US 4,542,812 AGranted

Variable torque slip clutch

AssigneeHoneywell Inc.

InventorCurtis E. Westley

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Abstract

A variable torque slip clutch is disclosed in which first and second members configured with first and second surfaces of revolution respectively transverse to an axis are positioned for sliding contact between the surfaces of revolution. A bias spring in the form of a warped disc is positioned to urge the surfaces together and a disc shaped retainer cooperates with one of the first and second members to variably compress the bias spring. The member which cooperates with the retainer is configured with ramp surface segments having a plurality of protrusions thereon angularly spaced about the axis. The retainer is configured with tongues which engage the protrusions so as to permit rotational repositioning of the retainer relative to the member with which it cooperates only after axially displacing the retainer relative to the member.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A variable torque slip clutch comprising:

a first member having a first surface of revolution thereon transverse to an axis and facing in a first direction along the axis, said first member being configured with ramp surface means facing in a second direction opposite the first direction, the ramp surface means having a plurality of first engaging means thereon angularly spaced about the axis;
a second member having a second surface of revolution configured and positioned for sliding contact with the first surface of revolution;
a spring compressible along the axis;
and
a retainer configured and positioned to cooperate with the ramp surface means so as to variably squeeze said spring and said second member between said retainer and said first member, thereby varying the torque at which said second member slips relative to said first member, said retainer having second engaging means configured to cooperate with the first engaging means to permit rotational repositioning of said retainer about the axis relative to said first member only after displacing said retainer in the second direction.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.