Switchable Coupling, in Particular with Electrically, Hydraulically or Pneumatically Actuated Actuation System

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a switchable clutch, particularly for use in passenger car auxiliary drive systems (like compressors or generators). This clutch can be actuated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically, but has a key advantage: it only needs energy input during the switching action (engaging or disengaging). Once engaged (closed) or disengaged (open), it maintains its state without constant power. The design employs a combination of frictional/form-locking parts and a special mechanism with locking bodies and springs, so torque is reliably transferred or interrupted depending on system demand and rotational speed.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Activation and deactivation of vehicle auxiliary devices (e.g., air conditioning compressors, alternators) to save energy.
• Industrial conveyors or machinery requiring intermittent engagement/disengagement of subsystems.
• Electric or hybrid vehicles where energy savings from auxiliary system management are critical.
• Heavy-duty vehicles or equipment with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators desiring reduced parasitic losses.
• Flywheel or starter-generator systems where reliable, power-free holding of state is important.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant energy savings, as constant power is not required to hold the clutch engaged/disengaged.
• Reduced fuel consumption and emissions in vehicles as parasitic loads are minimized.
• Improved reliability due to robust design using both frictional and form-fitting elements for torque transfer.
• Lower system complexity and potentially reduced maintenance, because actuators do not need to stay powered.
• Flexibility in actuation method—compatible with electric, mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic control.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a switchable coupling, in particular for passenger vehicle auxiliary assemblies, with an actuating system, which is actuated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically, between a driving element, which is designed, for example, in the form of a pulley, and an output element, wherein the actuating system contains a switching element which, upon actuation of the actuating system, is movable between a switching start position and a switching end position counter to the force of one or more resetting elements, for example springs, wherein, in the switching end position, the switching element produces an operative connection between the driving element and the output element such that, when the driving element rotates, the output element and also an auxiliary coupling connected to the output element are caused to rotate, wherein, after deactuation of the actuating system, the locking bodies located on the auxiliary coupling produce a frictional and/or form-fitting operative connection between the driving element and the output element such that, even after deactuation of the actuating system, a torque can be conducted from the driving element to the output element, wherein the operative connection is interrupted only when the rotational speed of the driving element falls below a limit value. The advantage of this solution consists in the coupling not requiring a permanent supply of power in the switching states "coupling = closed" and "coupling = open".