Electrically Switchable Friction Clutch with Auxiliary Locking for Vehicle Accessories

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

The patent describes a switchable clutch, particularly for auxiliary components in passenger cars (such as air conditioning compressors or alternators). This clutch system uses an electrically, mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically actuated mechanism to engage or disengage a frictional connection between a drive element and an output element, allowing torque transfer only when needed.

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

• Automotive auxiliary systems such as air conditioning or power steering in cars
• Hybrid or start-stop vehicle systems requiring controlled engagement/disengagement of components
• Industrial machinery where selective power transmission to subcomponents is needed
• Electric vehicle accessories that need to be engaged only in specific conditions

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved fuel efficiency by disconnecting non-essential components when not required
• Reduces wear on auxiliary systems by operating them only when necessary
• Allows for more precise control and automation of vehicle subsystems
• Potentially decreases maintenance costs and extends component lifespan

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Switchable coupling (1), in particular for auxiliary aggregates in motor vehicles, which has an actuation system (5) arranged between a drive element (2) and a driven element (3) and actuated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically, which in turn contains a switching member (6) that can be moved by actuation of the actuation system (5) between a switching start position (7) and a switching end position (9), wherein in the switching end position (9) an operative connection is established between a first friction surface (6.1) located on the switching member (6) and a second friction surface (2.1) arranged on the drive element (2), whereby finally a friction-locked connection is created between the drive element (2) and the driven element (3), so that a torque can be transmitted from the drive element (2) to the driven element (3), characterized in that the switchable coupling (1) has an auxiliary coupling (4) connected to the driven element (3) with locking bodies (13) mounted rotatably and/or displaceably, wherein these locking bodies (13) after deactuation of the actuation system (5) and the resulting movement of the switching member (6) from the switching end position...