T Kirschling
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:18
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D13/00; F16D13/58; F16D13/75; F16D13/757; F16D27/00; F16D27/02; F16D27/04; F16D27/06; F16D55/00; F16D65/00; F16D65/38; F16D65/40; F16D65/52; F16D65/54; F16D2121/00; F16D2121/18; F16D2121/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
233 words
A self-adjusting clutch structure comprising a hub, first and second clutch members having opposed axially faced engagable friction surfaces spaced by a pre-determined air gap when said clutch is de-energized, with said first member being movable relative to said hub to engage said second clutch member, a guide member having a stop shoulder, said guide member being fixed to said first member and movable with said first member, a guide plate connected to said hub and being axially stationary and having an aperture for receiving said guide member, a slide movable through said guide plate on said guide member between said stop shoulder and said first member, and retaining means frictionally engaged with said slide and said guide member having an abutment and a first spring arranged around and located exteriorly of the slide and said guide member and between said abutment and said retaining means to bias said retaining means against said guide plate and return said first clutch member to the de-energized position, said retaining means affording movement of said slide with said guide member and relative to said guide plate if required to cause engagement of said friction surfaces, with said retaining means maintaining said slide at an adjusted position relative to said guide plate when said clutch is de-energized to limit return movement of said first clutch member and maintain said first clutch member at said predetermined air gap.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
233 words
A self-adjusting clutch structure comprising a hub, first and second clutch members having opposed axially faced engagable friction surfaces spaced by a pre-determined air gap when said clutch is de-energized, with said first member being movable relative to said hub to engage said second clutch member, a guide member having a stop shoulder, said guide member being fixed to said first member and movable with said first member, a guide plate connected to said hub and being axially stationary and having an aperture for receiving said guide member, a slide movable through said guide plate on said guide member between said stop shoulder and said first member, and retaining means frictionally engaged with said slide and said guide member having an abutment and a first spring arranged around and located exteriorly of the slide and said guide member and between said abutment and said retaining means to bias said retaining means against said guide plate and return said first clutch member to the de-energized position, said retaining means affording movement of said slide with said guide member and relative to said guide plate if required to cause engagement of said friction surfaces, with said retaining means maintaining said slide at an adjusted position relative to said guide plate when said clutch is de-energized to limit return movement of said first clutch member and maintain said first clutch member at said predetermined air gap.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A self-adjusting clutch structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first member is an armature and said clutch includes a second armature and said guide plate is located intermediate said armatures, said guide plate having surfaces alternatively axially offset in opposed directions, apertures in said offset surfaces and guide members extending through said apertures and fixed to said armatures.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
A self-adjusting clutch structure in accordance with claim 2 wherein said axially offset surfaces comprise the bases of cup structures supported by said guide plate with said cup structures being open towards said guide plate and with said retaining means for each of said guide members being located within said cup structures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A self-adjusting clutch structure in accordance with claim 1 including a second spring located between said guide plate and said movable clutch member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-01 | 1977-04-02 | 1977-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-01 | 1981-04-02 | 1981-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-01 | 1985-04-02 | 1985-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |