US 4,053,038 AGranted

Self-synchronizing clutch

AssigneePhiladelphia Gear Corporation

InventorRolland Clyde Herrick

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Abstract

A self-synchronizing clutch has two sets of helical splines. A first set is between the main input shaft and a carrier member. The second set is between the carrier member and a coupling member. The second set of splines performs the indexing function. A one-way or over-running clutch is included as a sensing means but does not perform the indexing function. The over-running clutch or sensing means provides the small torque needed to shift angularly the carrier and coupling members on their respective helical splines. Constraining means, activated by the sensing means, is provided for the carrier member. Spring-loaded biasing means are provided for the carrier member in those installations where the input shaft occupies, or may occupy, a tilted or inclined position. A clutch lock-in and/or clutch lock-out means are also provided.

Claims19

Dependent claims

In a self-synchronizing clutch mechanism for automatically coupling rotatable input means to rotating output means in response to said input means attaining a rotational speed equal to that of said output means, and for automatically decoupling said input means from said output means in response to the rotational speed of said input means falling below that of said output means:

a. an annular carrier mounted coaxially with said input means and coupled to said input means through a first set of helical splines;
b. an annular coupler mounted coaxially with said carrier and carried by said carrier by means of a second set of helical splines;
c. sensing means responsive to said input means attaining a rotational speed equal to that of said output means;
d. carrier constraining means activated by said sensing means for guiding the combined rotational and axial movement of the carrier relative to the said output means, thereby to cause said carrier to move axially and angularly on said first set of helical splines in response to input torque;
e. said coupler, when carried axially by said carrier, being adapted to abut against said output means and in response to said abutment to be moved angularly on said second set of helical splines and into engagement with said output means.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.