Innovative Clutches and Brakes Products

What it takes to quiet brakes

If you've got a brake-squeal problem in a piece of high-use converting equipment, nearby operators are probably complaining about the piercing sound. A dual-disk brake upgrade involving actuator change out to a Universal Actuator (UA) assembly outfitted with newly patented Anti-Squeal friction pads, "solves 98% of the cases that we are aware of," says engineering manager Alan Wysocki. The secret: a welded lamination hidden between the friction pad and backing plate, designed to absorb energy imparted by the relative motion of the brake pad and rotating disk. The UA internal braking mechanism consists of two pneumatic cylinders and four friction pads. Two or more UA's connected with all-steel hardware in a ring configuration make up a full assembly that mounts between the dual disks of standard disk/hub assemblies from other pneumatic brake manufacturers. A limited-travel piston and diaphragms that are sealed from contact with the actuator spring are said to eliminate the risk of blown diaphragms and scored disks. Moreover, you don't have to loosen actuator bolts to make pad changes, Wysocki says. Use quick-change release locks instead. Dover Flexo Electronics : Enter 514

Tons of torque for its size

Looking for high torque in a compact assembly? Consider the Air Champ Straight-Bore Conveyor Clutch (LSCC-44). Its multiple plate design outperforms comparable clutches at a lower cost, according to design engineer Kevin Weiss. To reduce size and cost, the design uses an automotive-type clutch release bearing that eliminates the need for a thrust plate by integrating it into the bearing. "It's basically an angular contact bearing that's banded together completely, sealed, and shielded with an integrated thrust plate," Weiss explains. The product's open design combines with a unique rotor shape to improve airflow and thermal horsepower. "The rotor's special 'cauliflower' shape creates more airflow, and more surface area," explains Weiss, "which gives the unit higher thermal ratings." Applying air pressure engages the clutch interfaces to drive sprockets attached to the clutch drive flange. Springs keep the interfaces separated for complete disengagement when air pressure is not directed to the clutch. Designed for engaging and disengaging in accumulating, chain-driven live-roller, or in-line conveyor applications, the LSCC clutch comes standard with a pilot for mounting a customer-supplied sprocket or can be configured for a variety of mounting configurations including timing belt sprocket, v-belt sheave, plate, or double-single sprocket. Nexen Group Inc. : Enter 515

Up to 80 stops-and-starts per minute

Brake-equipped conveyor drives require the motor to start and stop with the drum. The consequent in-rush of start-up current is a common cause of heat generation as the drum cycles. A new patented clutch brake for internally powered drum motor drives fits between the gearbox and motor. With the brake on the gearbox side, and the clutch on the motor side, simultaneously engaging the brake while disengaging the clutch stops the drum, but allows the motor to operate continuously in "neutral" to minimize heat build-up. "As a result, the motor runs much cooler, is more cost effective to operate, and the drum has a quicker response," explains President Alexander Kanaris. The resulting conveyor belt drive is said to provide maintenance-free operation in indexing conveyor applications that require from 25 to 80 start-stop cycles per minute. The drive motor and clutch/brake components are all housed within the shell, but are in separated, individual chambers. Horsepower ranges from 0.50 to 5.50, with face widths from 16.73 to 39.38 inches, depending on motor size. Drum speeds are fixed, from 28 to 1,369 ft/min. Van der Graaf : Enter 516

Dual-piston design extends tension range

Brake capabilities can limit what type of materials may run on a particular line, because different gauge or thickness materials require different tension settings. The patented WCBD water-cooled brake uses a dual-piston design to extend the tension range capability of a single brake unit to simplify tension control. "This allows one unwind stand to handle a variety of materials more effectively," explains Market Manager Kristen Chilton. "Using a brake with an extended tension range means a single line can handle a wider variety of materials without changing out the brake unit, or piggybacking another brake unit onto the assembly." The dual-piston design provides varied torque from near zero to 25%, 75%, or 100% of full brake torque. Available in 14-, 18-, 24-, 36-, and 48-inch disk diameters, the brake is capable of handling from 30 to 5,200 Hp, and up to 2,744,000 lb-inches of torque. Many available features increase productivity and decrease maintenance costs and downtime, according to Chilton. "For example, split wear spacers allow for wear adjustment without disassembly of the brake. Specially formulated friction material interfacing with a copper alloy surface eliminates stick-slip to improve production quality. And rapid heat dissipation increases friction material life." In addition to tension brakes and unwind stand applications, WCBD is suitable for dynamometers, and logging equipment. Eaton Corp. Airflex Div. : Enter 517

So easy...it's a snap

The CS-08 series friction clutch for document handling applications includes a "snap-on" gear feature that allows small- to mid-size OEMs to tool their own output gears, and then snap them on. No hardware or tools are needed to mount the gear. "This approach increases design flexibility and modularity for lower-volume users because different sized gears made with less expensive, short-run tooling can be fitted to a single clutch to meet a variety of needs," explains Sales Manager John Pieri. With a 25.3-mm diameter, 27-mm length, 40-g weight, zero backlash, 2.4W power consumption, and 20-msec response time, the CS-08 is suitable for use in office automation applications such as printers, copiers, and fax equipment. Deltran PT : Enter 518

Wrap-spring clutches and brakes

The standard CB and Super CB Series wrap-spring clutch brakes, and WSC Series wrap-spring clutches, offer simple construction, low cost, and long maintenance free life, according to product manager Shelley Smith. Designed to start and stop a load rapidly and accurately without any cumulative error, each CB Series unit is a completely self-contained, packaged clutch brake assembly. "At speeds up to 1,800 rpm, the unit starts and stops loads within plus or minus a half a degree per revolution," Smith notes. Designed for more severe duty cycles and continuous heavy-duty operations, the Super CB Series is a beefier version with needle bearings and hardened wear surfaces. "While CB and Super CB are sold into both OEM applications and for maintenance and repair," Smith explains, "WSC Series is more of an OEM type of product that requires the customer to integrate it with an actuator mechanism." Warner Electric : Enter 519