Speed ​​sensor for clutch assembly

Abstract

A clutch assembly comprises: a housing; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis relative to the housing; and a clutch unit coupled between the housing and the rotating member. The clutch unit is configured to regulate the movement of the rotating member relative to the housing. The clutch unit comprises a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotating member so that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate about the axis together with the rotating member. The clutch assembly comprises a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring. The sensor is configured to measure the angular velocity of the rotating member relative to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clutch assembly including a clutch unit, and more particularly to a speed sensor for a clutch assembly. Summary of the invention

[0002] In one aspect, a clutch assembly includes: a housing; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis relative to the housing; and a clutch pack coupled between the housing and the rotating member. The clutch pack includes: a separator plate coupled to the housing so that the separator plate is fixed and cannot move relative to the housing about the axis; a friction plate coupled to the rotating member so that the friction plate is configured to move about the axis with the rotating member; and a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotating member so that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate about the axis with the rotating member. The clutch assembly includes a sensor coupled to the housing. The sensor communicates with the speed sensor ring and is configured to measure the angular velocity of the rotating member relative to the housing. The friction plate, the separator plate, and the speed sensor ring are configured to move axially along the axis to adjust the movement of the rotating member relative to the housing.

[0003] In another aspect, a clutch assembly includes: a housing; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis relative to the housing; and a clutch unit coupled between the housing and the rotating member. The clutch unit is configured to regulate the movement of the rotating member relative to the housing. The clutch unit includes a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotating member so that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate about the axis with the rotating member. The clutch assembly includes a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring. The sensor is configured to measure the angular velocity of the rotating member relative to the housing.

[0004] In yet another aspect, a clutch assembly includes: a housing; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis relative to the housing; and a clutch unit coupled between the housing and the rotating member. The clutch unit includes a disk coupled to the housing. The disk includes a first maximum width parallel to the axis. The clutch unit also includes a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotating member so that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate about the axis with the rotating member. The speed sensor ring includes a second maximum width parallel to the axis. The clutch assembly includes a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring. The sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member relative to the housing. A ratio of the second width to the first width is greater than 1.5.

[0005] In addition, other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the clutch assembly.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A first exploded view of a clutch assembly comprising a clutch unit including a speed sensor ring according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Second exploded view of the clutch assembly

[0009] Figure 4 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the speed sensor ring of a clutch assembly.

[0010] Figure 5 The diagram shows the clutch unit in the disengaged state. Figure 1 A cross section of the clutch assembly taken along line 5-5.

[0011] Figure 6 The diagram shows the clutch unit in the engaged state. Figure 1 A cross section of the clutch assembly taken along line 5-5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Before explaining any embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and being practiced or performed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. Degree terms, such as "substantially", "approximately", "approximately", etc. are understood by ordinary technicians to refer to a reasonable range outside a given value, for example, the general tolerances associated with the manufacture, assembly and use of the described embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1 A clutch assembly 10 is illustrated, comprising a main shaft 15 (e.g., a rotating member) rotatably coupled to a housing 20 about an axis 25. The illustrated clutch assembly 10 is operable as a braking system for a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural tractor, etc.), a mobile device pulled or pushed by a vehicle (e.g., a trailer, an agricultural baler, an agricultural liquid applicator, a hauling device, etc.), and / or a self-propelled mobile device, etc. Thus, the housing 20 is secured to a structure (e.g., a frame of a vehicle / mobile device) to support the clutch assembly 10 to the vehicle / mobile device. An axle 30 (e.g., of the vehicle, mobile device, etc.) extends through a central splined hole 35 of the main shaft 15 and is operable to drive wheels, tracks, etc., which are coupled to one end of the axle 30 by means of a power source (e.g., an engine, a motor, a transmission, etc.) coupled to the other end of the axle 30. In this way, the clutch assembly 10 is operable to reduce the angular velocity of the axle 30 to brake the vehicle, mobile device, etc.

[0014] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the clutch assembly 10 includes a clutch unit 40 coupled between the housing 20 and the main shaft 15. The clutch unit 40 includes a friction plate 45 having teeth 50 formed on the inner periphery of the friction plate 45, the teeth 50 meshing with teeth 55 formed on the outer periphery of the main shaft 15, so that the friction plate 45 moves with the main shaft 15 around the axis 25. The engagement between the friction plate 45 and the main shaft 15 via the teeth 50, 55 also allows the friction plate 45 to move axially along the axis 25 relative to the main shaft 15 and the housing 20. Each friction plate 45 includes two opposite side surfaces 60 of a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction (e.g., a ceramic material, etc.). In addition, each friction plate 45 includes a first width 65 (measured in a direction along the axis 25) between the two opposite side surfaces 60. Figure 5 ) (eg, the maximum width of each friction disk 45).

[0015] The clutch unit 40 also includes a separator plate 70 having a protrusion 75 formed on an outer periphery of the separator plate 70, the protrusion 75 being received in a groove 80 formed on an inner surface 85 of the housing 20, so that the separator plate 70 is fixed and cannot rotate relative to the housing 20 about the axis 25. However, the engagement between the separator plate 70 and the housing 20 allows the separator plate 70 to move axially along the axis 25 relative to the housing 20 and the spindle 15. Each separator plate 70 includes two opposing side surfaces 90, and the side surfaces 90 have a material (e.g., a metallic material such as steel, etc.) with a lower coefficient of friction than the friction plate 45. In addition, each separator plate 70 includes a second width 95 (measured in a direction along the axis 25) between the two opposing side surfaces 90. Figure 5 ) (e.g., the maximum width of each separator plate 70). In the illustrated embodiment, the second width 95 of the separator plates 70 is substantially the same as the first width 65 of the friction plates 45. However, in other embodiments, the second width 95 of the separator plates 70 may be greater than or less than the first width 65 of the friction plates 45.

[0016] The clutch unit 40 further includes a speed sensor ring 100 having teeth 105 formed on an inner periphery 110 of the speed sensor ring 100, the teeth 105 meshing with the teeth 55 of the main shaft 15. Like the friction plate 45, the speed sensor ring 100 moves with the main shaft 15 about the axis 25 and is allowed to move axially along the axis 25 relative to the main shaft 15 and the housing 20. The speed sensor ring 100 also includes a protrusion 115 formed on an outer periphery 120 of the speed sensor ring 100 and two opposite side surfaces 125 having a material similar to that of the separator plate 70. In addition, the speed sensor ring 100 includes a third width 130 ( 106 Å) between the two opposite side surfaces 125, measured in a direction along the axis 25. Figure 5 ) (e.g., the maximum width of the velocity sensor ring 100). The third width 130 is substantially greater than the first width 65 and the second width 95. For example, the ratio of the third width 130 to the first width 65 or the ratio of the third width 130 to the second width 95 is between about 1.5 and about 10. In other embodiments, the ratio of the third width 130 to the first width 65 or the ratio of the third width 130 to the second width 95 is between about 2 and about 6. In further embodiments, the ratio of the third width 130 to the first width 65 or the ratio of the third width 130 to the second width 95 is between about 2 and about 4.

[0017] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in , the clutch unit 40 includes three friction plates 45a, 45b, 45c and three separator plates 70a, 70b, 70c, wherein the speed sensor ring 100 is positioned between the friction plates 45a, 45b. In other embodiments, the clutch unit 40 can be configured differently. For example, the clutch unit 40 can include more or less than three friction plates 45 and / or more or less than three separator plates 70, and / or the separator plates 70 can be coupled to the main shaft 15 for rotational movement therewith, and the friction plates 45 can be coupled to the housing 20.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the speed sensor ring 100 may be made as an integral part with the friction plates 45a, 45b - for example Figure 4 As shown in , a speed sensor ring 100' is made to include teeth 105' formed on an inner periphery 110' and protrusions 115' formed on an outer periphery 120'. In one embodiment, the speed sensor ring 100' includes a base material similar to the friction disk 45, wherein the teeth 105' and the protrusions 115' are subsequently formed (e.g., by a machining process, etc.). Therefore, the side surface 125' of the speed sensor ring 100' has a material similar to the friction disk 45. In still other embodiments, the friction disks 45a, 45b can be coupled (e.g., bonded, fastened, etc.) to the speed sensor ring 100 so that the friction disks 45a, 45b are fixed to the speed sensor ring 100 for movement therewith.

[0019] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the clutch assembly 10 also includes an end ring 135 coupled between the clutch unit 40 and the housing 20. In particular, the end ring 135 includes a portion that interacts with the clutch unit 40 (eg, engages the separator plate 70c; Figure 6 ) and an outer flange 145 received within an annular recess 150 of the housing 20. A biasing member 155 (e.g., a Belleville spring) is positioned between the end ring 135 and a fixed structure 160 (e.g., a frame of a vehicle / mobile device to which the housing 20 is attached; Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) to bias the end ring 135 toward the housing 20 along the axis 25. In addition, the housing 20 includes a hydraulic fluid hole 165 in communication with the annular recess 150 so that a hydraulic pump 170 coupled to the hydraulic fluid hole 165 controls the hydraulic fluid entering or leaving the annular recess 150. A gasket 175 (e.g., an O-ring, etc.) is coupled to the outer flange 145 to contact the wall ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), so that the hydraulic fluid is maintained in the cavity defined between the annular recess 150 and the surface 180 of the outer flange 145.

[0020] refer to Figure 3 , the clutch assembly 10 further includes a sensor 185 received within the sensor aperture 190 of the housing 20 to communicate with the speed sensor ring 100 of the clutch unit 40. The illustrated sensor 185 is a proximity sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor, a variable reluctance sensor, etc.) having a magnet 195 that generates a magnetic field that interacts with the protrusion 115 of the speed sensor ring 100. In other embodiments, the sensor 185 may be an optical sensor (e.g., infrared, etc.), an acoustic sensor (e.g., ultrasonic, etc.), etc. In addition, the sensor 185 communicates with the control processor 200, which is operable to monitor the interaction between the sensor 185 and the speed sensor ring 100. In some embodiments, the control processor 200 may also communicate with the hydraulic pump 170 to control the operation of the pump 170.

[0021] In operation, the clutch assembly 10 can be in at least two states: a disengaged state ( Figure 5 ) and engagement state ( Figure 6 )—. When in the disengaged state, the control processor 200 operates the pump 170 to introduce hydraulic fluid into the annular recess 150 and apply sufficient hydraulic pressure to the face 180 of the end ring 135 to axially move the end ring 135 against the biasing force of the biasing member 155. The movement of the end ring 135 away from the housing 20 provides sufficient clearance for the clutch unit 40 to expand axially, thereby allowing the side surface 60 of the friction plate 45, the side surface 90 of the separator plate 70, and the side surface 125 of the speed sensor ring 100 to move out of contact with each other. Therefore, the clutch unit 40 does not hinder the movement of the main shaft 15 relative to the housing 20 about the axis 25 (e.g., the main shaft 15, the friction plate 45, and the speed sensor ring 100 can freely rotate about the axis 25 relative to the housing 20 and the separator plate 70). In the illustrated embodiment, the control processor 200 moves the clutch assembly 10 into the disengaged state when braking of the main shaft 15—and ultimately the wheel axle 30—is not desired. In other words, when in the disengaged state, the clutch unit 40 does not regulate the movement of the main shaft 15 .

[0022] When in the engaged state ( Figure 6), the control processor 200 operates the pump 170 to reduce the hydraulic pressure within the annular recess 150, thereby allowing the biasing member 155 to push the end ring 135 toward the housing 20. Specifically, the biasing member 155 applies pressure on the end ring 135 to cause the inner flange 140 to axially compress the clutch unit 40 so that the side surface 60 of the friction plate 45, the side surface 90 of the separator plate 70, and the side surface 125 of the speed sensor ring 100 move into contact with each other. As a result, the clutch unit 40 resists movement of the main shaft 15 about the axis 25 (e.g., the friction between the friction plate 45, the separator plate 70, and the speed sensor ring 100 is greater than the friction when the clutch assembly 10 is in the disengaged state). In the illustrated embodiment, when it is desired to brake the main shaft 15 - and ultimately the axle 30 - the control processor 200 moves the clutch assembly 10 into the engaged state. In other words, when in the engaged state, the clutch unit 40 regulates movement of the main shaft 15 (e.g., brakes the main shaft).

[0023] Furthermore, the amount of braking applied by the clutch assembly 10 depends on the hydraulic pressure within the annular recess 150 acting against the biasing member 155 (e.g., maximum braking occurs when there is no hydraulic pressure within the annular recess 150, thereby allowing the maximum force of the biasing member 155 to compress the clutch unit 40). In other embodiments, the biasing member 155 may be operable to bias the end ring 135 away from the housing 20 (e.g., the biasing member 155 may be positioned within the annular recess 150), and the hydraulic pressure from the pump 170 may be operable to move the end ring 135 toward the housing 20. Under this embodiment, maximum braking occurs when maximum hydraulic pressure is applied to the end ring 135, and no braking occurs when no hydraulic pressure is applied to the end ring 135.

[0024] The control processor 200 monitors the angular velocity of the main shaft 15, and ultimately the axle 30, via the interaction between the sensor 185 and the speed sensor ring 100. Specifically, as the speed sensor ring 100 moves with the main shaft 15 about the axis 25, the magnetic field generated by the magnet 195 interacts with the protrusions 115 of the speed sensor ring 100, and the control processor 200 determines the angular velocity of the main shaft 15 based on the frequency of the interaction. For example, if the main shaft 15 moves at a relatively low angular velocity, the frequency at which the magnetic field interacts with the protrusions 115 as each protrusion 115 moves past the sensor 185 will be relatively low. However, if the main shaft 15 moves at a relatively high angular velocity, the frequency at which the magnetic field interacts with the protrusions 115 as each protrusion 115 moves past the sensor 185 will be relatively high. The control processor 200 is operable to determine the angular velocity of the main shaft 15 when the clutch assembly 10 is in a disengaged or engaged state.

[0025] The third width 130 of the speed sensor ring 100 is greater than the first width 65 and / or the second width 95 to ensure that the sensor 185 interacts accurately with the speed sensor ring 100. For example, the third width 130 is sized so that when the clutch assembly 10 moves between the disengaged state and the engaged state, the magnetic field and the protrusion 115 interact accurately when the speed sensor ring 100 moves relative to the sensor 185 along the axis 25. However, the speed sensor ring 100 does not provide direct torque transfer between the main shaft 15 and the housing 20, other than direct torque transfer from contact between adjacent friction plates 45 and separator plates 70. As such, the performance of the clutch assembly 10 decreases as the third width 130 increases. Therefore, as described above, the ratio of the third width 130 to the first width 65 or the ratio of the third width 130 to the second width 95 is between about 1.5 and about 10 to increase the performance of the clutch assembly 10 and ensure accurate measurement of the angular velocity of the main shaft 15.

[0026] In other embodiments, the clutch assembly 10 can be used in other types of applications. For example, the clutch assembly 10 can be included in a transmission, wherein the housing 20 and the main shaft 15 are rotatable about the axis 25. In this way, the clutch unit 40 adjusts the amount of torque transferred from the housing 20 to the main shaft 15, and vice versa.

[0027] Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set out in the following claims.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly comprising: case; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis relative to the housing; A clutch unit is coupled between the housing and the rotating member, the clutch unit comprising a separator disc coupled to the housing such that the separator disc is fixed against movement relative to the housing about the axis, a friction disk coupled to the rotating member such that the friction disk is configured to move with the rotating member about the axis, and a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotating member such that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate with the rotating member about the axis; as well as a sensor coupled to the housing, the sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring and configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member relative to the housing; wherein the friction plate, the separator plate and the speed sensor ring are configured to move axially along the axis to adjust the movement of the rotating member relative to the housing, wherein the friction plate is a first friction plate, wherein the clutch unit includes a second friction plate, the second friction plate is coupled to the rotating member such that the second friction plate is configured to move around the axis with the rotating member, and wherein the speed sensor ring is positioned between the first friction plate and the second friction plate such that the speed sensor ring is configured to selectively contact the first friction plate and the second friction plate.

2. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The outer periphery of the velocity sensor ring includes a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member based on movement of the plurality of protrusions relative to the sensor.

3. The clutch assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor includes a magnet, and wherein the magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the plurality of protrusions for the sensor to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member.

4. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The separator plate is a first separator plate, wherein the clutch unit includes a second separator plate, which is coupled to the housing so that the second separator plate is fixed and cannot move relative to the housing about the axis, and wherein the speed sensor ring is positioned between the first separator plate and the second separator plate so that the speed sensor ring is configured to selectively contact the first separator plate and the second separator plate.

5. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The separator disk includes a first width parallel to the axis, wherein the velocity sensor ring includes a second width parallel to the axis, and wherein a ratio of the second width to the first width is greater than 1.

5.

6. The clutch assembly of claim 1 further comprising: An end ring is coupled between the housing and the clutch unit, wherein the end ring is configured to be moved along the axis by hydraulic pressure to compress a biasing member to allow the friction plate, the separator plate, and the speed sensor ring to move axially relative to each other.

7. A clutch assembly comprising: case; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis relative to the housing; a clutch unit coupled between the housing and the rotating member, the clutch unit being configured to adjust the movement of the rotating member relative to the housing, the clutch unit comprising a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotating member such that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate with the rotating member about the axis; and a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring, the sensor being configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member relative to the housing, wherein the clutch unit comprises a separator plate coupled to the housing such that the separator plate is fixed and cannot move relative to the housing about the axis, and wherein the clutch unit further comprises a friction plate coupled to the rotating member such that the friction plate is configured to move about the axis together with the rotating member, wherein the friction plate is a first friction plate, wherein the clutch unit includes a second friction plate, the second friction plate is coupled to the rotating member such that the second friction plate is configured to move around the axis with the rotating member, and wherein the speed sensor ring is positioned between the first friction plate and the second friction plate such that the speed sensor ring is configured to selectively contact the first friction plate and the second friction plate.

8. The clutch assembly of claim 7, wherein: The outer periphery of the velocity sensor ring includes a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member based on movement of the plurality of protrusions relative to the sensor.

9. The clutch assembly of claim 8, wherein: The sensor includes a magnet, and wherein the magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the plurality of protrusions for the sensor to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member.

10. The clutch assembly of claim 7, wherein: The separator plate is a first separator plate, wherein the clutch unit includes a second separator plate, which is coupled to the housing so that the second separator plate is fixed and cannot move relative to the housing about the axis, and wherein the speed sensor ring is positioned between the first separator plate and the second separator plate so that the speed sensor ring is configured to selectively contact the first separator plate and the second separator plate.

11. The clutch assembly of claim 7, wherein: The separator disk includes a first width parallel to the axis, wherein the velocity sensor ring includes a second width parallel to the axis, and wherein a ratio of the second width to the first width is greater than 1.

5.

12. The clutch assembly of claim 7, further comprising: An end ring is coupled between the housing and the clutch unit, wherein the end ring is configured to be moved along the axis by hydraulic pressure to compress a biasing member to allow the friction plate, the separator plate, and the speed sensor ring to move axially relative to each other.

13. A clutch assembly comprising: case; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis relative to the housing; A clutch unit is coupled between the housing and the rotating member, the clutch unit comprising a disk coupled to the housing, the disk comprising a first maximum width parallel to the axis, and a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotating member such that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate with the rotating member about the axis, the speed sensor ring comprising a second maximum width parallel to the axis; as well as a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring, the sensor configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member relative to the housing; wherein the ratio of the second maximum width to the first maximum width is greater than 1.5, wherein the disc is a separator disc, the separator disc being coupled to the housing so that the separator disc is fixed and cannot move relative to the housing about the axis, and wherein the clutch unit further comprises a friction disc, the friction disc being coupled to the rotating member so that the friction disc is configured to move about the axis together with the rotating member, and wherein the speed sensor ring is configured to selectively contact one of the separator disc and the friction disc.

14. The clutch assembly of claim 13, wherein: A ratio of the second maximum width to the first maximum width is less than ten.

15. The clutch assembly of claim 13, wherein: The outer periphery of the velocity sensor ring includes a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member based on movement of the plurality of protrusions relative to the sensor.

16. The clutch assembly of claim 15, wherein: The sensor includes a magnet, and wherein the magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the plurality of protrusions for the sensor to measure an angular velocity of the rotating member.

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