GB491518A - Improvements in or relating to automatic centrifugally controlled clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

491,518. Friction clutches. NEWTON, N. B. March 4, 1937, No. 6399. [Class 80 (ii)] In a centrifugal friction clutch having centrifugally-actuated clutch-engaging levers 24, each lever is associated with both an auxiliary centrifugal mass and with a main centrifugal mass which come into action in succession so as to provide two-stage engagement. As shown, main spring-retracted masses 14 are slidable radially on the driving flywheel 10 and are slotted at 20 to receive one end of the levers 24, pivoted on the flywheel. The other end of the levers coact with a spring- retracted plate b which acts on the presser plate a through springs the extension of which is limited by studs e which are secured to the plate a and which have collars f engaging behind the plate b. The studs e are secured to one end of spring blades g, the other end of the blades being secured to the back plate c fixed in spaced relation to the flywheel. An auxiliary mass 20b is slidable radially in each main mass 14 and coacts directly with the lever 24. As the speed increases above idling speed, the auxiliary masses first move outwards and produce light engagement of the clutch, and, at a higher speed, the main masses move outwards against their springs and apply additional pressure to the levers through the auxiliary masses. In a modification, the levers are weighted to provide the auxiliary masses and swing outwards under their own centrifugal action to produce light clutch engagement before the main masses begin to move. Specifications 436,747 and 483,102 are referred to.