A clutch (20) includes a clutch fluid chamber (92) with a movable clutch piston (94) configured to selectively engage a clutch pack (78, 62, 80) to connect an input drive portion (48) and an output portion (32). A brake reaction plate (96) is configured for selective frictional braking of the output portion. A brake fluid chamber contains (104) a brake piston (100) configured to selectively move the brake reaction plate from a disabled position to an enabled position. In a first state, the clutch pack is disengaged and the brake reaction plate is in the disabled position. In a second state, the clutch pack is engaged and the brake reaction plate is in the enabled position, without frictional braking of the output portion of the clutch being applied. In a third state, the clutch pack is disengaged and the brake reaction plate is in the enabled position such that frictional braking of the output portion is applied.
F16D 25/0635 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs
A clutch includes a clutch fluid chamber with a movable clutch piston configured to selectively engage a clutch pack to connect an input drive portion and an output portion. A brake reaction plate is configured for selective frictional braking of the output portion. A brake fluid chamber contains a brake piston configured to selectively move the brake reaction plate from a disabled position to an enabled position. In a first state, the clutch pack is disengaged and the brake reaction plate is in the disabled position. In a second state, the clutch pack is engaged and the brake reaction plate is in the enabled position, without frictional braking of the output portion of the clutch being applied. In a third state, the clutch pack is disengaged and the brake reaction plate is in the enabled position such that frictional braking of the output portion is applied.
F16D 25/0638 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs with more than two discs, e.g. multiple lamellae
F16D 121/04 - Fluid pressure acting on a piston-type actuator, e.g. for liquid pressure
A gearbox includes a housing, input shaft, and a geartrain. An input gear fixed to the input shaft is rotatable about an input axis. An idler gear is rotatable about an idler gear axis and supported by a mount. Output gear(s) are rotated from the idler gear. The mount includes a mount pin extending along a mount axis through the idler gear and an opening in the housing, and an eccentric bushing positioned around the mount pin and centrally within the idler gear. The eccentric bushing is rotatable about the mount axis to alter an offset between the input axis and the idler gear axis. A fastener can lock a position of the bushing in relation to the housing. The fastener is engageable in a first/ second hole of the housing to accommodate a first/ second gear ratio between the input gear and the output gear(s).
F16H 57/023 - Mounting or installation of gears or shafts in gearboxes, e.g. methods or means for assembly
F16H 57/033 - Series gearboxes, e.g. gearboxes based on the same design being available in different sizes or gearboxes using a combination of several standardised units
A gearbox includes a housing, input shaft, and a geartrain. An input gear fixed to the input shaft is rotatable about an input axis. An idler gear is rotatable about an idler gear axis and supported by a mount. Output gear(s) are rotated from the idler gear. The mount includes a mount pin extending along a mount axis through the idler gear and an opening in the housing, and an eccentric bushing positioned around the mount pin and centrally within the idler gear. The eccentric bushing is rotatable about the mount axis to alter an offset between the input axis and the idler gear axis. A fastener can lock a position of the bushing in relation to the housing. The fastener is engageable in a first/second hole of the housing to accommodate a first/second gear ratio between the input gear and the output gear(s).
F16H 57/022 - Adjustment of gear shafts or bearings
B60K 17/28 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or type of power take-off
F16H 1/22 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsToothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts
F16H 57/023 - Mounting or installation of gears or shafts in gearboxes, e.g. methods or means for assembly
F16H 57/033 - Series gearboxes, e.g. gearboxes based on the same design being available in different sizes or gearboxes using a combination of several standardised units
A clutch assembly has a housing with a cooling path and a piston actuation path, selectively connected. In a dry clutch, a single reversible power pack selectively services both paths. In a wet clutch, a single unidirectional motor drives two pumps in unison, one servicing the cooling path and the other the piston actuation path. Inputs to a filter selectively receive solid or orifice plugs, the latter controlling the flow and pressure of coolant oil to a cooling passage matrix. Various plugs with inlets to the filter control the source of cooling oil employed by the clutch. A first implementation allows for use of the hydraulic system of the host piece of equipment or known hydraulic systems, while a second implementation provides a self-contained source of hydraulic oil, which, through the hydraulic power units described, services both the actuating system and the cooling matrix of the clutch.
A method for effecting efficient engagement of a clutch to interconnect an engine and an implement which monitors operational parameters of the engine and implement and determines from those operational parameters at least two ramp rates for the application of hydraulic pressure to the clutch. The hydraulic pressure is applied at a first ramp rate to the clutch for a first period and applied at a second ramp rate to the clutch for a second period. A determination is made from the relationship between the input and output speeds of the clutch whether the clutch is fully engaged. If it is not fully engaged, clutch pressure is released and the ramp rates are reevaluated and reset. They are then sequentially applied for the first and second periods. The process repeats until full engagement is achieved or a determination is made that full engagement cannot be achieved.
F16D 48/06 - Control by electric or electronic means, e.g. of fluid pressure
F16D 25/0635 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs
A clutch assembly has a housing with a cooling path and a piston actuation path, selectively connected. In a dry clutch, a single reversible power pack selectively services both paths. In a wet clutch, a single unidirectional motor drives two pumps in unison, one servicing the cooling path and the other the piston actuation path. Inputs to a filter selectively receive solid or orifice plugs, the latter controlling the flow and pressure of coolant oil to a cooling passage matrix. Various plugs with inlets to the filter control the source of cooling oil employed by the clutch. A first implementation allows for use of the hydraulic system of the host piece of equipment or known hydraulic systems, while a second implementation provides a self-contained source of hydraulic oil, which, through the hydraulic power units described, services both the actuating system and the cooling matrix of the clutch.
F16D 25/0638 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs with more than two discs, e.g. multiple lamellae
F16D 43/284 - Internally controlled automatic clutches actuated by fluid pressure controlled by angular speed
F16D 48/04 - Control by fluid pressure providing power assistance
A clutch assembly has a housing with a cooling path and a piston actuation path, selectively connected. In a dry clutch, a single reversible power pack selectively services both paths. In a wet clutch, a single unidirectional motor drives two pumps in unison, one servicing the cooling path and the other the piston actuation path. Inputs to a filter selectively receive solid or orifice plugs, the latter controlling the flow and pressure of coolant oil to a cooling passage matrix. Various plugs with inlets to the filter control the source of cooling oil employed by the clutch. A first implementation allows for use of the hydraulic system of the host piece of equipment or known hydraulic systems, while a second implementation provides a self-contained source of hydraulic oil, which, through the hydraulic power units described, services both the actuating system and the cooling matrix of the clutch.
F16D 25/0638 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs with more than two discs, e.g. multiple lamellae
F16D 48/04 - Control by fluid pressure providing power assistance
F16D 43/284 - Internally controlled automatic clutches actuated by fluid pressure controlled by angular speed
10.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENT CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT
A method for effecting efficient engagement of a clutch to interconnect an engine and an implement which monitors operational parameters of the engine and implement and determines from those operational parameters at least two ramp rates for the application of hydraulic pressure to the clutch. The hydraulic pressure is applied at a first ramp rate to the clutch for a first period and applied at a second ramp rate to the clutch for a second period. A determination is made from the relationship between the input and output speeds of the clutch whether the clutch is fully engaged. If it is not fully engaged, clutch pressure is released and the ramp rates are reevaluated and reset. They are then sequentially applied for the first and second periods. The process repeats until full engagement is achieved or a determination is made that full engagement cannot be achieved.
A compact, long-life clutch assembly employs a bearing and shaft system having a preloaded tapered roller bearing accommodating both high radial loads and axial loads while accommodating system misalignment resulting from such loads, deflections, and structural characteristics of input/output devices. A bell housing and end cover integrated into a single casting reduces costs, while the utilization of wave springs accommodate reduction in size and expense in manufacture and servicing
F16D 25/0638 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs with more than two discs, e.g. multiple lamellae
12.
Wind turbine coupling to mitigate torque reversals
A wind turbine power generating system, including a wind turbine connected to a speed-increasing gearbox having an output shaft. An electrical generator having an input shaft is also provided. A coupling interconnects the input and output shafts. The coupling includes a high torsional wind-up and/or displacement ability in parallel with a high frictional slip ability, such that during normal operation there is little or no frictional slippage and during a transient torque reversal the loads in the turbine drive system are decreased, thus decreasing the impact loads on the gearbox bearings.
F03D 7/02 - Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
F16F 15/129 - Suppression of vibrations in rotating systems by making use of members moving with the system using elastic members or friction-damping members, e.g. between a rotating shaft and a gyratory mass mounted thereon characterised by friction-damping means
An electromagnetic-released, multi-disc, enclosed safety brake for primary use in offshore marine winch applications includes a stationary coil housing that encompasses springs that apply pressure to an armature, a pair of separator plates, three friction plates and a stationary endplate. The multi-disc brake is released by means of a DC voltage applied to the brake coil. The excited coil generates an electromagnetic force that attracts the armature across an air-gap thus reducing the spring force applied to the disc pack. The brake is applied when the DC voltage is removed from the brake coil. Various structures and methodologies for reducing vibrations in the brake are also provided.
A self-contained clutch for diesel engines for off-highway implementation is provided. A stationary friction disc, pressure plate and endplate sandwich a pair of rotating separator discs. Attenuation of vibration damping of the rotator discs may be achieved by a centrifugal weight. A pulse-width-modulated DC motor or valve is employed in association with a hydraulic actuator to control pressure to the clutch piston. An RFID tag uniquely identifies the nature and parameters of the clutch itself and is associated with the clutch such that the controller can most efficiently operate the clutch. Heat is dissipated by an oil pump servicing the support bearings and/or by the integration of a centrifugal fan into the heat disc stack.
F16D 25/0638 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs with more than two discs, e.g. multiple lamellae
F16D 13/70 - Pressure members, e.g. pressure plates, for clutch-plates or lamellaeGuiding arrangements for pressure members
F16D 25/0635 - Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs
F16D 48/06 - Control by electric or electronic means, e.g. of fluid pressure
15.
Wind turbine coupling to mitigate torque reversals
A wind turbine power generating system, including a wind turbine connected to a speed-increasing gearbox having an output shaft. An electrical generator having an input shaft is also provided. A coupling interconnects the input and output shafts. The coupling includes a high torsional wind-up and/or displacement ability in parallel with a high frictional slip ability, such that during normal operation there is little or no frictional slippage and during a transient torque reversal the loads in the turbine drive system are decreased, thus decreasing the impact loads on the gearbox bearings.
F03D 15/10 - Transmission of mechanical power using gearing not limited to rotary motion, e.g. with oscillating or reciprocating members
F03D 1/00 - Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
F16D 7/02 - Slip couplings, e.g. slipping on overload, for absorbing shock of the friction type
F03D 7/02 - Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
F16F 15/129 - Suppression of vibrations in rotating systems by making use of members moving with the system using elastic members or friction-damping members, e.g. between a rotating shaft and a gyratory mass mounted thereon characterised by friction-damping means
F03D 9/25 - Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
An electromagnetic-released, multi-disc, enclosed safety brake for primary use in offshore marine winch applications. A stationary coil housing encompasses springs that apply pressure to an armature, a pair of separator plates, three friction plates and a stationary endplate. The multi-disc brake is released by means of a DC voltage applied to the brake coil. The excited coil generates an electromagnetic force that attracts the armature across an air-gap thus reducing the spring force applied to the disc pack. The brake is applied when the DC voltage is removed from the brake coil. Various structures and methodologies for reducing vibrations in the brake are also provided.
A self-contained clutch for diesel engines for off-highway implementation is provided. A stationary friction disc, pressure plate and endplate sandwich a pair of rotating separator discs. Attenuation of vibration damping of the rotator discs may be achieved by a centrifugal weight. A pulse-width-modulated DC motor or valve is employed in association with a hydraulic actuator to control pressure to the clutch piston. An RFID tag uniquely identifies the nature and parameters of the clutch itself and is associated with the clutch such that the controller can most efficiently operate the clutch. Heat is dissipated by an oil pump servicing the support bearings and/or by the integration of a centrifugal fan into the heat disc stack.
A wind turbine power generating system, including a wind turbine connected to a speed-increasing gearbox having an output shaft. An electrical generator having an input shaft is also provided. A coupling interconnects the input and output shafts. The coupling includes a high torsional wind-up and/or displacement ability in parallel with a high frictional slip ability, such that during normal operation there is little or no frictional slippage and during a transient torque reversal the loads in the turbine drive system are decreased, thus decreasing the impact loads on the gearbox bearings.
An asymmetric torque limiting coupling system for use on wind turbines, in which a forward torque limiting clutch and a reverse torque limiting clutch are provided in paired relation, with the reverse torque limiting clutch having a characteristic slip torque that is significantly less than that of the forward torque limiting clutch. In a specific embodiment disclosed, an asymmetric torque limiter interconnects a wind turbine with a generator shaft. The coupling includes an input housing and an output hub, with an overrunning mechanism interposed between the two. A first torque limiting mechanism is provided in series interconnection with the overrunning mechanism between the input housing and hub, while a second torque limiting mechanism is provided in parallel interconnection with the overrunning mechanism between the input housing and output hub.
F16D 3/10 - Couplings with means for varying the angular relationship of two coaxial shafts during motion
F16D 3/14 - Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions combined with a friction coupling for damping vibration or absorbing shock
F16D 7/00 - Slip couplings, e.g. slipping on overload, for absorbing shock
F16D 41/04 - Freewheels or freewheel clutches combined with a clutch for locking the driving and driven members
F16D 47/04 - Systems of clutches, or clutches and couplings, comprising devices of types grouped under at least two of the following sets of groups: of which at least one is a freewheel
An asymmetric torque limiting coupling system for use on wind turbines, in which a forward torque limiting clutch and a reverse torque limiting clutch are provided in paired relation, with the reverse torque limiting clutch having a characteristic slip torque that is significantly less than that of the forward torque limiting clutch. In a specific embodiment disclosed, an asymmetric torque limiter interconnects a wind turbine with a generator shaft. The coupling includes an input housing and an output hub, with an overrunning mechanism interposed between the two. A first torque limiting mechanism is provided in series interconnection with the overrunning mechanism between the input housing and hub, while a second torque limiting mechanism is provided in parallel interconnection with the overrunning mechanism between the input housing and output hub.
F03D 11/00 - Details, component parts, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the other groups of this subclass
F16D 45/00 - Freewheels or freewheel clutches combined with automatic clutches
F16D 47/02 - Systems of clutches, or clutches and couplings, comprising devices of types grouped under at least two of the following sets of groups: of which at least one is a coupling
F16D 47/04 - Systems of clutches, or clutches and couplings, comprising devices of types grouped under at least two of the following sets of groups: of which at least one is a freewheel
F03D 11/02 - Transmission of power, e.g. using hollow exhausting blades
A wind turbine power generating system includes a wind turbine connected to a speed increasing gearbox having an output shaft. An electrical generator having an input shaft is also provided. An asymmetrical coupling interconnects the input and output shafts. The coupling includes a first torque limiting clutch in series connection with a one-way clutch between the input and output shafts. A second torque limiting clutch is provided in parallel connection with the one-way clutch between the input and output shafts. The first and second torque limiting clutches have different characteristic slip torques. The interconnection of the clutches, and the implementation of the one-way clutch, provides for effective operation of the first and second torque limiting clutches in opposite rotational directions of the input and output shafts. The second torque limiting clutch has a characteristic slip torque that is a fraction of the first torque limiting clutch, the second torque limiting clutch providing protection against reverse impulse loads.
A wind turbine power generating system includes a wind turbine connected to a speed increasing gearbox having an output shaft. An electrical generator having an input shaft is also provided. An asymmetrical coupling interconnects the input and output shafts. The coupling includes a first torque limiting clutch in series connection with a one-way clutch between the input and output shafts. A second torque limiting clutch is provided in parallel connection with the one-way clutch between the input and output shafts. The first and second torque limiting clutches have different characteristic slip torques. The interconnection of the clutches, and the implementation of the one-way clutch, provides for effective operation of the first and second torque limiting clutches in opposite rotational directions of the input and output shafts. The second torque limiting clutch has a characteristic slip torque that is a fraction of the first torque limiting clutch, the second torque limiting clutch providing protection against reverse impulse loads.
A compact universal fluid-actuated clutch employs a pair of tapered roller bearings between a cover plate and output shaft, the roller bearings serving to not only rotationally maintain the output shaft, but receive and transfer clutch reactionary forces therethrough. Lubrication to the tapered roller bearings serves to lubricate not only a thrust bearing through which the actuation forces are transferred, but also to lubricate the clutch, as well, in the embodiment of a wet clutch. Also provided is an output shaft brake assembly, which is also lubricated through the tapered roller bearings, and which is of a small compact nature, consisting of a piston rotatably secured to the end cover, and a rotor operatively attached to the output shaft. The invention substantially eliminates the need for rotary unions and rifle boring of the output shaft, and allows for adaptation of the shaft to direct or belt drive equipment connections.
A compact disc spring torque limiting clutch has an input hub and an output hub having a friction pack that is removable from the input hub as an entire unit to facilitate servicing and repair. The force actuator of the torque limiting clutch is a Belleville spring or machined disc spring that is operatively interposed between the input hub and the friction pack. The deflection of the Belleville spring during the useful life of the friction pack is within the flat portion of the force vs. deflection curve and establishes a characteristic breakaway torque for the torque limiting clutch. The use of a Belleville spring significantly reduces the axial dimension of the torque limiting clutch, adapting it for use in applications where space is at a premium.
A clutch control system is interposed between an engine and a piece of driven equipment. The clutch control system includes a clutch assembly with input and output speed sensors for providing signals corresponding to the shaft rotational speeds of the engine and the driven equipment, respectively. A pressure sensor is connected to the clutch assembly and provides an output signal corresponding to clutch pressure. A temperature sensor is also associated with the clutch assembly and provides a temperature signal corresponding to the operating temperature of the clutch assembly. Transducers of various types are also employed to sense operating conditions such as shock loads or the like. Also included is a machine control system connected to the driven equipment and an engine control module connected to the engine, both of which are interconnected through an SAE J1939 CAN to the clutch control unit. These signals are passed to a clutch control unit that employs the signals to assess the operating conditions of the system and accordingly adjust the clutch pressure through a pressure control valve. A vast array of operating data is available from the system and is employed by the clutch control unit to ensure optimum operation, by tailoring the clutch pressure to the engine and driven equipment, thus minimizing clutch slippage and avoiding or instantaneously correcting shock load situations.
