摘要 |
A clutch unit especially adapted for accurately controlling the transmission of high rotary forces with minimum residual drag. A servo control valve supplied with hydraulic fluid by a pump controls a first stage fluid amplifier supplied by a separate pump, this amplifier in turn controlling a second stage amplifier supplied by a third pump. The second stage amplifier supplies main and auxiliary inlet ports of the clutch unit. The oil shear type clutch has a plurality of interleaved plates and discs. Separate piston and cylinder means is provided for actuating the plates for each clutch disc by means of the main fluid supply, the pressure of which is varied in accordance with input signals to the servo control valve. The auxiliary supply to the clutch acts both to retract the piston and cylinder means, thus separating the plates and discs with a minimum of residual drag, and as a cooling medium. The clutch discs are segmented so as to permit economical fabrication in spite of the large size of the clutch, with the disc segments being mounted as to permit convenient replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the unit.
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