・When the cam clutch engages

Compressive stress acts at the contact point between the cam and the inner and outer race in proportion to the magnitude of the meshing torque. The position of the outer race where the compressive stress acts moves infinitely each time they mesh, but the position where the compressive stress acts on the cam remains almost constant. Therefore, when a certain amount of torque is applied repeatedly, pitting occurs on the meshing surface of the cam due to fatigue.

Check the expected lifespan by referring to the fatigue life curve.

Precautions

• 1. In machines with frequent load fluctuations or applications involving vibration loads, repeated torque often acts on the Cam Clutch even though it appears to be only one engagement. The diagram on the right shows the actual torque acting on a Cam Clutch in a machine with load fluctuations. When estimating fatigue life, peaks that show a value of 1/2 or more of the maximum load torque must be counted as one engagement.
• 2. When using indexing, the frequency of repeated loads is particularly high, so it is important to check the fatigue life.
• 3. When using a servo motor, the cam may wear more rapidly than usual depending on the usage conditions. If you are considering using a servo motor, please contact us.

・When the cam clutch is running freely

At the contact point between the cam and the inner and outer race, slip occurs at a speed proportional to the idling rotation speed.

For this reason, attention must be paid to wear at the contact points.

The contact pressure is extremely small, generated by a slight force F from the spring, so if the contact is sufficiently lubricated, it will not wear out in a short period of time.

Although it varies depending on the lubrication conditions, the wear life curve shows the wear life when lubricated under normal conditions (as stated in the catalog). For relatively high-speed and long-idling applications, please refer to this graph to check the expected life.