Pneumatically actuated clutch
View Patent ↗A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.
1. A clutch assembly, comprising:
a first drive shaft operably connected to a first hub;
a second drive shaft operably connected to a second hub;
the first and second hubs positioned adjacent to one another;
a release ring that surrounds a portion of the first and second hubs and is positioned to selectively release the first and the second hubs; and
a pneumatic actuating member operably connected to a source of compressed air and positioned to selectively engage the release ring wherein the pneumatic actuating member activates a piston that engages the release ring.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the source of compressed air is connected to a controller which sends a signal to selectively release air from the source of compressed air to the actuating member.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the controller is connected to the actuating member for activating the clutch assembly based upon geographic locations.
4. A clutch assembly, comprising:
a first drive shaft operably connected to a first hub;
a second drive shaft operably connected to a second hub;
the first and second hubs positioned adjacent to one another;
a release ring that surrounds a portion of the first and second hubs and is positioned to selectively release the first and the second hubs; and
a pneumatic actuating member positioned to selectively engage the release ring wherein the assembly uses less than 1 amp of current.
5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the actuating member is positioned to engage the release ring with approximately 15 milliamps of current.