Abstract In a clutch mechanism for a marine drive, the input shaft from the motor has first and second oppositely threaded driving spiral threads thereon. Forward and reverse driving gears are rotatably mounted on the input shaft. Each of the driving gears has a clutch surface. An output gear is affixed to the output shaft driving the propulsion unit, and it is engaged with the driving gears. First and second driven clutch elements have mating threads which respectively engage the driving spiral threads on the input shaft. Each of the driven clutch members has a clutch surface respectively mating with the clutch surface of the forward and reverse driving gears. The clutch elements are interrotably connected by a collar. The elements locate in neutral position by the opposition of the axial forces on each. In the neutral position, the driven clutch elements rotate with the input shaft. However, when one of the rotating driven clutch elements is slowed, this clutch element is driven axially along the input shaft by the spiral threads so that the mating clutch surfaces engage. The second clutch element follows. The clutch mechanism is disengaged by slowing the rotation of the second clutch element. This increases the opposite axial force which moves the first clutch element out of engagement into neutral position.
A clutch mechanism comprising: an input shaft adapted to be driven by a source of motive power, forward and reverse driving gears rotatably mounted on said input shaft, each of said gears having a clutch surface. an output shaft, an output gear affixed to said output shaft and engaged with said driving gears, first and second oppositely threaded driving spiral threads on said input shaft, first and second clutch elements each having threads which respectively match said first and second driving spiral threads, each of said clutch elements having a clutch surface respectively mating with the clutch surface of said forward and reverse driving gears, said clutch elements rotating with said input shaft in the neutral position, and means for engaging one of said clutch elements to prevent rotation thereof whereby the engaged clutch element is moved axially along said input shaft by the matching spiral thread into engagement between the mating clutch surfaces of said one clutch element and the corresponding forward and reverse gear whereby said clutch mechanism is engaged in the forward or reverse position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A clutch mechanism comprising: an input shaft adapted to be driven by a source of motive power, forward and reverse driving gears rotatably mounted on said input shaft, each of said gears having a clutch surface. an output shaft, an output gear affixed to said output shaft and engaged with said driving gears, first and second oppositely threaded driving spiral threads on said input shaft, first and second clutch elements each having threads which respectively match said first and second driving spiral threads, each of said clutch elements having a clutch surface respectively mating with the clutch surface of said forward and reverse driving gears, said clutch elements rotating with said input shaft in the neutral position, and means for engaging one of said clutch elements to prevent rotation thereof whereby the engaged clutch element is moved axially along said input shaft by the matching spiral thread into engagement between the mating clutch surfaces of said one clutch element and the corresponding forward and reverse gear whereby said clutch mechanism is engaged in the forward or reverse position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The clutch mechanism recited in claIm 1 wherein said means for engaging comprises: a flange on each clutch element, and means movable axially with respect to said clutch elements into frictional engagement with said flanges to slow the rotation of one of said clutch elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The clutch mechanism recited in claim 2 wherein said means movable axially comprises: a shift fork having legs fitting over said clutch elements and movable axially into engagement with said flanges.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The clutch mechanism recited in claim 3 further comprising: a shift linkage connected to said shift fork for moving said shift linkage.