摘要 |
A device for enhancing the cooling of a friction disc according to the preferred embodiment of the teachings of the present invention is shown for use with a rotational control apparatus shown in its preferred form as a brake. Due to the rotation of the friction disc, a forward flow of air is created by air flowing into entry ports into an air cooling chamber formed in the friction disc and past the periphery of the friction disc to the atmosphere. The present invention directs cooling air radially inward into the friction disc at least in one radial segment of the friction disc at a time in a direction counter to the forward flow of air to enhance the cooling of the friction disc especially at relatively low RPM. Specifically, the device of the present invention includes in its most preferred form a wire guard housing including a plurality of circular wires which are arranged in a parallel spaced relation and secured to the periphery of the external housing in which the friction disc is mounted for rotation. A squirrel cage type fan is mounted to the wire guard housing for drawing air from the atmosphere and directing it under pressure inwardly into the friction disc.
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