Vacuum Pump Having a Disconnectable Drive Coupling
AssigneeWabco Automotive UK Limited
InventorsSimon Warner, David Heaps
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To provide a failsafe drive coupling capable of high torque transmission in direct dog drive, a vacuum pump drive is disconnectable from a drive shaft upon movement of a piston against a return spring, under the action of oil pressure. The piston comprises a speed synchronizing clutch engageable with the input shaft to rotate the piston at the speed of the input shaft, and teeth to directly dog the piston and input shaft together.
Claims14
A vacuum pump, comprising a disconnectable drive coupling, the disconnectable drive coupling including an input shaft, a co-axial output shaft, an axially movable coupling sleeve, a speed synchronising clutch and drive structures, wherein the coupling sleeve is resiliently movable to an engaged state where the input shaft is coupled for rotation with the output shaft, the coupling sleeve forming part of an annular piston that is movable in response to an increase in fluid pressure to a disengaged state where the input shaft is decoupled from rotation with the output shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.