GB334649A - Improved clutch mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

334,649. Morgan, H. R. June 28, 1929. Clutches, claw. - A claw clutch is adapted to have on initial engagement a limited amount of backlash to be taken up by further coupling means actuated by the torque of the drive. These means may comprise a further dog clutch, a series of teeth to fill the backlash spaces of the prior set, or, as shown, a series of spring-pressed bolts C<1>, C<2> closely engaging holes B<1>, B<2> in one of the coupled members A. The other coupled member D<1> on the shaft D has splined to it a member F, carrying undercut teeth, O<1>, O<2>, pressed forward by a spring K to engage, with considerable backlash, teeth E<1>, E<2> on the member A. The bolts C<1>, C<2> are carried in guides in the member F and are pressed forward by springs I bearing on a washer N attached to the member F. Slidable on member D' is a part L which is slid axially to affect disengagement, first of the bolts C<1>, C<2> through lugs J carried thereon, thereby establishing a condition of backlash, and then of the dogs O<1>, O<2> against spring K. On engagement, by reason of the undercut faces of the dogs the drive acts by force and momentum to draw the prior set O<1>, E<1>, Fig. II into closer engagement, first compressing the springs I and finally allowing the bolts C<1> to engage their recesses. The compressing effect of the springs I may be used as a cushioning device and the springs I may accordingly be stiffer than ordinarily necessary. In a modification, only one face of each set of prior engaging teeth is undercut, the other face being straight and having alongside it the locking teeth which fill the backlash space. In a further modification, a sliding dog is splined to the outer surface of the prior engaging member and comes into close engagement with peripheral teeth on the driven member. The device is enclosed in a casing and provided with an operating fork.