Slip clutch speed change mechanism

Abstract

Abstract A speed change mechanism of the type incorporating a gear change yoke actuated by a travelling nut on a screw shaft has a driven member rotatably mounted on the screw shaft. In juxtaposition with the driven member is a slip clutch also mounted on the shaft, and bearing against the driven member in an axially thrusting relationship. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism is a two-speed axle shifter which includes a rotatably mounted driven spur gear on a screw shaft, with a slip clutch defined by a Belleville spring positioned in an axially thrusting frictional engagement with the gear. A reversible electric motor having a drive pinion engaged with the rotatably mounted driven spur gear, rotates the screw shaft, whereby a travelling nut is reciprocally moved along the shaft. The screw shaft includes stops thereon for instantaneously arresting the travelling nut at each end of the shaft. The impact load created thereby is absorbed by the slip clutch, thus greatly enhancing the life of the screw shaft.

Inventors

• 👤 Donald H. Foulk

Bibliographic Details