GB869595A - Clutch mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

869,595. Friction clutches; change-speed gear. CLARK EQUIPMENT CO. Dec. 10, 1959 [Oct. 1, 1959], No. 41974/59. Class 80 (2). A two-speed constant-mesh gear comprises multi-plate friction clutches 30, 32 for selectively clutching gears 22, 24 to an output shaft 20; when fluid under pressure is supplied to actuate one clutch fluid is also directed between the plates of the other clutch to cool and lubricate it. To engage clutch 30 liquid is supplied through a conduit 46 and an annular passage 48 to passages 54, 56 in the output shaft 20 and thence through passages 62, 64 to a chamber 66 housing a piston 38 engaging the clutch. Liquid is initially supplied to an inner part 66a of the chamber to give soft initial engagement of the clutch and is applied to the whole chamber to give full engaging pressure when the piston establishes communication between the parts 66a, 66b at 67. Liquid from passage 54 is also supplied through a restriction 68 and passage 70 to bearings 26 to lubricate them and through a passage 72 and openings 76 to the plates of clutch 32 to cool and lubricate them. Similarly liquid is supplied through a conduit 78 and passages 82, 58, 84, 86 to give a two-stage application of clutch 32 and is also supplied through a chamber 91 and restriction 92 to lubricate bearings 25 and to lubricate and cool the clutch 30. Gears 22, 24 mesh gears 14, 16 on a shaft 12 driven by an input gear 18 which meshes gear 16. Alternatively shaft 20 may be the driving, and shaft 12 the driven, shaft.