Cluch

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a drive drum that rotates by being coupled to an engine shaft, wherein a hub having a plurality of recessed grooves formed on its side is formed protruding to a certain height in a central region, and a fixed shaft is formed protruding in a region adjacent to the recessed grooves of the hub; a plurality of shoe clutches, each having a lining on the outer side and an insertion member formed on the inner side that is recessed into the recessed grooves, with a fixing hole formed through the center of the insertion member and connected to the fixed shaft in a manner in which the fixing hole is inserted; an elastic spring connecting the plurality of shoe clutches so as to provide mutual elastic support; an elastic bushing inserted and installed between the fixed shaft and the fixing hole, which is inserted in a press-fit state into the fixing hole and elastically supports the shoe clutch through twisting so that it rotates in the direction of centrifugal force and opens when the rotation amount of the engine shaft increases, and returns to its original position when the rotation amount decreases; and a connecting plate formed integrally to form an annular shape, which is seated on the upper surface of the shoe clutch and fixed to the fixed shaft so as to maintain the state in which the elastic bushing is inserted and installed between the fixed shaft and the fixing hole. By providing a clutch including a driven drum rotatably coupled to the hub while accommodating the above shoe clutch, the reliability of the product can be increased by preventing the loss of shoe clutch function through providing a continuous elastic restoring force to the shoe clutch so that the return of a plurality of shoe clutches spread outward by centrifugal force is stably achieved.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch, and more specifically, to a clutch that can increase product reliability by preventing the loss of shoe clutch function through providing a continuous elastic restoring force to a shoe clutch so that the return of a plurality of shoe clutches spread outward by centrifugal force is stably achieved. Background Technology

[0002] [Project ID] E2424018 [Ministry] Gyeonggi-do [Project Management (Specialized) Agency] Gyeonggi Economic & Science Promotion Agency [Research Project Name] 2024 Gyeonggi-do Materials, Parts, and Equipment Enterprise Support Project [Research Project Title] Development of 3-Way Valve Prototype [Project Executing Agency] AT Thermo Co., Ltd. [Research Period] June 3, 2024 – November 29, 2024. Generally, a centrifugal clutch plays the role of transmitting the rotation of the input shaft to the output shaft when the rotation of the input shaft reaches a constant speed.

[0003] In this type of centrifugal clutch, torque cannot be transmitted when the input shaft rotational speed is low because the centrifugal force is smaller than the force of the return spring. However, when the rotational speed increases to a certain level, the shoe begins to be pushed against the clutch body by the centrifugal force, sliding and transmitting torque. Furthermore, as the rotational speed increases, the force of the spring is suppressed, the sliding disappears, and torque is transmitted completely.

[0004] Conventional Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2010-0007891 describes a centrifugal clutch technology comprising: a hub coupled to a driving shaft and rotating, having multiple fastening holes formed on its edge and outer grooves formed at regular intervals on its outer circumference; multiple clutch blocks installed on the outer circumference of the hub, having a holder formed with a lining attached to its outer circumference and a fastening hole provided on its inner surface; multiple springs coupled to and mounted on the clutch blocks; a link installed to be rotatable by being coupled to the fastening hole formed in the hub and the fastening hole formed in the clutch block; and a clutch drum installed on the outer circumference of the clutch blocks and coupled to a driven shaft.

[0005] In this centrifugal clutch, when the hub rotates at high speed by the drive shaft, multiple clutch blocks rotatably installed on the hub spread outward due to centrifugal force, and the linings frictionally rub against the clutch drum, thereby transmitting driving force and rotating the clutch drum.

[0006] At this time, elastic twisting occurs in the rubber bushing coupled to the hub's fastening hole due to the rotation of the link that rotates together with the clutch block as it spreads outward around the hub's fastening hole. This twisting continues to exist in the bushing along with the rotation of the driving shaft, and when the rotation of the driving shaft decreases, it serves to return the clutch block to its original position through the elastic restoration of the twisting.

[0007] In other words, the twisting of the bush imparts an elastic force to the clutch block, similar to that of a torsion spring.

[0008] Also, the spring elastically supports the clutch block when it spreads outward, and assists in ensuring stable return.

[0009] Here, although the return of the clutch block can be driven by the elasticity of the spring, it is difficult to apply because doing so requires an increase in the spring's elastic modulus and volume, which leads to a problem where the volume of the centrifugal clutch increases relatively.

[0010] Furthermore, these centrifugal clutches have a fatal problem in that they lose their function because the return of multiple clutch blocks does not occur smoothly after prolonged use.

[0011] This is because the rubber bush, inserted into the fastening hole by press-fitting, hardens due to the direct transfer of heat generated during the repeated use of the clutch block, causing it to lose elasticity and eventually resulting in slippage between the bush and the fastening hole.

[0012] If this happens, the clutch block cannot return properly, which not only causes the centrifugal clutch to lose its function but also poses a risk of fire due to continuous friction with the clutch drum. The problem to be solved

[0013] The objective of the present invention, devised in consideration of the above points, is to provide a clutch that can increase product reliability by preventing the loss of shoe clutch function through providing a continuous elastic restoring force to the shoe clutches so that the return of multiple shoe clutches spread outward by centrifugal force can be stably achieved. means of solving the problem

[0014] A clutch for achieving the objective of the present invention as described above comprises: a drive drum that rotates by being coupled to an engine shaft, wherein a hub having a plurality of recessed grooves formed on its side is formed protruding to a certain height in a central region and a fixed shaft is formed protruding in a region adjacent to the recessed grooves of the hub; a plurality of shoe clutches, each having a lining on its outer side and an insertion member formed on its inner side that is recessed into the recessed grooves, with a fixing hole formed through the center of the insertion member and connected to the fixed shaft in a manner in which the fixing hole is inserted; an elastic spring connecting the plurality of shoe clutches so as to provide mutual elastic support; an elastic bushing inserted and installed between the fixed shaft and the fixing hole, which is inserted in a press-fit state into the fixing hole and elastically supports the shoe clutch by twisting to rotate and spread in the direction of centrifugal force when the rotation amount of the engine shaft increases, and returns it to its original position when the rotation amount decreases; and a connecting plate formed integrally to form an annular shape, which is seated on the upper surface of the shoe clutch and fixed to the fixed shaft so as to maintain the state in which the elastic bushing is inserted and installed between the fixed shaft and the fixing hole. It is characterized by including a driven drum rotatably coupled to the hub in a state accommodating the above-mentioned shoe clutch.

[0015] Here, the height of the insert member formed in the shoe clutch can be formed relatively lower than the height of other areas so that the connecting plate does not protrude to the outside of the shoe clutch when installed.

[0016] In addition, insertion grooves into which the side of one end of the shoe clutch is inserted may be formed inwardly at multiple locations around the perimeter of the connecting plate.

[0017] In addition, on both sides of the shoe clutch, connecting protrusions may be formed protruding at a height lower than the height of the upper surface of the shoe clutch, so that both sides of the elastic spring are connected between the shoe clutch and the shoe clutch to elastically support the shoe clutch.

[0018] In addition, the connecting protrusion to which the elastic spring is connected may be positioned outside the center of the insertion member, which serves as the center of rotation for the shoe clutch. Effects of the invention

[0019] As described above, the clutch according to the present invention provides a continuous elastic restoring force to the shoe clutches so that the return of multiple shoe clutches spread outward by centrifugal force is stably achieved, thereby preventing the loss of shoe clutch function and increasing the reliability of the product. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the structure of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a cross-sectional section of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] Hereinafter, a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the structure of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a longitudinal cross-section of a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

[0023] As illustrated in these drawings, a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a drive drum (100) which is coupled to an engine shaft and rotates, wherein a hub (110) having a plurality of recessed grooves formed on its side is formed protruding to a certain height in a central region and a fixed shaft (120) is formed protruding in a region adjacent to the recessed groove (111) of the hub (110); a plurality of shoe clutches (200) having a lining (210) on the outside and an insertion member (220) formed on the inside that is recessed into the recessed groove (111), and a fixing hole (221) formed through the center of the insertion member (220) and connected to the fixed shaft (120) in a form in which the fixing hole (221) is inserted; and an elastic spring (300) connecting the plurality of shoe clutches (200) so as to mutually elastically support each other. The apparatus comprises: an elastic bushing (400) inserted between the fixed shaft (120) and the fixed hole (221) in a press-fit state, which elastically supports the shoe clutch (200) by twisting it to rotate and open in the direction of centrifugal force when the rotation amount of the engine shaft increases, and returns it to its original position when the rotation amount decreases; a connecting plate (500) that is seated on the upper surface of the shoe clutch (200) and fixed to the fixed shaft (120) and formed integrally to form an annular shape so as to maintain the state in which the elastic bushing (400) is inserted between the fixed shaft (120) and the fixed hole (221); and a driven drum (600) rotatably coupled to the hub (110) in a state that accommodates the shoe clutch (200).

[0024] The drive drum (100) is a component that is coupled to the disc of the engine shaft and rotates in conjunction with the rotational direction of the engine shaft, and is formed to have a disc shape, and a hub (110) with a recessed groove (111) formed on its side is formed protruding at a certain height at the center.

[0025] The recessed grooves (111) formed on the side of the hub (110) are formed at equal intervals, and three of them are provided so that their outer surfaces form a curved shape and are recessed toward the center of the hub (110), so that three superplachs (200) can be installed without interfering with the outer surface of the hub (110).

[0026] And, a plurality of fixed shafts (120) are connected concentrically with respect to the hub (110), so that the insertion member (220) of the shoe clutch (200) is rotatably connected to the fixed shafts (120).

[0027] A drive groove (110a) into which an engine shaft is fitted is formed in the center of the hub (110), and the engine shaft inserted into and coupled to the drive groove (110a) is fixed by a key, so that the hub (110) rotates by the actual driving of the engine shaft and simultaneously rotates the driven drum (600).

[0028] The shoe clutch (200) is formed of a metal material and is coupled to a fixed shaft (120) so as to be rotatable, with a portion inserted into a recessed groove (111) formed on the outer surface of the hub (110) along the outer circumference of the hub (110).

[0029] The outer surface of the shoe clutch (200) is formed in a curved shape to form a curved surface, and the outer surface of the shoe clutch (200) is provided with a plurality of linings (210) that are formed in a curved shape along the outer surface of the shoe clutch (200) and come into contact with the inner surface of the driven drum (600).

[0030] In addition, an insertion member (220) is provided on the inner side of the shoe clutch (200), which is positioned so that a portion of it is inserted into the recessed groove (111) of the hub (110) and allows the fixed shaft (120) to be inserted.

[0031] It is preferable that the height of the insert member (220) formed in the shoe clutch (200) be relatively lower than the height of other areas so that the connecting plate (500) described later does not protrude to the outside of the shoe clutch (200) when installed.

[0032] A fixing hole (221) through which a fixing shaft (120) can be inserted is formed in the center of the insertion member (220), and an elastic bushing (400) is installed in a press-fit manner in the space between the fixing shaft (120) and the fixing hole (221).

[0033] The elastic spring (300) serves to connect the multiple shoe clutches (200) to mutually elastically support each other so that the three shoe clutches (200) can maintain a state in which they are adjacent to the outer surface of the hub (110), that is, a state in which the insertion member (210) of the shoe clutch (200) is inserted into the recessed groove (111) of the hub (110).

[0034] To this end, on both sides of each shoe clutch (200), a connecting protrusion (230) is formed protruding at a height lower than the height of the upper surface of the shoe clutch (200), so that both sides of the elastic spring (300) are connected between the shoe clutch (200) and the shoe clutch (200) to elastically support the shoe clutch (200).

[0035] It is effective to position the connecting protrusion (230) to which the elastic spring (300) is connected outside the center of the insertion member (220) which is the center of rotation of the shoe clutch (200), so that the elastic force of the elastic spring (300) can be transmitted to the shoe clutch (200) to the maximum extent, thereby allowing the shoe clutch (200) to be restored as quickly as possible.

[0036] An elastic bushing (400) is inserted in a press-fit state into a fixed hole (221) and is installed between a fixed shaft (120) and a fixed hole (221) to elastically support a shoe clutch (200) that rotates in the direction of centrifugal force and opens when the amount of rotation of the engine shaft increases, and to return to its original position when the amount of rotation decreases.

[0037] This elastic bushing (400) can be formed in any shape that allows it to be installed in a state where it is pressed into a fixed hole (221), however, as described above, it must be able to elastically support the shoe clutch (200) that rotates in the direction of centrifugal force and opens when the amount of rotation of the engine shaft increases, and return the shoe clutch (200) to its original position when the amount of rotation of the shaft decreases.

[0038] The connecting plate (500) is a member formed integrally to form an annular shape, which is fixed to the fixed shaft (120) and seated on the upper surface of the shoe clutch (200) so that the elastic bushing (400) can be maintained in a state where it is inserted and installed between the fixed shaft (120) and the fixed hole (221).

[0039] At multiple locations around the perimeter of such connecting plate (500), an insertion groove (510) is formed inwardly so that the side of one end of the shoe clutch (200) is inserted.

[0040] Since the connecting plate (500) is integrally formed to form an annular shape, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to assemble the clutch according to the present invention, thereby improving workability.

[0041] The process of operating a clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration is described as follows.

[0042] First, when the engine shaft rotates, the drive drum (100) that receives the driving force rotates, and the hub (110) rotates in conjunction with the drive drum (100), and at the same time, the three shoe clutches (200) also rotate together.

[0043] Subsequently, as the rotation amount of the engine shaft gradually increases, centrifugal force acts on the shoe clutch (200), causing the shoe clutch (200) to open and rotate. Due to the continuous increase in the rotation amount, at some point the lining (210) of the shoe clutch (200) gradually comes into contact with the inner surface of the driven drum (600), and as the rotation amount reaches its peak, the lining (210) becomes completely in contact with the inner surface of the driven drum (600).

[0044] That is, the lining (210) of the three shoe clutches (200) becomes integrated with the driven drum (600), and thus the driven drum (600) receives the rotation of the engine shaft completely and rotates together with the driving drum (100).

[0045] If the V-belt is positioned on the pulley of the driven drum (600), the V-belt rotates due to the rotation of the driven drum (600).

[0046] At this time, the elastic spring (300) elastically supports both sides of the shoe clutch (200) when the shoe clutch (200) rotates by rotational force and comes into close contact with the inner surface of the driven drum (500), causing the three shoe clutches (200) to spread apart at a constant distance.

[0047] In addition, it also serves to guide the position of the shoe clutch (200) when the shoe clutch (200) returns, and the shoe clutch (200) rotates together with the connecting plate (500) around the fixed hole (221) of the hub (110) when rotation in the direction of centrifugal force occurs.

[0048] At this time, the elastic bushing (400) pressed into the fixing hole (221) of the insertion member (220) elastically supports the shoe clutch (500) that has opened in the direction of centrifugal force while rotating, and subsequently, when the amount of rotation of the engine shaft decreases, the centrifugal force acting on the shoe clutch (200) decreases, so the shoe clutch (200) naturally returns to its original position due to the restoration of the torsional energy acting on the elastic bushing (400).

[0049] In addition, the elastic spring (300) guides the returning shoe clutch (200) through elasticity so that it can return to its original position more quickly, and as the shoe clutch (200) returns, the contact between the lining (210) and the driven drum (600) is released, thereby blocking the driving force to the driven drum (600), so that the operation of the clutch is completed.

[0050] A clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above can increase product reliability by preventing the loss of shoe clutch function through providing a continuous elastic restoring force to the shoe clutches so that the return of a plurality of shoe clutches spread outward by centrifugal force is stably achieved.

[0051] The foregoing merely describes some preferred embodiments that can be implemented by the present invention. As is well known, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the above embodiments, and all technical concepts that share the fundamental principles with the technical concept of the present invention described above shall be considered to be included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0052] 100 : Drive drum 110 : Hub 111 : Recessed groove 120 : Fixed shaft 200 : Shoe clutch 210 : Lining 220 : Insertion member 221 : Fixing hole 230 : Connecting protrusion 300 : Elastic spring 400 : Elastic bushing 500 : Connecting plate 510 : Insertion groove 600 : Driven drum

Claims

Claim 1 A drive drum (100) that rotates by being coupled to an engine shaft, wherein a hub (110) having a plurality of recessed grooves formed on its side is formed protruding to a certain height in a central area, and a fixed shaft (120) is formed protruding in an area adjacent to the recessed groove (111) of the hub (110); a plurality of shoe clutches (200) having a lining (210) on the outer side and an insertion member (220) formed on the inner side that is recessed into the recessed groove (111), and a fixing hole (221) formed through the center of the insertion member (220) and connected to the fixed shaft (120) in a form in which the fixing hole (221) is inserted; an elastic spring (300) that connects the plurality of shoe clutches (200) so as to mutually elastically support each other; and a shoe clutch (200) that is inserted in a press-fit state into the fixing hole (221) and rotates in the direction of centrifugal force and opens up when the amount of rotation of the engine shaft increases, through twisting An elastic bushing (400) inserted and installed between the fixed shaft (120) and the fixed hole (221) to provide elastic support and return to the original position when the amount of rotation decreases; A clutch comprising: a connecting plate (500) formed integrally to form an annular shape, which is seated on the upper surface of the shoe clutch (200) and fixed to the fixed shaft (120) so as to maintain the state in which the elastic bushing (400) is inserted and installed between the fixed shaft (120) and the fixed hole (221); and a driven drum (600) rotatably coupled to the hub (110) while accommodating the shoe clutch (200), wherein the height of the insertion member (220) formed on the shoe clutch (200) is formed relatively lower than the height of other areas so that the connecting plate (500) does not protrude to the outside of the shoe clutch (200) when installed, and an insertion groove (510) formed inwardly at a plurality of locations around the circumference of the connecting plate (500) into which the side of one end of the shoe clutch (200) is inserted. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that on both sides of the shoe clutch (200), connecting protrusions (230) are formed protruding at a height lower than the height of the upper surface of the shoe clutch (200), so that both sides of the elastic spring (300) are connected between the shoe clutch (200) and the shoe clutch (200) to elastically support the shoe clutch (200). Claim 5 A clutch according to claim 4, wherein the connecting protrusion (230) to which the elastic spring (300) is connected is located outside the center of the insertion member (220) which is the center of rotation of the shoe clutch (200).

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