Variable speed centrifugal clutch

Abstract

The application provides a variable-speed centrifugal clutch, which comprises a connecting flange, an outer ring, and a fixing sleeve. The connecting flange comprises a shaft part and a flange part connected to one end of the shaft part. An inner ring is rotatably sleeved on the shaft part. An outer gear ring is arranged on the outer side wall of the end of the inner ring close to the flange part. A fixed gear sleeve with an inner gear ring is fixed on the fixing sleeve. A plurality of planetary gears are uniformly arranged on the flange part and are arranged in a transmission space and meshed with the outer gear ring and the inner gear ring. A plurality of flyweights are arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring. The planetary gears are configured to enable the rotation of the connecting flange to drive the inner ring to rotate at a high speed through the planetary gear speed change mechanism, and then drive the outer ring to rotate at a high speed through the flyweights. Through the integration of the planetary gear speed change mechanism and the flyweight clutch mechanism, the speed-up speed change and the clutch function are realized in a single structure, the redundant design of the split layout is avoided, the axial and radial dimensions are effectively reduced, and the application has the advantages of compact structure, high space utilization, controllable manufacturing cost, and convenient maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clutch technology, and more specifically, to a variable speed centrifugal clutch. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of off-road specialized equipment, such as small construction machinery, agricultural machinery, and garden equipment, it is typically necessary to house the engine and its transmission system within a limited equipment compartment, while simultaneously meeting the demands for high torque output and multi-condition operation. Currently, the most common configuration on the market is a separate centrifugal clutch and a separate gearbox. The engine output is connected to the gearbox sequentially via the centrifugal clutch, and then the gearbox outputs power to the working device. This type of split configuration occupies a large axial and radial space, placing significant pressure on overall machine layout, weight, and cost control, making it difficult to balance compact design with economic efficiency.

[0003] Meanwhile, most off-road specialized equipment uses diesel engines as its power source. Diesel engines operate at relatively low speeds, and to meet the required speed and torque for the load, they typically require multi-stage gearboxes before outputting power to drive the load. Because the centrifugal clutch and gearbox are independently configured, the transmission chain is long, the number of components is large, and there are many installation interfaces, leading to difficulties in equipment layout, low space utilization, and a bulky overall structure. Furthermore, the separate procurement and assembly of multiple parts results in significant fluctuations in cost budgets, and maintenance and replacement require disassembly and reassembly of multiple assemblies, leading to high maintenance and downtime costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a variable speed centrifugal clutch to solve the above problems.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following solution:

[0006] This application provides a variable speed centrifugal clutch, including a connecting flange for connecting a power shaft, an outer ring for connecting a load, and a fixing sleeve fixed on a frame. The connecting flange includes a shaft portion and a flange portion connected to one end of the shaft portion; an inner ring is rotatably sleeved on the shaft portion; an outer gear ring is provided on the outer side wall of the inner ring near the flange portion end; a fixed gear sleeve with an inner gear ring is fixed on the fixed sleeve; a transmission space is formed between the inner gear ring and the outer gear ring; a plurality of planetary gears are evenly distributed on the flange portion and are placed in the transmission space to mesh with the outer gear ring and the inner gear ring; Multiple swivel blocks are provided between the outer ring and the inner ring; the planetary gear is configured to accelerate the rotation of the inner ring by changing the speed of the rotation of the connecting flange, and then drive the outer ring to rotate rapidly through the swivel blocks.

[0007] Furthermore, the inner ring is rotatably mounted on the shaft of the connecting flange via multiple first bearings on its inner side; a second bearing is provided between the outer side of the inner ring and the fixed sleeve.

[0008] Furthermore, a support sleeve is rotatably fitted onto the fixed sleeve via a third bearing; a cover plate is rotatably fitted onto the end of the shaft away from the flange via a fourth bearing; the outer ring is connected between the support sleeve and the cover plate; a movable space is formed between the outer ring and the inner ring; and the throwing block is disposed within the movable space.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner ring is provided with a plurality of limiting portions protruding radially outward and placed in the movable space; the inner side of the throwing block is provided with a limiting groove adapted to the limiting portion, and when the throwing block moves radially along the inner ring, the limiting groove and the limiting portion are always limited and connected; adjacent throwing blocks are connected by elastic members.

[0010] Furthermore, a friction plate is provided on the outer side of the throwing block.

[0011] Furthermore, protective plates are provided at both ends of the limiting part along the axial direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic element is a tension spring.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects: This application provides a variable speed centrifugal clutch that integrates a planetary gear transmission mechanism and a sling clutch mechanism to achieve speed increase and clutch functions in a single structure. This avoids the redundant design of a split layout, effectively reduces axial and radial dimensions, and has the advantages of compact structure, high space utilization, controllable manufacturing cost, and convenient maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a variable speed centrifugal clutch according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of BB; Icons: Connecting flange 1, outer ring 2, fixing sleeve 3, shaft 4, flange 5, inner ring 6, outer gear ring 7, internal gear ring 8, fixing gear sleeve 9, planetary gear 10, sling block 11, first bearing 12, second bearing 13, third bearing 14, support sleeve 15, fourth bearing 16, cover plate 17, limiting part 18, limiting groove 19, elastic element 20, friction plate 21, guard plate 22, column 23, fifth bearing 24. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to represent selected embodiments of the invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Example Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a variable speed centrifugal clutch, including a connecting flange 1 for connecting a power shaft, an outer ring 2 for connecting a load, and a fixed sleeve 3 fixed on a frame; the connecting flange 1 includes a shaft portion 4 and a flange portion 5 connected to one end of the shaft portion 4; an inner ring 6 is rotatably sleeved on the shaft portion 4; an outer gear ring 7 is provided on the outer side wall of the inner ring 6 near the flange portion 5; a fixed gear sleeve 9 with an inner gear ring 8 is fixed on the fixed sleeve 3; a transmission space is formed between the inner gear ring 8 and the outer gear ring 7; a plurality of planetary gears 10 are evenly distributed on the flange portion 5, and are placed in the transmission space to mesh with the outer gear ring 7 and the inner gear ring 8; a plurality of sling blocks 11 are provided between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 6; the planetary gears 10 are configured to: increase the speed of the inner ring 6 by changing the speed of the rotation of the connecting flange 1 through the planetary gears 10, and then drive the outer ring 2 to rotate rapidly through the sling blocks 11.

[0018] The innovation of this application lies in integrating the speed change function with the centrifugal clutch function into one unit. The planetary gear system 10 is used to achieve speed change, combined with the centrifugal action of the sling block 11. This effectively solves the problems of large space occupation, difficult equipment layout, and complex maintenance caused by the separate configuration of the centrifugal clutch and gearbox in the prior art. This integrated design reduces the number of components and installation interfaces, optimizes the utilization of axial and radial space, facilitates compact equipment layout, and reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty.

[0019] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: A variable-speed centrifugal clutch integrates variable-speed function and centrifugal clutch function, achieving a compact structural design and effectively solving the space occupation and complexity problems of split configuration. The connecting flange 1 directly receives the engine output power, wherein the shaft part 4 is used to rotatably mount the inner ring 6, and the flange part 5 is used to install the planetary gear 10. This design optimizes the internal space layout. The inner ring 6 rotates independently of the connecting flange 1, and the outer gear ring 7 provided on the outer side wall near the flange part 5 meshes with the planetary gear 10, thereby realizing torque transmission. The fixed gear sleeve 9 fixed on the fixed sleeve 3 has an inner gear ring 8, which together with the planetary gear 10 forms the planetary gear 10 system. The transmission space formed between the inner gear ring 8 and the outer gear ring 7 ensures the accurate installation and reliable meshing of the planetary gear 10.

[0020] Multiple columns 23 are evenly distributed on the flange 5. Planetary gears 10 are mounted on the columns 23 via a fifth bearing 24. The planetary gears 10 are placed in the transmission space and mesh with the outer gear ring 7 and the inner gear ring 8. The rotation of the connecting flange 1 is accelerated by the planetary gears 10, causing the inner ring 6 to rotate at a faster speed. This configuration integrates the transmission function, avoiding the use of a separate gearbox and significantly shortening the transmission chain length. Multiple sling blocks 11 positioned between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 6 move under centrifugal force, connecting the inner ring 6 and the outer ring 2. Furthermore, when the inner ring 6 rotates at a faster speed, the sling blocks 11 can more efficiently drive the outer ring 2 to rotate rapidly, thereby achieving an automatic clutch function.

[0021] Therefore, this technical solution achieves speed conversion through the planetary gear system 10, and combined with the centrifugal effect of the sling block 11, effectively reduces the number of components and installation interfaces, optimizes the utilization of axial and radial space, facilitates compact equipment layout, and reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty. Specifically, the outer ring 2, used to connect the load, directly drives the working device, reducing intermediate links at the output end, while the fixed sleeve 3, fixed on the frame, provides a stable support foundation, reducing installation complexity and vibration impact. The overall structural design enables the variable-speed centrifugal clutch to meet the needs of large torque output and multi-condition operation within a limited space, solving the problems of difficult equipment layout, increased overall weight, and increased costs caused by the split configuration in the prior art.

[0022] Specifically, the inner ring 6 is rotatably mounted on the shaft portion 4 of the connecting flange 1 via multiple first bearings 12 on its inner side; a second bearing 13 is disposed between the outer side of the inner ring 6 and the fixed sleeve 3. The rotatable mounting of the inner ring 6 on the shaft portion 4 of the connecting flange 1 via multiple first bearings 12 improves the smoothness of the inner ring 6 during speed changes. Simultaneously, the second bearing 13 disposed between the outer side of the inner ring 6 and the fixed sleeve 3 further reduces the impact of external vibrations on the inner ring 6 through its radial constraint effect. This dual-bearing structure not only optimizes the rotation mechanism of the inner ring 6 but also enhances the stability of the meshing between the planetary gear 10 and the gear ring, thereby extending the service life of key components. Furthermore, this design achieves efficient and reliable operation within a compact space, meeting the requirements of off-road equipment for low-friction rotation and stable support.

[0023] In this embodiment, a support sleeve 15 is rotatably mounted on the fixed sleeve 3 via a third bearing 14; a cover plate 17 is rotatably mounted on the end of the shaft 4 away from the flange 5 via a fourth bearing 16; the outer ring 2 is connected between the support sleeve 15 and the cover plate 17; a movable space is formed between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 6; and the throwing block 11 is disposed within the movable space. The cover plate 17 and the support sleeve 15 together constitute a double-end support system, improving the overall operational stability of the outer ring 2. In practical applications, the movable space refers to the annular accommodating area between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 6, the purpose of which is to provide a radial movement range for the throwing block 11, ensuring the clutch response speed and durability.

[0024] In this embodiment, the inner ring 6 is provided with a plurality of limiting parts 18 protruding outward along the radial direction and placed in the movable space. The two ends of the limiting parts 18 are provided with guard plates 22. The inner side of the swing block 11 is provided with a limiting groove 19 that is adapted to the limiting part 18, and the limiting groove 19 and the limiting part 18 are always limited and connected when the swing block 11 moves radially along the inner ring 6. Adjacent swing blocks 11 are connected by elastic members 20.

[0025] Specifically, the limiting part 18 refers to the structure of the inner ring 6 protruding radially outward. It can be implemented using a cylindrical protrusion, a rectangular block protrusion, or other geometry suitable for limiting, with the purpose of providing precise guidance and axial constraint for the radial movement of the throwing block 11. The limiting groove 19 can be understood as a groove structure provided on the inner side of the throwing block 11 and matching the limiting part 18. Specifically, it can be designed to be a shape that perfectly matches the geometry of the limiting part 18 to ensure a stable mechanical connection during the movement of the throwing block 11. The elastic element 20 refers to a flexible component used to connect adjacent throwing blocks 11. It can be a tension spring, with the purpose of maintaining synchronous movement between the throwing blocks 11 and providing reset assistance.

[0026] In detail, this technical solution achieves stable movement of the swing block 11 within the active space through the precise fit between the limiting part 18 and the limiting groove 19, and the elastic connection between the swing blocks 11. The limiting part 18, located on the inner ring 6, serves as a fixed guiding reference. Its radially protruding geometry and positional distribution determine the design of the limiting groove 19. This ensures that when the swing block 11 moves radially along the inner ring 6 under centrifugal force, the limiting groove 19 and the limiting part 18 maintain a mechanical limiting connection, effectively constraining the axial degree of freedom of the swing block 11. This allows the rotation of the inner ring 6 to drive the rotation of the outer ring 2 via the swing blocks 11. Simultaneously, adjacent swing blocks 11 are connected by elastic elements 20. Dynamic preload is applied according to the circumferential distribution of the swing blocks 11, which not only counteracts vibrations caused by uneven centrifugal force but also provides reset assistance during clutch disengagement, ensuring the swing blocks 11 quickly return to their original position. This design fundamentally solves the problem of the swing block 11 lacking an effective guiding and limiting mechanism, significantly improving the system's coordination and durability.

[0027] Friction plates 21 are provided on the outer side of the sling block 11. Specifically, friction plates 21 are components made of a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as ceramic matrix composites, graphite matrix composites, or metal-ceramic composites. The purpose of the friction plates 21 is to significantly enhance the frictional force at the contact interface between the sling block 11 and the outer ring 2, thereby avoiding unstable power transmission caused by insufficient friction.

[0028] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions that fall within the scope of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

Claims

1. A variable speed centrifugal clutch, comprising a connecting flange (1) for connecting a power shaft, an outer ring (2) for connecting a load, and a fixing sleeve (3) fixed to a frame; characterized in that, The connecting flange (1) includes a shaft portion (4) and a flange portion (5) connected to one end of the shaft portion (4); an inner ring (6) is rotatably sleeved on the shaft portion (4); an outer gear ring (7) is provided on the outer side wall of the inner ring (6) near the flange portion (5); a fixed gear sleeve (9) with an inner gear ring (8) is fixed on the fixed sleeve (3); a transmission space is formed between the inner gear ring (8) and the outer gear ring (7); a plurality of planetary gears (10) are evenly distributed on the flange portion (5) and are placed in the transmission space to mesh with the outer gear ring (7) and the inner gear ring (8); Multiple sling blocks (11) are provided between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (6); the planetary gear (10) is configured to: increase the speed of the inner ring (6) by changing the speed of the rotation of the connecting flange (1) through the planetary gear (10), and then drive the outer ring (2) to rotate rapidly through the sling blocks (11).

2. The variable speed centrifugal clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner ring (6) is rotatably mounted on the shaft (4) of the connecting flange (1) via a plurality of first bearings (12); a second bearing (13) is provided between the outer side of the inner ring (6) and the fixed sleeve (3).

3. The variable speed centrifugal clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that, A support sleeve (15) is rotatably fitted on the fixed sleeve (3) via a third bearing (14); a cover plate (17) is rotatably fitted on the end of the shaft (4) away from the flange (5) via a fourth bearing (16); the outer ring (2) is connected between the support sleeve (15) and the cover plate (17); an active space is formed between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (6); and the throwing block (11) is disposed in the active space.

4. The variable speed centrifugal clutch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner ring (6) is provided with a plurality of limiting parts (18) protruding outward along the radial direction and placed in the active space; the inner side of the swing block (11) is provided with a limiting groove (19) that is adapted to the limiting part (18), and when the swing block (11) moves radially along the inner ring (6), the limiting groove (19) and the limiting part (18) are always limited and connected; adjacent swing blocks (11) are connected by elastic members (20).

5. The variable speed centrifugal clutch according to claim 4, characterized in that, Friction pads (21) are provided on the outer side of the throwing block (11).

6. The variable speed centrifugal clutch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting part (18) is provided with guard plates (22) at both ends in the axial direction.

7. The variable speed centrifugal clutch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element (20) is a tension spring.

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