GB1290974A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1290974 Friction clutches BORG-WARNER CORP 4 Aug 1970 [5 Sept 1969 8 June 1970] 37634/70 Headings F2C and F2L [Also in Division F4] Cooling of a diaphragm-spring clutch is effected by a liquid 73, e.g. oil, pumped by a scoop tube 70 on a non-rotatable release sleeve 46 from the clutch driving casing 12 around conduits 97 and 77 containing a liquid cooler 100 and a reservoir 76, and distributed by a guide 115 to the clutch friction facings, a valve 102 opening to allow such flow after pressure has built up in the tube 70. A pressure relief valve 78 in the reservoir limits the maximum pressure, and hence rate of flow, in the system. A oneway valve 101 prevents back flow. A priming valve 81 by-passes the valve 102 and may be operated manually or automatically on starting the engine to open the valve, which then closes when the pressure in tube 70 is sufficient to open valve 102. As shown, the valve 102 is mounted on the axially slidable non-rotatable release sleeve 46 which slides on a tube support 52 fast with the cover 26, and abuts the spring fingers 40 through a thrust bearing 61 including a steel washer 55 acting through a friction disc (separate or integral) on a steel disc connected by tangs 62 to the fingers. A ball or radial roller bearing may replace the thrust bearing. Again, Figs. 4-7 (not shown), the valve 102 is formed in the support tube (125) for the release sleeve. Alternatively, Fig. 8 (not shown), the valve may be formed on the reservoir, the liquid being water cooled. A screw plug (190) in the valve assembly allows the attachment of a pressure gauge. The priming valve comprises a second screw plug (191) acting as a shut-off valve.