GB672158A - Friction clutch plates - Google Patents

Abstract

672,158. Friction clutches. DANA CORPORATION. July 6, 1950, No. 16937/50. Class 80 (ii). A clutch-plate is axially cushioned by the flexing of circumferentially overlapped edges 21 of two series of staggered flat flexible segments 15, 16, riveted to the opposite friction-facings 24, 27 respectively, segmental flat spacers 22 being interposed between at least one series and its corresponding facing whereby the limit of flexure is predetermined by the choice of thickness of the spacers 22. As shown both series 15, 16 have spacers 22, 25 respectively, or, Fig. 5 (not shown), one series may have the spacers outside the segments so that only the other series flexes. The edges 21 may be shaped to give a parallel, tapered, interrupted or diamond-shaped overlap to provide control over the pressure distribution radially and thus obtain uniform wear. As shown the segments 15, 16 have spaced flexible legs 18 riveted to the hub and overlapped so that the segments lie in parallel planes, or alternatively, Figs. 8 to 10 (not shown), the legs may be formed by closed slots and spacers used for this purpose. The legs 18 of adjacent segments are crimped oppositely at 32 to ensure that the overlapped edges 21 are pressed closely together, and in Fig. 7 (not shown), the outer peripheries of the segments have pressed lugs overlapped reversely to the edges to hold the latter in close contact when the clutch is free. The usual drive-cushion springs are provided in pockets 14.