Improved clutch boxes for hybrid train applications
AssigneeNuovo Pignone Tecnologie Srl
InventorsFabio BALDANZINI, Sophie BENTZ, Giuliano MILANI, Gaspare MARAGIOGLIO, Alessandro PINZAUTI, Nicola VANNI
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hybrid train system is disclosed. The hybrid train system comprises at least one gas turbine and a clutch box. The clutch box comprises a torque limiting device arranged within the containment case of the clutch box itself. In case the torque transmitted to the clutch exceeds a threshold, the torque limiting device mechanically decouples the clutch from the gas turbine. A clutch box is also disclosed.
Claims11
A hybrid train system, comprising:
- a load, to be driven by a torque,
- a gas turbine for generating the driving torque to drive the load;
- and
- a main transmission assembly, having:
- a clutch box, comprising a containment case, and a clutch, arranged within the containment case;
- a first transmission shaft, having an end mechanically connected to the gas turbine, and the other end mechanically connected to the clutch box;
- and
- a second transmission shaft, having an end mechanically connected to the clutch box;
- wherein the clutch box comprises a torque limiting device arranged within the containment case,
- wherein the torque limiting device is connected between the clutch and the first transmission shaft and/or the second transmission shaft, and
- wherein in case of the torque transmitted to the clutch exceeds a threshold, the torque limiting device mechanically decouples the clutch from the first transmis-sion shaft and/or the second transmission shaft.
A clutch box comprising:
- a containment case;
- and
- a clutch, arranged within the containment case;
- wherein the clutch box comprises a torque limiting device arranged within the containment case,
- wherein the torque limiting device can be connected between a first trans-mission shaft and the clutch, and
- wherein in case of the torque transmitted to the clutch exceeds a threshold, the torque limiting device mechanically decouples the clutch from the first transmis-sion shaft.
The clutch box of the preceding claim, wherein the torque limiting device comprises a body,
- a collar, rotatably connectable to a first transmission shaft, and
- one or more shear pins, connecting the collar and the sprocket, so as to be subject to a shear force when torque is transmitted from the collar to the sprocket,
- wherein in case the transmitted torque causes a force that exceeds the shear strength threshold of the shear pins, the shear pins break to mechanically decouple the clutch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.