Clutch assembly

摘要

In an aspect, a method is provided for controlling a clutch assembly having first and second rotatable clutch members. The method includes providing a wrap spring clutch having first and second ends. The phase angle between the first and second ends determines a diameter of the wrap spring clutch. One of the clutch members is connected with the first end. The method further includes obtaining a target value indicative of a target speed for the second clutch member, and determining through measurement an actual value that is indicative of an actual speed of the second clutch member. The method further includes changing the phase angle between the first and second ends of the wrap spring clutch to generate a selected amount of slip between the wrap spring clutch and the other of the first and second clutch members, based on the target value and the actual value.

主权项

1. A method for controlling a clutch assembly having a first clutch member that is rotatable about an axis and a second clutch member that is rotatable about the axis, comprising:
a) providing a wrap spring clutch having a first end, a second end and a plurality of helical coils between the first end and the second end, wherein a phase angle between the first and second ends determines a diameter of the wrap spring clutch, and wherein one of the first and second clutch members is connected with the first end of the wrap spring clutch; b) obtaining a target value that is indicative of a target speed of the second clutch member; c) determining through measurement an actual value that is indicative of an actual speed of the second clutch member; and d) changing the phase angle between the first and second ends of the wrap spring clutch to control slip between the wrap spring clutch and the other of the first and second clutch members, based on the target value and the actual value.