Fan drive with high torque release
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsArthur Hall, III, Robert F. Combs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fan drive with high torque release embodying the concepts of the present invention is adapted to disengage the fan drive under high torque conditions. The fan drive includes an input shaft member and an output shaft member. A torque transfer device operatively connects the input shaft member with the output shaft member. A spring apply mechanism is provided for engaging the torque transfer device at low speeds and under low torque loading, and a centrifugal apply mechanism is provided for maintaining engagement of the torque transfer device under higher operating speeds and at properly anticipated torque loading. A release mechanism substantially disengages the torque transfer device upon the application of higher than desired torque loading conditions.
Claims15
A fan drive with high torque release comprising:
- an input shaft member;
- an output shaft member;
- torque transfer friction means operatively to connect said input shaft member with said output shaft member;
- spring apply means for engaging said torque transfer friction means;
- centrifugal apply means for engaging said torque transfer friction means in response to rotation of said shaft members;
- and
- means for releasing at least said centrifugal apply means under predetermined high torque conditions.
A fan drive with a high torque release comprising:
- an input shaft member;
- an output shaft member;
- a torque sensing collar surrounding said output shaft member and operatively attached to rotate with said output shaft member;
- torque transfer means operatively to connect said input shaft member to said torque sensing collar for permitting a predetermined angular rotation therebetween;
- opposed first and second apply members selectively to compress said torque transfer means;
- a plurality of first circumferentially spaced circumferentially disposed and circumferentially offset axially inclined camming ramp recesses in said torque sensing collar;
- a plurality of second circumferentially spaced circumferentially disposed and circumferentially offset axially inclined camming ramp recesses in said second apply member;
- the axial inclination of said opposed camming ramp recesses being oppositely disposed;
- and
- a cam ball received in said opposed and offset camming ramp recesses.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.