Horton Industries, Inc.

Robert C Bredt

Virgil Schieffer

Charles J Kniebel

Rotational control apparatus in the form of fan clutches (C) are disclosed including a first, friction disc portion (12) splined on a hub (20) and rotatably mounted on a shaft (24). The friction disc portion (12) is reciprocal between a first position rotatably related to the facing (52) of a sheave (50) rotatably mounted on the hub (20) and a second position rotatably independent of the sheave (50). A second friction disc portion (212) is splined on the hub (20) and is reciprocal between a first position rotatably related to the facing (252) of a second sheave (250) rotatably mounted on the hub (20) and rotating at a different rotational speed than sheave (50). By selective engagement of the friction disc portions (12, 212), the hub (20) will be rotated on the shaft (24) at either the rotational speed of the first sheave (50) or the second sheave (250). In another form, a second, friction disc portion (112) is rotatably mounted on a reciprocal piston (100) and rotatable relative to the hub (20). Planetary gears (114) are rotated intermediate and in gearing relation between a sun gear (96) fixed on the shaft (24) and an annulus (124) fixed to the hub (20). The second, friction disc portion (112) is reciprocal between a first position rotatably related to a facing (152) secured to the sheave (50) opposite to the facing (52). By selective engagement of the friction disc portions (12, 112), the hub (20) will be rotated on the shaft (24) at either the rotational speed of the sheave (50) or at a rotational speed different than the sheave (50) and specifically at a rotational speed dependent on the ratio of the planetary drive.

Rotational control apparatus

A rotational control apparatus in the preferred form of a fan clutch is disclosed including a friction disc portion slidably mounted and rotationally related by splines on a hub in turn rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft. The splines are formed on a radially outermost portion of the hub. A washer abuts with a shoulder formed in the hub at the intersection of a radially reduced portion with the radially outermost portion and with a retainer on the free end of the radially reduced portion sandwiches a spring in a compressed condition on the reduced portion. In an assembled relation, the friction disc portion abuts with the washer such that the spring biases the friction disc portion. The friction disc portion may be slid from the hub without removal of the hub from the shaft and with the spring retained on the hub by the washer. Both sides of the friction disc portion taper together such that the thickness therebetween decreases with the radial spacing from the rotational axis. The axial side of the friction disc portion which interfaces with the friction facing includes a first, radially straight circumferential portion extending radially into a second, radially angled, circumferential portion extending axially rearward to a third, generally radially straight, circumferential portion.

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Minneapolis, MN, United States of America

Robert C Bredt