SSS Clutch
Operating
Principle
SSS Clutches transmit
over 100 million kW
Basic Principles of Operation
The initials “SSS” denote the ‘Synchro-Self-Shifting’ Driving torque from the input shaft will only be transmitted
action of the clutch, whereby the clutch teeth are phased when the sliding component completes its travel by
and then automatically shifted axially into engagement contacting an end stop on the input shaft, with the
when rotating at precisely the same speed. The clutch clutch teeth fully engaged and the pawls unloaded as
disengages as soon as the input speed slows down shown in Figure 3.
relative to the output speed.
When a nut is screwed against the head of a bolt, no
The basic operating principle of the SSS Clutch can be external thrust is produced. Similarly when the sliding
compared to the action of a nut screwed on to a bolt. component of an SSS Clutch reaches its end stop and
If the bolt rotates with the nut free, the nut will rotate the clutch is transmitting driving torque, no external
with the bolt. If the nut is prevented from rotating while thrust loads are produced by the helical splines.
the bolt continues to turn, the nut will move in a straight
line along the bolt. Where necessary, an oil dashpot is incorporated in the
end stop to cushion the clutch engagement.
In an SSS Clutch the input shaft (E) has helical splines
(D) which correspond to the thread of the bolt. Mounted If the speed of the input shaft is reduced relative to
on the helical splines is a sliding component (C) which the output shaft, the torque on the helical splines will
simulates the nut. In the diagram, the sliding component reverse. This causes the sliding component to return to
has external clutch teeth (B) at one end, and external the disengaged position and the clutch will overrun.
ratchet teeth (G) at the other.
At high overrunning speeds, pawl ratcheting is prevented
When the input shaft rotates, the sliding component
rotates with it until a ratchet tooth contacts the tip of a acting on the pawls.
pawl (A) on the output clutch ring (F) to prevent rotation
of the sliding component relative to the output clutch The basic SSS Clutch can operate continuously
ring. This position is shown in Figure 1. engaged or overrunning at maximum speed without
wear occurring.
As the input shaft continues to rotate, the sliding
component will move axially along the helical splines of
the input shaft. When a ratchet tooth is in contact with a
pawl tip, the clutch engaging teeth are perfectly aligned
for inter-engagement and thus will pass smoothly into
mesh in a straight line path.
A
As the sliding component moves along the input shaft,
the pawl passes out of contact with the ratchet tooth,
and continue the engaging travel as shown in Figure
2. Note that the only load on the pawl is that required
to shift the lightweight sliding component along the
helical splines.
Proven Design Positive ‘No Slip’ Drive
Over 630 SSS Clutches are used in more than 600 Hardened gear teeth transmit torque without power loss.
gas turbine generator sets in 55 countries. Total power
transmitted is over 26 000 000 kW and the maximum power Negligible Wear
transmitted through a single clutch is 300 000 kW at 3000 The clutch synchronising components are inoperative during
rpm. torque transmission or when the clutch is overrunning at high
speed.
High Reliability
Proven by its selection for important functions such as Smooth Running
Dynamic balancing of simple cylindrical components with
for 28 Navies. easily controlled clearances ensures low vibration levels.
Automatic Action High Overload/Overspeed Capability
The basic SSS Clutch is a true freewheel device requiring no Torque is transmitted through large surface area of the
friction plates, hydraulics, electromagnetic devices, or any clutch teeth. There are no ‘line contact’ rollers or cams easily
operator action. overloaded by combined torque and centrifugal forces.
B A F
E C
G
Elements of basic
SSS Clutch
A Pawl
B Clutch Teeth E Input Shaft
C Sliding Component F Output Clutch Ring
D Helical Splines G Ratchet Teeth
B A
1 F 2 3
E
G
C
Optional Extra Features
Lock-in Control To prevent clutch disengagement
Lock-out Control To prevent clutch engagement
Flexibility To accommodate shaft axial and radial movement
Encased Design A robust self-supporting unit for foot mounting
Position Indication To give local or remote indication of clutch position
Link to YouTube video demonstration
www.youtube.com/watchz?v=rOT4O-lwzu8
Typical Applications
Naval Multi-engine Propulsion Systems
Energy Recovery Turbines
Dual Driven Pumps
Compressors and Fans
Co-generation Plant
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Combined Cycle Plant
Electric Power Generation
Synchronous Condensing Plant
Air or Water Pumped Storage Plant
Turbine Turning Gear Drives
Gas Turbine Starting Drives
High Torque Back Stops
Other SSS Publications
Publication
Number
Encased Clutches NR2200
Semi-Rigid Clutches 0597/3
Spacer Clutches 0597/2
Turning Gear NR2126
Clutch Couplings NR2123
Combined Heat & Power 0297/5
Synchronous Condensing NR2201
Combined Cycle 0297/4
Pinion Clutches 1197/1
User Reference Lists:
Turbo-generator Plant 0391/1
Marine 0391/2
Pump/Compressor/Fan Drives 0391/3
Combined Cycle 1292/3
SSS Gears Limited
Synchro House, Park Road,
Sunbury-on-Thames,
Middlesex, TW16 5BL. England.
Tel: +44 (0)1932 780644
Fax: +44 (0)1932 780018
SSS Clutch Company, Inc
610 West Basin Road,
New Castle,
DE 19720. USA.
Tel: +1 (302) 322 8080
Fax: +1 (302) 322 8548
SSS Notes Reference: NR2167
