Nonsynchronized positive clutch structure
AssigneeEaton Corporation
InventorAlan R. Davis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A nonsynchronized positive clutch system (200) is provided for selectively rotationally coupling and decoupling a first (46) and a second (42) independently rotatable members. The clutch system includes clutch members (50, 42A) each carrying a number (N) of interengagable clutch teeth (208, 210) which is maximized in view of pitch diameter (214), clutch backlash (216) and durability considerations. By increasing the number of clutch teeth, relative to the prior art (200P), smoother shifting and/or reduced risk of missed engagements is obtained.
Claims18
A nonsynchronized positive clutch system (200) for selectively rotationally coupling and decoupling first (46) and second (42) independently rotatable members, said clutch system comprising a first clutch member (50) rotatable with said first rotatable member (46) and a second clutch member (42A) rotatable with said second rotatable member (42), said first and second clutch members carrying an array of first (208) and second (210) interengagable clutch teeth, respectively, said clutch teeth defining a pitch diameter (214), said clutch system characterized by:
- the number of clutch teeth (N) carried by each of said clutch members defined by the expression;
- N.gtoreq.P*PD
- where:
- N=the number of interengagable clutch teeth on each of said clutch members,
- P=clutch pitch.gtoreq.10;
- and
- PD=the pitch diameter (214) expressed in units of inches.
A vehicular heavy-duty mechanical transmission (10) including a non-synchronized positive jaw clutch assembly (200) for selectively rotationally coupling and decoupling a transmission shaft (46) to a transmission gear (42) surrounding said shaft and independently rotatable relative thereto, said clutch assembly comprising a clutch sleeve (50) coupled to said shaft for rotation therewith and axial movement relative thereto and a hub member (42A) rotatably coupled to said gear (42), said clutch sleeve and said hub member carrying an array of first (208) and second (210) axially interengagable clutch teeth, respectively, said clutch teeth defining a pitch diameter (214) of at least 2.5 inches, said transmission characterized by said clutch assembly being defined by:
- N.gtoreq.P*PD
- where:
- N=the number of interengagable clutch teeth on each of said clutch members,
- P=clutch pitch.gtoreq.10;
- and
- PD=the pitch diameter (214) expressed in units of inches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.