US 12,352,317 B2
Disconnect mechanisms
Aaron M. Finke, Janesville, WI (US); Gabriella Crisanti, Kensworth Dunstable (GB); and Michael James Dawson, Bristol (GB)
Assigned to HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION, Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed by Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed on Sep. 13, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/466,376.
Claims priority of application No. 22197559 (EP), filed on Sep. 23, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0101266 A1, Mar. 28, 2024
Int. Cl. F16D 11/14 (2006.01); B64D 35/025 (2024.01)
CPC F16D 11/14 (2013.01) [B64D 35/025 (2024.01); F16D 2300/22 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A drive mechanism for use with an electric motor and a clutch mechanism, the drive mechanism comprising:
a rotor shaft;
a disconnect shaft, wherein the rotor shaft and disconnect shaft have a longitudinal axis A;
a disconnect mechanism;
at least one damper element; and
a part of a clutch;
wherein:
the disconnect shaft transmits torque between the rotor shaft and the clutch mechanism;
the disconnect shaft comprises the part of the clutch and a shaft element;
the disconnect mechanism is configured to move the disconnect shaft between an engaged position in which the part of the clutch is engaged with the clutch mechanism and a disengaged position in which the part of the clutch is not engaged with the clutch mechanism; and
the at least one damper element is configured to absorb at least part of any kinetic energy introduced into the disconnect shaft as a result of the movement of the disconnect shaft from the engaged position to the disengaged position;
wherein:
the rotor shaft comprises an axially extending void;
the rotor shaft and disconnect shaft are co-axial;
the disconnect shaft is at least partially positioned within the void;
the movement of the disconnect shaft between the engaged position and disengaged position is in an axial direction;
the rotor shaft and disconnect shaft are so configured that torque may be transmitted between the rotor shaft and disconnect shaft, and the configuration allows transmission of torque throughout the axial movement of the disconnect shaft;
the drive mechanism further comprises a chamber;
the chamber is defined by the rotor shaft, the disconnect shaft, and one or more seal elements;
each seal element extends between the rotor shaft and disconnect shaft; and
each seal element makes a fluid tight seal between the rotor shaft and disconnect shaft.