Overrunning Clutch Torque Limiters and Slip Clutches
Description
Overrunning clutch torque limiters and slip clutches are mechanical devices designed to manage torque transmission in machinery. They serve to protect equipment by disengaging or slipping when the torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, thus preventing damage to the drivetrain components.
Working Principle
Overrunning clutch torque limiters and slip clutches operate by using friction or mechanical engagement to transmit torque. In normal conditions, they allow torque to pass through to the driven components. However, when the torque exceeds a set limit, these devices either slip or disengage to prevent damage. For instance, friction torque limiters use the friction between contact surfaces to transmit power, while sprag clutches use steel wedges that tip to engage or disengage the drive. These mechanisms are crucial for safety and equipment protection, as they prevent overloads from causing mechanical failures.
Applications
These devices are commonly used in various industrial applications where torque management is critical. Specific examples include conveyor systems, where torque limiter sprockets ensure uninterrupted operation by slipping during mechanical jams. They are also used in automotive drivetrains to protect against sudden torque spikes and in manufacturing equipment to safeguard against overloads during operation.
Advantages over other Torque Limiters and Slip Clutches
Overrunning clutches, particularly those using sprag engagement, can often transmit more torque than other designs. This makes them suitable for applications requiring high torque transmission without the risk of slippage. Additionally, the automatic re-engagement feature of some clutches ensures that operations can resume seamlessly once the overload condition is resolved.
Limitations
One limitation of these devices is that they can only engage at slow speeds, particularly in the case of toothed clutches, which require the system to be stopped or moving slowly. Additionally, while they provide excellent protection against overloads, they may not be suitable for applications requiring precise torque control due to their inherent slip or disengagement characteristics.
Considerations
When selecting overrunning clutch torque limiters and slip clutches, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the complexity and capacity of the device. Operating expenses are generally low, but maintenance costs can arise from wear and tear on friction surfaces. Durability is a key consideration, as devices with higher durability can reduce long-term replacement costs. Accuracy in torque limitation is crucial for applications requiring precise control, and this should be evaluated during selection. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the devices.
from Lowell Corporation
Lowell Corporation Overrunning Clutch for original equipment manufacturers and plant operation. One Way Roller Clutches, Overrunning Clutch. Featuring a simple construction, and built to offer an easy to produce one-way clutch device that saves users money. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 600 to 1800
- Torque: 5.0 to 500.0
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Hilliard Corporation (The)
The Hilliard High-Speed Overrunning Clutch provides positive engagement and high torque on demand. Featuring a unique roller-ramp design, the clutch when engaged transmits power via the precision-machined cam and roller assembly connected to the input shaft. A ball bearing at each end of the roll... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 10000 to 16000
- Torque: 275.0 to 925.0
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Hilliard Corporation (The)
Variable and fixed displacement types. SAE mounting, spline shafts. Typical operating pressures up to 5000 psig (350 bar). High-speed operation. High starting torque efficiency. Different sizes for different applications. Suitable for open and closed loop circuits. Supply includes overrunning... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Mounting: Shaft
- Shaft: In-line
from Hilliard Corporation (The)
Hilliard Sprag Clutches are designed for overrunning, backstopping and indexing applications. This clutch is a freewheeling device with an inner race and an outer race, either of which can be the input or output member. The input can drive the output in a chosen direction and permit the output to... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning; Freewheeling; Backstop
- Rotary Speed: 375 to 3600
- Torque: 275.0 to 36600.0
- Engagement: Roller Detent; Sprag
from Hilliard Corporation (The)
The Hilliard High-Speed Starter Overrunning Clutch Drive provides positive engagement and high torque on demand. Featuring a unique roller-ramp design, the clutch when engaged transmits power via the precision-machined cam and roller assembly connected to the input shaft. A ball bearing at each end... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 16000
- Torque: 275.0 to 925.0
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
A-Series Tiny-Clutches are miniature roller and cam type single revolution clutches. They also function as a general purpose, rapid action clutch for selectively coupling a continuously rotating input and a driven shaft. The clutch features fast response, high torque capacity for a given size and... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 7000
- Torque: 0.3 to 1.2
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1808 Backstopping Clutch is based off of our D125MR Roller Clutch. This clutch features a 1/2" bore & mounts to the shaft with two setscrews at 180 ° instead of the usual 90 °. This clutch is available in either Right or Left hand drive & replaces Milford Rivet Part #... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 2000
- Torque: 4.2
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
CR-Series Tiny-Clutches are captured roller and cam assemblies that work the same as our D-Series, but which are installed in your housing. The clutch has near zero backlash & allows high overrunning speeds, making them ideal for machines requiring overrunning, backstopping, freewheeling or... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning; Freewheeling; Backstop
- Rotary Speed: 7000
- Torque: 0.3
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The D-Series TINY-CLUTCH is a miniature roller and cam type one-way clutch. It is designed to be built into the customer's equipment and has no loose parts. The D-Series is most frequently used to allow a driven member to overrun the input, or for backstopping a load, it can also function to convert... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 7000
- Torque: 0.4
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1869 Fractional Revolution Pulley Clutch is based off of our SP75B Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 48 tooth, XL pitch pulley & a 3 lug (Third Revolution) collar. It has a 1/2" bore, mounts with a set screw & crosshole, & replaces Federal APD Part # 30-4325. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1479 Fractional Revolution Sprocket Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 60 tooth, 25 pitch Sprocket, a 2 lug (Half Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore, mounts with a crosshole & replaces R. Funk # A8524. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2580 Half Revolution Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a plain drum, a 2 lug (Half Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore & mounts with a crosshole. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1868 Indexing Pulley Clutch is based off of our SP75B Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 48 tooth, XL pitch pulley & a 2 lug (Half Revolution) collar. It has a 1/2" bore, mounts with a set screw & crosshole, & replaces Federal APD Part # 30-4117. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1930 Indexing Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 19 tooth, 25 pitch Sprocket, a 1 lug (Single Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore, mounts with a crosshole & replaces R. Funk # A18676. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1478 Indexing Sprocket Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 48 tooth, 25 pitch Sprocket, a 1 lug (Single Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore, mounts with a crosshole & replaces R. Funk # A8523. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2536 One Way Roller Clutch is based off of our D125 Roller Clutch. This clutch features a cam with no bore & an 10mm external square for mounting, it has a special housing with an arm & is Right hand drive. This clutch is used to convert an oscillating drive into rotary... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 2000
- Torque: 4.2
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1692 One-Way Clutch is based off of our D75PM Roller Clutch. This clutch features heavy duty springs, a 1/4" bore & mounts to the shaft with a set screw. This clutch is available in Left hand drive & replaces Pellerin Milnor part # 54M105. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 6000
- Torque: 0.8
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2448 Overrunning Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75E Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 3-Hole drum & a zero lug collar. It has a 1/2" bore & mounts with two set screws at 90 °. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2579 Single Revolution Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a plain drum, a 1 lug (Single Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore & mounts with a crosshole. [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 4.2
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
SP-Series Tiny-Clutches are versatile line of wrap spring clutches available in the following configurations: Overrunning, On-Off, Indexing, Adjustable Indexing & Positive Stop Indexing. The various configurations allow great flexibility in application. The basic spring clutch consists of three... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: In-line
- Torque: 0.4
- Mounting: Shaft
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2425 Winding Clutch is based off of our AD50 Autodisconnect Clutch. This clutch features a larger 5/8" plain drum with two flats for the output hub, allowing quick, easy slip fitting of the driven load. This clutch also has the drag arm reversed, to allow different mounting... [See More]
- Device: Overrunning
- Shaft: Parallel
- Torque: 1.2
- Mounting: Shaft - VPulley