Synchronizing clutch

摘要

951,943. Positive clutches; clutch control. P. E. PONTIUS, and S. B. CAMPBELL. June 24, 1960, No. 22299/60. Headings F2C and F2L. A power actuated friction synchronized positive clutch for a marine vessel of the type described in Specification 738,860 wherein externally toothed driving and driven members 2, 9 the former carrying an internally splined sleeve 24 which is axially slidable into engagement with the latter on synchronism produced by a friction clutch 37 between the member 9 and a presser sleeve 33 connected through balking pins 43 to the sleeve 24, has additional hydraulic operation of the friction clutch 37. The sleeve 24 is actuated by selectively supplying pressure fluid from a pump 80 via a solenoid operated control valve 65 and lines 66 or 67 to cylinders 59, 60, the pistons 57, 58 of which are interconnected and carry a roller 55 disposed between flanges 53, 54 on the sleeve. For engagement the control valve 65 is conditioned, by energizing solenoid 97, to supply pressure fluid through a line 64 and valve 76 to engage the clutch 37 and after a delay, determined by a delay valve 69, to the cylinder 60 to move the sleeve 24 left. Frictional drag on the presser sleeve 33 causes the balking pins 43 to engage in large ends 51 of slots 49 in the member 33 and prevent further movement of the sleeve 24. On synchronizm the pins 43 are free to slide in the slots 49 thereby permitting further leftward movement of the sleeve 24 to engage the clutch. A cam 79 fast with the pistons actuates a valve 86 which supplies pressure fluid to a pilot valve 861 to change the valve 76 which cuts the supply of pressure fluid to the friction clutch line 77 and connects the line to exhaust at 70a. The cam 79 also operates a switch 1021 to break the circuit to the engage solenoid 97 whereupon the valve 65 moves to its neutral position and vents the chamber 60. The sleeve 24 being held in the clutch engaged position by a detent 28. For disengagement the valve 65 is conditioned, by energizing the solenoid 981, to supply pressure fluid direct to the cylinder 59. The solenoids 97, 981 are selectively energized by manual switches (Fig. 6, not shown) which also start a motor 72 to drive the pump 80. A relief valve 43d and check valve 73 are provided. The delay valve 69 may be by-passed through a valve 47 and orifice 78 for testing. The teeth on the members 2, 9 are crowned to permit slight misalignment of the members.