Combined clutch-brake mechanism

摘要

An improved combined clutch and brake apparatus is disclosed having a pressure disk positioned on a hub between a brake thrust disk and a pneumatic cylinder. The present invention is configured to allow the apparatus to be efficiently serviced. The brake thrust disk forms an outer surface of the invented combined clutch and brake apparatus. A movable piston positioned in a casing of the pneumatic cylinder forms an external face of the invented combined clutch and brake apparatus. This arrangement allows failed sealing collars sealing the piston to the casing to be efficiently replaced. Readily accessible screws also allow clearances between the pressure disk and the brake thrust disk and between the pressure disk and a clutch thrust ring to be efficiently maintained at optimal levels via stepless adjustment from either side of the invented combined clutch and brake mechanism or from both sides. This is particularly important because friction elements which engage the driven disks are subject to extensive wear and therefore continuously alter the clearances. Finally, a bolt connecting the piston to the pressure disk allows the length the piston is free to travel to be efficiently adjusted as desired.