Abstract:
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique clutch system. Another embodiment is a unique clutch system. Another embodiment is a unique method. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for clutch systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/384,590 filed Sep. 20, 2010, entitled CLUTCH PLATE SEPARATION, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to clutch systems, and more particularly, to clutch systems configured to separate clutch plates. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Clutch systems that effectively separate clutch plates, e.g., when the clutch system is disengaged, remain an area of interest. Some existing systems have various shortcomings, drawbacks, and disadvantages relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    One embodiment of the present invention is a unique clutch system. Another embodiment is a unique clutch system. Another embodiment is a unique method. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for clutch systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  schematically illustrates some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch plate assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  schematically illustrates some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch plate assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  schematically illustrates some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  schematically illustrates some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch plate assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nonetheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the illustration and description of certain embodiments of the invention. In addition, any alterations and/or modifications of the illustrated and/or described embodiment(s) are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. Further, any other applications of the principles of the invention, as illustrated and/or described herein, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, a clutch system includes a clutch having input clutch plates and output clutch plates. Power is transferred through the clutch when the input clutch plates and the output clutch plates are engaged. The clutch system maintains separation between the input clutch plates and output clutch plates when the clutch is disengaged. In one form, magnets are used to separate the input clutch plates and the output clutch plates from each other. In one form, the clutch system includes, in addition to the input clutch plates and the output clutch plates, an input shaft, an output shaft, input drive keys, and output drive keys. In various embodiments, the magnets used to separate the input clutch plates and the output clutch plates may be embedded into any of the components of the system, including the input shaft, the output shaft, input clutch plates, output clutch plates, input drive keys, and/or output drive keys. In one form, the magnets are arranged to repel each other, thereby maintaining separation of the input clutch plates and the output clutch plates 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the input clutch plates and the output clutch plates are separated by air that is circulated between the plates when the clutch is disengaged. In one form, openings, e.g., vent holes, are provided in one or more of the clutch plates and extend through the face of one or more of the plates to allow air to enter the area between adjacent clutch plates. This air creates a buffer to discourage the plates from contacting each other. In some embodiments, a separator may be disposed between discs to act as a pump for drawing air into the disc. 
         [0014]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch system  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are schematically depicted. In one form, clutch system  10  employs magnetic fields and thus magnetic forces to move the clutch plates relative to each other. In a particular form the magnetic fields are configured to separate adjacent clutch plates from contacting each another while the clutch system  10  is disengaged. In a multi-plate clutch system the magnetic fields can be used with a plurality of the plates. In one embodiment the clutch plates are loose fitting, and the magnets are configured to maintain separation of the clutch plates from each other, e.g., to prevent wear and heat generation. In one form, one or more magnets in the form of a magnetic plate disposed between clutch plates is employed. 
         [0015]    In one form, clutch system  10  includes one or more magnets  12 , an input shaft  14 , an output shaft  16 , input clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30 , output clutch plates  20  and  22 , input drive keys  26 , and output drive keys  28 . Input clutch plates are configured to receive input power for transfer to output clutch plates  20  and  22  when clutch system  10  is engaged. Other embodiments can include lesser or greater numbers of input clutch plates and output clutch plates. As used herein, the terms “input” and “output” are used for convenience of description only and are not intended to be limited to embodiments in which the plates are used as only a drive or a driven system. For example, clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  may be used in some applications as input or drive plates, whereas in other applications, clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  may be employed as driven or output plates. Similarly, the output plates  20  and  22  can be used as driven plates in some applications, and as drive plates in others. In still other embodiments, clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30 , and clutch plates  20  and  22  may alternatingly function as input and output clutch plates. 
         [0016]    Magnet(s)  12  are configured to separate clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  from clutch plates  20  and  22  when clutch system  10  is disengaged. In various embodiments, magnets  12  may be embedded into any of the components of clutch system  10 . In one form, magnets  12  are installed in more than one component, and are configured to separate clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  from clutch plates  20  and  22  by using magnetic repulsive (repelling) force. In other embodiments, magnets  12  may be configured to separate clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  from clutch plates  20  and  22  using magnetic attractive forces in addition to or in place of magnetic repulsive forces. 
         [0017]    In one form, input drive keys  26  are disposed on an internal portion input shaft  14 , and output drive keys  28  are disposed on an external portion of output shaft  16  (note that shafts  14  and  16  are not drawn to the same scale as clutch plates clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  from clutch plates  20  and  22 . In other embodiments, one or both of input drive keys  26  and output drive keys  28  may be disposed in other locations. In one non-limiting embodiment, the keys  26  are located on an inner surface of the input shaft  14 , which is assembled onto the outer diameter of the input plates  18 ,  24 , and  30 , wherein keys  26  engage with slots  27  formed in the input clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30 . In one non-limiting embodiment, output shaft  16  is assembled into the internal portion of output clutch plates  20  and  22 , and keys  28  engage slots the output clutch plates  20  and  22 , e.g., in a manner described below in the description of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In other embodiments, other arrangements of input shaft  14 , output shaft  16 , input clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  and output clutch plates  20  and  22  may be employed. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments the clutch plates may be an assembly of components. In one non-limiting example, the clutch plates  20 ,  22 , and  30  may be plates having separate parts that are attached together. For example, plates  20 ,  22 , and  30  may be plates having separate halves which, in one form, are mechanically fastened together, such as through the use of rivets, bolts, or screws. An embodiment of a clutch plate having separate parts that are attached together is discussed below. 
         [0019]    The present magnetic clutch system may be applied to any variety of clutch systems. Some system include, but are not limited to, automotive transmissions, industrial clutches, axial plate clutches, and high power C/C clutch packs. In one form the clutch system may be used in an aircraft. The aircraft may be powered by a variety of power plants, one of which includes a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine can take on a variety of forms such as a turbojet, turbofan, turboshaft, or turboprop. In some forms the gas turbine engine can be an adaptive cycle engine and/or a variable cycle engine. 
         [0020]    As used herein, the term “aircraft” includes, but is not limited to, helicopters, airplanes, unmanned space vehicles, fixed wing vehicles, variable wing vehicles, rotary wing vehicles, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, tailless aircraft, hover crafts, and other airborne and/or extraterrestrial (spacecraft) vehicles. Further, the present inventions are contemplated for utilization in other applications that may not be coupled with an aircraft such as, for example, industrial applications, power generation, pumping sets, naval propulsion, weapon systems, security systems, perimeter defense/security systems, and the like known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0021]    In one non-limiting embodiment a vertical/short take off and landing aircraft that uses a lift fan may have a clutch system  10  that engages and disengages the lift fan. For example, clutch system  10  may be engaged to permit generation of lift from the lift fan when desired. In one form the lift fan is driven by a gas turbine engine, and the clutch system  10  is used to engage and disengage the lift fan from a drive shaft coupled to the gas turbine engine. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 2 and 3  schematically illustrate some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch plate assembly  32  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one form, clutch plate assembly  32  in the illustrated embodiment can be used as one or both of output clutch plates  20  and/or  22 . In other embodiments, clutch plate assembly  32  may be used as one or more of input clutch plates  18 ,  24 , and  30  in addition to or in place of output clutch plates  20  and/or  22 . Clutch plate assembly  32  includes a left portion  35  and a right portion  37  that are coupled together using a fastener  39 . As used herein, the terms “left” and “right” are used for convenience of description only and are not meant to imply any particular spatial orientation in an assembled clutch plate assembly. The left portion  35  and the right portion  37  can take a variety of forms and shapes, and in one embodiment are mirror images of each other. In one form, fastener  39  is a rivet. In other embodiments, fastener  39  may take one or more other forms, and may be, for example, any useful 
         [0000]    device/construction/compound/etc. useful in coupling the left portion  35  and right portion  37  together. To set forth just a few non-limiting examples, the left portion  35  and right portion  37  can be fastened using mechanical devices or chemical adhesives, and furthermore can alternatively and/or additional be fastened using techniques such as welding. Other systems/techniques for fastening the left portion  35  and right portion  37  are also contemplated herein. 
         [0023]    The inner diameter of the clutch plate(s)  34  is lugged, having lugs  36  separated by slots  33 . Slots  33  are configured to engage drive keys  28  for transferring power between clutch plate  34  and output shaft  16 . In other embodiments, other means of engagement may be employed.  FIG. 3  depicts a clutch plate assembly  32  with the left portion  35  and the right portion  37  coupled together, which enclose between the two a magnetic plate  38 . The magnetic plate can take a variety of forms such as that depicted in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments multiple magnetic plates  38  may be used throughout the clutch plate assembly  32  and may, but need not, extend radially through the plate assembly  32 . In various embodiments, magnetic plate  38  may be configured to generate a repulsive force in conjunction with magnets  12  mounted in adjacent clutch plates in order to separate the clutch plates when clutch system  10  is disengaged. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 4 and 5  schematically illustrate some aspects of a non-limiting example of a clutch system  40  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Clutch system  40  includes clutch plates  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  and  50 . In one form, clutch plates  42 ,  46  and  48  are input clutch plates, and clutch plates  44  and  48  are output clutch plates. In other embodiments, clutch plates  42 ,  46  and  50  may be input clutch plates, and clutch plates  44  and  48  may be output clutch plates. In still other embodiments, clutch plates  42 ,  46  and  50 , and clutch plates  44  and  48  may alternatingly function as input and output clutch plates. Although there are five plates depicted in  FIG. 5 , other embodiments of clutch system  40  may include a lesser or greater number of clutch plates. The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  illustrates a construction that can be similar for either plates  44  and  48 , but it will be understood that the construction or a variation thereof can also be used for any of plates  42 ,  46 , and  50 . The plates  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  can include an array of variations and uses, such as those described above for plates  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  30 . In one form, the inner diameter of the plates  44  and  48  includes lugs  51  separated by slots  56  for engaging drive keys for an output shaft; and plates  42 ,  46  and  50  include slots  57 . 
         [0025]    Clutch system  40  employs air to separate adjacent clutch plates. For example, in one form, air that is in the vicinity of clutch system  40  is redirected to create a buffer zone between any of the plates  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 . In other embodiments, air for use in separating the clutch plates may be obtained from other sources, e.g., including compressor bleed air. In one form, air can be routed through an interior of one or more of the plates, in which the plate(s) also include(s) small holes in the face of the plate(s) for the air to exit and create a buffer between the plate(s) and any adjacent plate(s). 
         [0026]    As shown in the  FIG. 5 , air can be received from an area of the plates  44  and  48 , such as but not limited to an outer diameter area, and routed through an interior of the plates and eventually through vent holes  52  on the face of plates  44  and  48 . The air flowing out of vent holes  52  is used to separate plates  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 , to prevent the plates from contacting each other while the clutch is disengaged. Any number of the plates  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  can incorporate such air buffer features. Vent holes  52  can be any size/shape/contour/etc and there can be any number of vent holes  52  distributed radially and circumferentially around the plate, to set forth just a few variations. Some forms of the plates may include vent holes  52  on only one side of the plate. Not all vent holes  52  need be the same size/shape/etc. In one embodiment, a clutch plate can be modified to incorporate small holes in the plate along with a separator between discs that acts as a pump to draw air into the disc. In other embodiments, other means may be employed to supply air for separating clutch plates while clutch system  40  is disengaged. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a clutch plate assembly  54  with an example of plate  44  having an air scoop arrangement  56  configured to either receive air or draw air in, and also having vent holes  52  to flow air out. The air scoop arrangement  56  can be any arrangement in which air can be drawn, and directed into an interior of the plates and delivered through the vent holes  52 . In one non-limiting form the air scoop  56  is a passage internal to the plates in which an air is provided from an external source, such as through a compressor bleed air. Such an external air can be provided via an air passage formed in one of the input shaft  14  and/or output shaft  16  and delivered to the air scoop  56 . In another non-limiting form the air scoop  56  includes members disposed internal to the space between the left portion  53  and right portion  55 . The members can be used in some embodiments to entrain and pressurize the air to a level sufficient to carry the air through vent holes  52  and achieve a level of separation between plates. 
         [0028]    Embodiments of the present invention include a clutch system, comprising: a plurality of clutch plates; and a plurality of magnets configured to maintain separation between the clutch plates when the clutch system is disengaged. 
         [0029]    In a refinement, the clutch plates include at least one input clutch plate and at least one output clutch plate, wherein the plurality of magnets is configured to maintain separation between the at least one input clutch plate and the at least one output clutch plate. 
         [0030]    In another refinement, the clutch system further comprises: an input shaft coupled to the at least one input clutch plate; and an output shaft coupled to the at least one output clutch plate. 
         [0031]    In yet another refinement, the clutch system further comprises: an input drive key coupled to the input shaft; and an output drive key coupled to the output shaft. 
         [0032]    In still another refinement, the magnets are coupled to at least one of the input shaft, the output shaft, the input clutch plate, the output clutch plate, the input drive key, and/or the output drive key. 
         [0033]    In yet still another refinement, at least one clutch plate includes lugs. 
         [0034]    In a further refinement, the lugs are located on an inner diameter of the at least one clutch plate. 
         [0035]    In a yet further refinement, the lugs are located on an outer diameter of the at least one clutch plate. 
         [0036]    In a still further refinement, the lugs are located on the inner or outer diameter of the at least one clutch plate. 
         [0037]    Embodiments of the present invention include a clutch system, comprising: a first clutch plate; a second clutch plate disposed adjacent to the first clutch plate; and openings in at least one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate, wherein the openings are configured to receive air, wherein the clutch system is configured to separate the first clutch plate from the second clutch plate when the clutch system is disengaged using the air. 
         [0038]    In a refinement, the at least one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate includes an air scoop arrangement configured to draw in the air. 
         [0039]    In another refinement, the second clutch plate includes a wear face; and wherein the wear face includes a plurality of vent holes in fluid communication with the air scoop arrangement and operative to expel the air between the first and the second clutch plates to separate the first and the second clutch plates when the clutch system is disengaged. 
         [0040]    In yet another refinement, the clutch system further comprises a passage inside the at least one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate configured to deliver air from the air scoop arrangement to the vent holes. 
         [0041]    In still another refinement, the clutch system further comprises a plurality of lugs on an inner diameter of the clutch system. 
         [0042]    Embodiments of the present invention include a method, comprising: disengaging a clutch system, the clutch system including a plurality of clutch plates; and separating the clutch plates using separation means. 
         [0043]    In a refinement, the separation means includes an air scoop arrangement to draw in air on an inner clutch plate. 
         [0044]    In another refinement, the separation means further includes a plurality of vent holes in one of the clutch plates to expel the air. 
         [0045]    In yet another refinement, the separation means further includes a plurality of passages extending between the air scoop arrangement and the vent holes 
         [0046]    In still another refinement, the separation means includes a plurality of magnets. 
         [0047]    In yet still another refinement, the magnets may be coupled to an input shaft, an output shaft, an input clutch plate, an output clutch plate, an input drive key, and/or an output drive key. 
         [0048]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.