US3833100A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control system for a power transmission clutch
Assignee: Twin Disc Inc
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Filing: 1973-01-02
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Granted: 1974-09-03
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Expires: 1993-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A control system for a fluid operated clutch, which system includes an actuating chamber for the shiftable clutch actuating piston, and which chamber has a floating ring therein that divides the chamber into two separate chamber portions. Clutch actuating high pressure fluid is admitted to both of the chamber portions, each chamber portion having a separate pressure fluid source. Both of the chamber portions are pressurized at the same time so that in the event one of the sources of fluid pressure or its fluid line leading to its chamber portion become inoperative, the clutch can still be maintained in full engagement by means of the other pressurized chamber portion. This positive clutch engagement is used for operation of a water craft for example, at high speeds say over 1,800 R.P.M. The control system also provides a centrifugally operated valve on the output side of the clutch and fluid pressure is directed to the centrifugal valve by means of an operator control modulating valve. This centrifugally operated valve and its modulating control valve are used at lower or maneuvering speeds of the craft, for example under 1,800 R.P.M., by means of which the clutch can be clamped up in various degrees, that is to say, the clutch can be modulated to provide various degrees of slipping and consequently, transmission of the power through the clutch.
Inventors
- 👤 G Aschauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:23
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D25/00; F16D25/06; F16D25/062; F16D25/063; F16D25/0635; F16D25/0638
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
A power transmission having a rotatable input member, a rotatable output member, one of said members including a central shaft, a hydraulically actuated clutch of the annular interleaved disc type, which clutch is located between said rotatable members and around said shaft for forming a disengagable driving connection between said members, hydraulically actuated means for engaging said clutch and including (1) a radially extending member having a radially outer portion and also having a cylindrical central hub axially fixed on and around said shaft, and (2) an axially shiftable piston that sealingly slides against and relative to said outer portion, said piston and said radially extending member defining an expansible clutch engaging annular chamber; an annular ring within said annular chamber and axially shiftable therein, said ring located between and in sealing relationship with said central hub and said piston so as to define a clutch actuating first annular chamber portion and a clutch actuating second annular chamber portion, a separate source of pressure fluid for each chamber portion, and valve means for directing pressure fluid simultaneously to said annular chamber portions to cause axial shifting of said piston and consequent engagement of said clutch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
A power transmission having a rotatable input member, a rotatable output member, one of said members including a central shaft, a hydraulically actuated clutch of the annular interleaved disc type, which clutch is located between said rotatable members and around said shaft for forming a disengagable driving connection between said members, hydraulically actuated means for engaging said clutch and including (1) a radially extending member having a radially outer portion and also having a cylindrical central hub axially fixed on and around said shaft, and (2) an axially shiftable piston that sealingly slides against and relative to said outer portion, said piston and said radially extending member defining an expansible clutch engaging annular chamber; an annular ring within said annular chamber and axially shiftable therein, said ring located between and in sealing relationship with said central hub and said piston so as to define a clutch actuating first annular chamber portion and a clutch actuating second annular chamber portion, a separate source of pressure fluid for each chamber portion, and valve means for directing pressure fluid simultaneously to said annular chamber portions to cause axial shifting of said piston and consequent engagement of said clutch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The transmission set forth in claim 1 including a centrifugal operated control valve located in said output member, and a fluid pressure modulating valve in pressure fluid delivering communication with said centrifugal valve, said centrifugal valve also being communicable with said actuating chamber whereby said modulating valve can direct fluid pressure to said centrifugal valve to cause pressurization of said chamber and modulated engagement of said clutch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The transmission set forth in claim 1 including a fluid bleed orifice venting each of said chamber portions to atmosphere.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The transmission set forth in claim 2 including a fluid bleed orifice venting each of said chamber portions to atmosphere.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The transmission as claimed in claim 2 further characterized in that one of said separate sources of fluid also furnishes pressure fluid to said modulating valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
172 words
A power transmission having an input member, an output member, a hydraulically actuated modulatable clutch located between said members for forming a disengagable driving connection therebetween, a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly for actuating said clutch, said assembly including an axially shiftable piston and also including a cylinder which together form an expansible clutch actuating chamber, an annular ring within said chamber and axially shiftable therein so as to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion, a separate source of pressure fluid for each chamber portion, valve means for directing pressure fluid simultaneously for said chamber portions to cause axial shifting of said piston and consequent engagement of said clutch, a centrifugal operated control valve located in said output member, and a fluid pressure modulating valve in pressure fluid delivering communication with said centrifugal valve, said centrifugal valve also being communicable with said actuating chamber whereby said modulating valve can direct fluid pressure to said centrifugal valve to cause pressurization of said chamber and modulated engagement of said clutch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
172 words
A power transmission having an input member, an output member, a hydraulically actuated modulatable clutch located between said members for forming a disengagable driving connection therebetween, a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly for actuating said clutch, said assembly including an axially shiftable piston and also including a cylinder which together form an expansible clutch actuating chamber, an annular ring within said chamber and axially shiftable therein so as to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion, a separate source of pressure fluid for each chamber portion, valve means for directing pressure fluid simultaneously for said chamber portions to cause axial shifting of said piston and consequent engagement of said clutch, a centrifugal operated control valve located in said output member, and a fluid pressure modulating valve in pressure fluid delivering communication with said centrifugal valve, said centrifugal valve also being communicable with said actuating chamber whereby said modulating valve can direct fluid pressure to said centrifugal valve to cause pressurization of said chamber and modulated engagement of said clutch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The transmission set forth in claim 6 including a fluid bleed orifice venting each of said chamber portions to atmosphere.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The transmission as claimed in claim 6 further characterized in that one of said separate sources of fluid also furnishes pressure fluid to said modulating valve.
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) | 1977-09-02 | 1978-03-04 | 1978-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-02 | 1982-03-04 | 1982-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-02 | 1986-03-04 | 1986-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |