air turbine starter centrifugal disengagement type diagonal strut clutch

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of clutch technology, and more particularly to a centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch for air turbine starters. It includes symmetrically distributed retaining rings, each comprising an outer ring and an inner ring. An outer retainer and an inner retainer, circumferentially spaced at equal intervals, are fixed between the symmetrically distributed retaining rings. The outer retainer is located near the outer ring, and the inner retainer is located near the inner ring. Oblique support blocks, circumferentially spaced at equal intervals, are rotatably connected between the symmetrically distributed retaining rings. Each oblique support block has an outer arc surface and an inner arc surface that are eccentrically curved. This invention improves the stability of the transmission between the outer and inner rings by increasing the compressive force between the oblique support block and the outer and inner rings after the clutch engages. The outer ring and the elastic band jointly drive the oblique support block to rotate, and the oblique support block's rotational tendency is further increased by the shift in its center of gravity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clutch technology, and more particularly to a centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch for air turbine starters. Background Technology

[0002] The slant-type overrunning clutch (abbreviated as slant clutch) is a type of overrunning clutch and is currently the most widely used overrunning clutch. Slant clutches are subdivided into two types according to their structural characteristics: full-phase type and forced constraint type. The full-phase type slant clutch mainly consists of slant blocks, inner cage, outer cage, elastic waveband, and damping elements. Slant clutches are commonly used in transmission systems where the power end and load end require asynchronous operation. It is located between the power end and the load end and automatically realizes the engagement and disengagement of the transmission chain by utilizing the speed change of the power end and the load end. When the power end drives the load end to rotate together, it is called the clutch engagement state; when the power end and the load end are disengaged and rotate independently at their respective speeds, it is called the clutch overrunning state. Air turbine starters or gas turbine starters, as starting devices for aircraft main engines, have a built-in slant clutch at their output end. When working, the starter converts the internal energy of compressed air into shaft power to drive the main engine to rotate, and the clutch enters the engagement state. When the main engine completes ignition and can maintain operation on its own power, the starter closes, and the clutch enters the overrunning state.

[0003] Currently, the adjacent inclined support blocks rely solely on the elastic waveband for elastic force. During clutch operation, vibration occurs, resulting in insufficient squeezing force of the elastic waveband on the adjacent inclined support blocks. This reduces the squeezing force between the inclined support blocks and the outer ring in the engaged state. If the squeezing force of the elastic waveband on the adjacent inclined support blocks is too large, it will increase the squeezing force between the inclined support blocks and the outer ring in the overrunning state, increase the friction between the inclined support blocks and the outer ring, and increase the wear of parts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the elastic waveband causing excessively low compressive force between the brace block and the outer ring and the inner ring under the meshing state, and excessively high frictional force between the brace block and the outer ring under the overrunning state, this invention provides a self-turning air turbine starter centrifugal disengagement type brace clutch.

[0005] The technical solution is: an air turbine starter centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch, including symmetrically distributed retaining rings, each retaining ring having an outer ring and an inner ring. An outer retainer and an inner retainer, circumferentially equally spaced, are fixedly connected between the symmetrically distributed retaining rings. The outer retainer is close to the outer ring, and the inner retainer is close to the inner ring. Circumferentially equally spaced oblique support blocks are rotatably connected between the symmetrically distributed retaining rings. All the oblique support blocks are connected to all the… The outer and inner retainers are staggered. The diagonal brace has an outer arc surface and an inner arc surface that are eccentric circular arc surfaces. The distance 'a' from one side of the outer arc surface to one side of the inner arc surface is greater than the gap 'c' between the outer ring and the inner ring. The distance 'b' from the other side of the outer arc surface to the other side of the inner arc surface is less than the gap 'c' between the outer ring and the inner ring. The diagonal brace is divided into part A and part B. Part A of the diagonal brace is close to the outer ring, and part B of the diagonal brace is close to the inner ring. The center of gravity of the diagonal brace is located in part B.

[0006] Furthermore, when the inclined support block enters the engagement state, the center of gravity of the inclined support block is located on one side of the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block and the center point of the outer ring.

[0007] Furthermore, when the inclined support block enters the overrun state, the center of gravity of the inclined support block is located on the other side of the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block and the center point of the outer ring.

[0008] Furthermore, both parts A and B of the inclined support block are fixedly connected to a connecting end. The connecting end on part A of the inclined support block and the connecting end on part B of the adjacent inclined support block are a group of each other. The connecting end is ball-connected to a swing rod. The swing rod on the inclined support block near part A and the swing rod on the adjacent inclined support block near part B are a group of each other. An elastic waveband is fixedly connected between the two swing rods in the same group.

[0009] Furthermore, an arc-shaped protrusion is formed in the middle of the elastic waveband, and a sliding frame is slidably connected to the elastic waveband, with a sphere fixedly connected to the middle of the sliding frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the centers of gravity of adjacent elastic wavebands, sliding frames, and spheres are all located on the same line connecting the same set of pendulum rods.

[0011] Furthermore, a limiting ring is slidably connected to the swing rod near the B part of the inclined support block, and a connecting plate is fixed between the B part of the inclined support block and the limiting ring near the B part of the adjacent inclined support block.

[0012] Furthermore, the swing rod near the B part of the inclined support block is provided with a guide groove, and the limiting ring is provided with a convex ball that slides in the guide groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting plate is made of a deformable material.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner retainer is fixedly connected to a blocking block, which is used to limit the corresponding diagonal brace block.

[0015] The beneficial effects are as follows: After the clutch engages, the outer ring and the elastic waveband jointly drive the inclined support block to rotate. The inclined support block, relying on the shift of its center of gravity, tends to rotate, further increasing the squeezing force between the inclined support block and the outer and inner rings, thus improving the stability of the transmission between the outer and inner rings. After the clutch engages, the sliding frame and the ball cause the middle part of the elastic waveband to move away from each other and further expand, increasing the squeezing force between the two inclined support blocks, making the inclined support block tightly adhere to the outer and inner rings. After the clutch overruns, the sliding frame and the ball cause the middle part of the elastic waveband to move closer to each other, pulling the A part of the inclined support block closer to the adjacent B part of the inclined support block, reducing the squeezing force between the outer arc surface of the inclined support block and the outer ring, thereby reducing the friction between the outer arc surface of the inclined support block and the outer ring, and reducing friction loss. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the shielding ring and the inclined support block of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one state of the elastic waveband of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of another state of the elastic waveband of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the elastic waveband and sliding frame of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals: 1-Blocking ring, 101-Outer retainer, 102-Inner retainer, 103-Blocking block, 111-Outer ring, 222-Inner ring, 2-Diagonal brace block, 201-Outer arc surface, 202-Inner arc surface, 3-Connecting end, 4-Swing rod, 401-Guide groove, 5-Elastic waveband, 6-Sliding frame, 7-Sphere, 9-Limiting ring, 10-Linking plate. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is a full-phase type oblique support clutch.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] Air turbine starter centrifugal disengagement type oblique strut clutch, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the device includes two symmetrically distributed shielding rings 1. An outer ring 111 is shared on the outer side of both shielding rings 1, and an inner ring 222 is provided on the inner side of each shielding ring 1. An outer retainer 101 and an inner retainer 102, circumferentially spaced, are fixedly connected between the two shielding rings 1. The outer retainer 101 is positioned closer to the outer ring 111, and the inner retainer 102 is positioned closer to the inner ring 222. A circumferentially spaced diagonal brace 2 is rotatably connected between the two shielding rings 1. The outer ring 111 drives the inner ring 222 to rotate counterclockwise via the diagonal brace 2. The circumferentially equally spaced diagonal bracing blocks 2 are staggered with the circumferentially equally spaced outer retainers 101 and inner retainers 102. Each diagonal bracing block 2 has an outer arc surface 201 and an inner arc surface 202, both of which are eccentric circular arc surfaces. Taking the upper diagonal bracing block 2 as an example, the distance 'a' from the right side of the outer arc surface 201 to the left side of the inner arc surface 202 is greater than the gap 'c' between the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222, and the distance 'b' from the left side of the outer arc surface 201 to the right side of the inner arc surface 202 is less than the gap 'c' between the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222. The diagonal bracing block 2 is divided into part A and part B (…). Figure 3 (Separated by a double-dotted line), part A of the inclined support block 2 is close to the outer ring 111, and part B of the inclined support block 2 is close to the inner ring 222. The center of gravity of the inclined support block 2 is located at part B. Taking the upper inclined support block 2 as an example, when the clutch is not engaged, the center of gravity of the inclined support block 2 is located on the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block 2 to the center point of the outer ring 111. During the process of the clutch entering the engagement state from a stationary state, the inclined support block 2 rotates counterclockwise, and the center of gravity of the inclined support block 2 is located to the right of the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block 2 to the center point of the outer ring 111. The inclined support block 2... The inclined support block 2 rotates by its own centrifugal force, increasing the squeezing force between the inclined support block 2 and the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222, thus improving the stability of the transmission between the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222. During the process of the clutch moving from the engagement state to the overrunning state, the inclined support block 2 rotates clockwise. The center of gravity of the inclined support block 2 is located to the left of the line connecting the center of rotation of the inclined support block 2 to the center point of the outer ring 111. Due to the centrifugal force, the inclined support block 2 will spontaneously rotate clockwise, reducing the squeezing force between the outer arc surface 201 of the inclined support block 2 and the outer ring 111.

[0026] like Figures 3-6As shown, taking the upper side inclined support block 2 as an example, the right side of part A and the left side of part B of the inclined support block 2 are both fixedly connected to the connecting end 3. The connecting end 3 on part A of the inclined support block 2 and the connecting end 3 on part B of the adjacent inclined support block 2 are a group of each other. The connecting end 3 is ball-connected to the rocker arm 4. The rocker arm 4 on the inclined support block 2 near part A and the rocker arm 4 on the adjacent inclined support block 2 near part B are a group of each other. An elastic waveband 5 is fixedly connected between the two rocker arms 4 in the same group. When the clutch is stationary, the elastic waveband 5 applies elastic force to the two adjacent inclined support blocks 2, so that the inclined support block 2 is always in contact with the inner ring 222 and the outer ring 111, ensuring that the clutch is always ready to engage. From the overrunning state to the engaging state, an arc-shaped protrusion forms in the middle of the elastic waveband 5. A sliding frame 6 is slidably connected to the arc-shaped protrusion of the elastic waveband 5, and a ball 7 is fixedly connected to the middle of the sliding frame 6. In the clutch-disengaged state, the centers of gravity of adjacent elastic wavebands 5, sliding frames 6, and balls 7 are all located on the line connecting the same set of rocker arms 4. During clutch engagement, the sliding frame 6 and balls 7 move upward under the action of their own centrifugal force. The sliding frame 6 causes the middle of the elastic waveband 5 to move away from each other and further expand, increasing the squeezing force of the elastic waveband 5 on the two inclined support blocks 2. When the clutch enters the overrunning state, the state is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the sliding frame 6 and the ball 7 move upward under their own centrifugal force. The sliding frame 6 causes the middle part of the elastic waveband 5 to move closer to each other, pulling the two adjacent inclined support blocks 2 to rotate clockwise, reducing the squeezing force between the outer arc surface 201 and the outer ring 111 of the inclined support block 2. The swing rod 4 near the B part of the inclined support block 2 is slidably connected to the limiting ring 9. The swing rod 4 near the B part of the inclined support block 2 is provided with a guide groove 401. The limiting ring 9 is provided with a convex ball that slides in the guide groove 401. The limiting ring 9 slides along the swing rod 4 near the B part of the inclined support block 2 and drives it to rotate through the guide groove 401. A connecting plate 10 is fixed between the B part of the inclined support block 2 and the limiting ring 9 near its B part on the adjacent inclined support block 2. The connecting plate 10 is made of deformable material to ensure the connection between the inclined support block 2 and the adjacent limiting ring 9.

[0027] The damping assembly is not shown in this clutch. It is located within the gap between the diagonal brace 2 and the outer and inner cages 101 and 102. The damping assembly is typically made of silicone rubber-based composite material and suppresses chattering of the diagonal brace 2 and buffers impact loads. When the clutch is not engaged, it... Figure 3 Taking the elastic waveband 5 as an example, the elastic waveband 5 uses its own elastic force to push the two rocker arms 4 in the group away from each other. The two rocker arms 4 in the group push the two connecting ends 3 in the group away from each other. The connecting end 3 on the left squeezes the A part of the left inclined support block 2, and the connecting end 3 on the right squeezes the B part of the right inclined support block 2. The inclined support block 2 has a tendency to rotate counterclockwise, so that the outer arc surface 201 of the inclined support block 2 is in close contact with the inner side of the outer ring 111, and the inner arc surface 202 of the inclined support block 2 is in close contact with the outer side of the inner ring 222, ensuring that the clutch can transition from the overrunning state to the engagement state at any time.

[0028] The process of this clutch entering the engagement state from a static state is as follows: When the outer ring 111 (driving ring) rotates counterclockwise relative to the inner ring 222 (passive ring), due to the tension of the elastic waveband 5 and the friction between the inclined support block 2 and the raceway, the inclined support block 2 rotates counterclockwise around itself. Since the size a of the inclined support block 2 is larger than the gap c between the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222, the inclined support block 2 is wedged tightly between the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222. Thus, the movement and load of the outer ring 111 can be transmitted to the inner ring 222, and the clutch enters the engagement state (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, during the process of the outer ring 111 driving the inner ring 222 to rotate counterclockwise, the outer ring 111 will also drive the two blocking rings 1 to rotate counterclockwise through the inclined support block 2.

[0029] In the initial state (clutch not engaged), taking the upper inclined support block 2 as an example, the center of gravity of the inclined support block 2 is located on the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block 2 to the center point of the outer ring 111. When the inclined support block 2 rotates counterclockwise, the center of gravity of the inclined support block 2 is located to the right of the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block 2 to the center point of the outer ring 111. During the process of the inclined support block 2 rotating counterclockwise around the center point of the outer ring 111, the inclined support block 2 will spontaneously generate a rotation tendency due to the centrifugal force. When the outer ring 111 and the elastic waveband 5 jointly push the inclined support block 2 to rotate, the inclined support block 2 generates a rotation tendency by relying on its own centrifugal force, which further increases the squeezing force between the inclined support block 2 and the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222, and improves the stability of the transmission between the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222.

[0030] In the initial state (clutch not engaged), the centers of gravity of adjacent elastic wavebands 5, sliding frames 6 and balls 7 are all located on the line connecting the same set of rocker arms 4. During the clutch engagement process, sliding frames 6 and balls 7 move upward under the action of their own centrifugal force. Sliding frames 6 cause the middle of elastic wavebands 5 to move away from each other and further expand, increasing the squeezing force of elastic wavebands 5 on the two inclined support blocks 2, so that the inclined support blocks 2 are tightly attached to the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222.

[0031] As the outer ring 111 continuously drives the inner ring 222 to rotate counterclockwise, when the rotational speed of the inner ring 222 is greater than that of the outer ring 111, the inclined support block 2 rotates clockwise due to the friction of the outer ring 111 and the tension of the elastic waveband 5. Since the size b of the inclined support block 2 is smaller than the gap c between the outer ring 111 and the inner ring 222, the movement and load of the outer ring 111 cannot be transmitted to the inner ring 222. At this time, the counterclockwise rotation of the inner ring 222 will drive the two blocking rings 1 to continue to rotate counterclockwise through the inclined support block 2, and the clutch enters the overrunning state.

[0032] During the process of the clutch transitioning from the engagement state to the overrunning state, taking the upper inclined support block 2 as an example, the inclined support block 2 rotates clockwise. The center of gravity of the inclined support block 2 is located to the left of the line connecting the center of rotation of the inclined support block 2 to the center point of the outer ring 111. Due to the centrifugal force, the inclined support block 2 will spontaneously generate a clockwise rotation tendency, reducing the compressive force between the outer arc surface 201 of the inclined support block 2 and the outer ring 111. As the inclined support block 2 rotates clockwise, the inclined support block 2 drives the limiting ring 9 to move to the left through the connecting plate 10. The right rocker arm 4 rotates under the limitation of the convex ball of the limiting ring 9. The right rocker arm 4 drives the elastic waveband 5 and its parts, as well as the left rocker arm 4, to rotate. When the clutch enters the overrunning state, the state is as follows. Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the sliding frame 6 and the ball 7 move upward due to their own centrifugal force. The sliding frame 6 causes the middle part of the elastic waveband 5 to move closer to each other, pulling the two adjacent inclined support blocks 2 to rotate clockwise, reducing the squeezing force between the outer arc surface 201 and the outer ring 111 of the inclined support block 2, thereby reducing the friction between the outer arc surface 201 and the outer ring 111 of the inclined support block 2 and reducing friction loss.

[0033] When this clutch returns from the overrunning state to the stationary state, the elastic waveband 5 does not rotate back to its original position. Figure 4 In the engagement state, when the clutch moves from a stationary state to the engagement state, the inclined support block 2 rotates counterclockwise. The inclined support block 2, through the connecting plate 10, drives the limiting ring 9 to move to the right. The right rocker arm 4 rotates under the limitation of the convex ball of the limiting ring 9. The right rocker arm 4 drives the elastic waveband 5 and its components, as well as the left rocker arm 4, to rotate. After the clutch enters the engagement state, the state is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] Based on Example 1, the air turbine starter centrifugal disengagement type oblique strut clutch, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a blocking block 103 is fixed to the side of the inner retainer 102 near the inner ring 222. The blocking block 103 is used to limit the corresponding diagonal brace 2.

[0036] Since there is no hard contact between the two adjacent diagonal support blocks 2, this full-phase diagonal support clutch will flip and fail under overload compared to the forced constraint diagonal support clutch. The counterclockwise rotation angle of the diagonal support block 2 is greater than the rotation angle in the engagement state, resulting in transmission failure. In severe cases, the diagonal support block 2 may break. Therefore, during the counterclockwise rotation of the diagonal support block 2, before the diagonal support block 2 flips, the left side of the inner arc surface 202 of the diagonal support block 2 will contact the blocking block 103, and thus be blocked by the blocking block 103 and cannot continue to rotate counterclockwise, thereby avoiding the risk of the diagonal support block 2 flipping and ensuring the smooth operation of this clutch.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air turbine starter centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch, characterized in that, The device includes symmetrically distributed shielding rings (1), each shielding ring (1) having an outer ring (111) and an inner ring (222). External retainers (101) and internal retainers (102) are fixedly connected between the symmetrically distributed shielding rings (1). The external retainers (101) are closer to the external ring (111), and the internal retainers (102) are closer to the internal ring (222). Diagonal bracing blocks (2) are rotatably connected between the symmetrically distributed shielding rings (1), and all the diagonal bracing blocks (2) are staggered with all the external retainers (101) and internal retainers (102). The inclined support block (2) is provided with an outer arc surface (201) and an inner arc surface (202) that are eccentric circular arc surfaces. The distance a from one side of the outer arc surface (201) to one side of the inner arc surface (202) is greater than the gap c between the outer ring (111) and the inner ring (222). The distance b from the other side of the outer arc surface (201) to the other side of the inner arc surface (202) is less than the gap c between the outer ring (111) and the inner ring (222). The inclined support block (2) is divided into part A and part B. Part A of the inclined support block (2) is close to the outer ring (111), and part B of the inclined support block (2) is close to the inner ring (222). The center of gravity of the inclined support block (2) is located in part B. Both A and B of the inclined support block (2) are fixedly connected to a connecting end (3). The connecting end (3) located at A on the inclined support block (2) and the connecting end (3) located at B on the adjacent inclined support block (2) are a group of each other. The connecting end (3) is ball-connected to a swing rod (4). The swing rod (4) near A on the inclined support block (2) and the swing rod (4) near B on the adjacent inclined support block (2) are a group of each other. An elastic waveband (5) is fixedly connected between the two swing rods (4) in the same group. The elastic waveband (5) has an arc-shaped protrusion in the middle, and the elastic waveband (5) is slidably connected to a sliding frame (6), and a ball (7) is fixedly connected to the middle of the sliding frame (6).

2. The centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch for air turbine starters according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the inclined support block (2) enters the meshing state, the center of gravity of the inclined support block (2) is located on one side of the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block (2) and the center point of the outer ring (111).

3. The centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch for air turbine starters according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the inclined support block (2) enters the overrun state, the center of gravity of the inclined support block (2) is located on the other side of the line connecting the rotation center of the inclined support block (2) and the center point of the outer ring (111).

4. The centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch for air turbine starters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centers of gravity of the adjacent elastic waveband (5), the sliding frame (6) and the sphere (7) are all located on the line connecting the same set of pendulum rods (4).

5. The centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch for air turbine starters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swing rod (4) near the B part of the inclined support block (2) is slidably connected to the limiting ring (9), and a connecting plate (10) is fixed between the B part of the inclined support block (2) and the limiting ring (9) near the B part of the adjacent inclined support block (2).

6. The centrifugal disengagement type oblique brace clutch for air turbine starters according to claim 5, characterized in that, The swing rod (4) near the B part of the inclined support block (2) is provided with a guide groove (401), and the limiting ring (9) is provided with a convex ball that slides in the guide groove (401).

7. The centrifugal disengagement type oblique brace clutch for air turbine starters according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting plate (10) is made of a deformable material.

8. The centrifugal disengagement type oblique support clutch for air turbine starters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner retainer (102) is fixedly connected to a blocking block (103), which is used to limit the corresponding diagonal brace (2).

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