Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a clutch assembly for selectively coupling a supercharging blower or other driven device to a mechanical output of a prime mover, such as a diesel engine. The clutch assembly includes an input member which is preferably flexibly coupled to a rotatable blower drive gear member connected to the engine. The input member is journalled about a centrally disposed hub. An output shaft is secured to the hub and carries power to the driven device. The input member includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented slots which receive radially extending lugs formed on a first plurality of disc pack clutch plates. A second plurality of clutch plates or separators is interleaved with the first plurality of clutch plates to form a friction disc pack clutch. The second plurality of clutch plates includes centrally disposed splines which engage complementarily sized splines formed on the hub. A radially extending piston plate is formed integral with the hub. The piston plate is axially aligned with the disc pack. An axially slidable cylinder surrounds the hub and the piston plate and includes a radially inwardly extending plate positioned between the piston plate and disc pack. A wave spring is disposed between the piston plate and the cylinder plate. The wave spring biases the slidable cylinder plate toward the disc pack, thereby compressing the first and second pluralities of clutch plates of the disc pack together so as to couple the input member to the hub and, therefore, the output shaft. An end disc is secured to the slidable cylinder which, in conjunction with the cylinder, the piston plate, and the hub, defines an annular chamber. Injection of a fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, into the chamber slides the cylinder axially away from the disc pack clutch against the urging of the wave spring, thereby disengaging the output shaft from the input member. Upon relaxation of the fluid pressure, the wave spring re-compresses the disc pack and re-couples the output shaft to the input members.

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First Claim