Air conditioning compressor over-torque protector
AssigneeDelphi Technologies, Inc.
InventorTheodore R. Cochran
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automotive air conditioning compressor assembly that includes a compressor capable of exhibiting an over-torque condition, an electromagnetic clutch, and an over-torque protection device located between the compressor and the accessory drive. The over-torque protection device is configured to decouple the compressor and the accessory drive when the over-torque condition occurs. The over-torque protection device uses a frangible part that breaks when an over-torque condition occurs and parts equipped with helical ramps to force the rotor and stator of the clutch apart to disengage the compressor from the vehicle accessory drive.
Claims16
An automotive air conditioning compressor assembly comprising:
- a compressor operable to compress material within the compressor, said compressor capable of exhibiting an over-torque condition;
- a clutch operable to an engaged state wherein an accessory drive is coupled to the compressor for operating the compressor, and operable to a disengaged state;
- an over-torque protection device interposed between the compressor and the accessory drive, said over-torque protection device configured to decouple the compressor and the accessory drive when the over-torque condition occurs.
A clutch assembly for use with an automotive air conditioning compressor comprising:
- a clutch operable to an engaged state wherein an accessory drive is coupled to a compressor for operating the compressor, and operable to a disengaged state;
- an over-torque protection device interposed between the compressor and the accessory drive, said over-torque protection device configured to decouple the compressor and the accessory drive when the over-torque condition occurs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.