GB577325A - Improvements in or relating to clutches or couplings for conveying rotary motion - Google Patents

Abstract

577,325. Clutches. LOMBARDINI, P. C. Jan. 7, 1944, No. 355. [Class 80 (ii)] A friction clutch comprises a resiliently supported friction ring 8 on the driving member 1, 1a which engages a slightly eccentric inner surface of a drum 2a of a driven member 2, 3 in driving connection through a member 4 with the driven shaft 13. The ring 8 is carried on the driving member by a series of pressure rods 5 and springs 11 the pressure of which is varied by means of an axially slidable shaft member 7 with cam faces 7a co-operating with rollers 6 on the inner ends of the rods 5. When the spring pressure is light the friction between the eccentric drum and the ring 8 is not sufficient to convey rotary motion, the ring moving against the springs in an oscillating motion. On increase of the spring pressure the friction increases and the eccentric drum 2a is constrained to rotate with the ring 8. Torque springs 11a are also provided between the rods 5 and the ring 8 as shown. Various other arrangements of these springs are described. The operation of the clutch as shown is by a foot pedal 22 but may be automatic by arranging centrifugal weights acting through pivoted arms on to the cam shaft 7. Passages 2b, 2c are provided in the drum portion 2a for keeping the rubbing surfaces lubricated and cooled by oil retained within the casing.