Torsionally Stiff Clutches PNEUMASTAR

The PNEUMASTAR clutch is a torsionally stiff double-cone friction clutch. The clutching components consist of two inner and two outer friction cones of which the inner ones are pneumatically pressed against the outer tapered friction faces via a clutching cylinder. Rubber sleeve springs form the torsionally stiff portion of the clutch. As the clutching components are moved over the rubber sleeve springs during the actuation of the clutch, a wear-causing axial sliding movement between the various contacting parts is avoided.

Pneumatic operation of the clutch enables speedy and precise manoeuvring, which is a prerequisite to qualify the clutch for use in the marine application. For example, a twin-engine installation can be manoeuvred with a counter-rotating propeller, without the need to reverse the engines continually. This is achieved by having engines running in opposite rotation to each other and connected via the manoeuvring clutch onto a twin-input/single-output reduction gearbox. Selective engagement/disengagement of the clutches will provide the manoeuvring facility.