GB170986A - Improvements in friction clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

170,986. Giffin, H. M. Aug. 23, 1920. Clutches, friction.-In plate clutches running. in oil-tight casings, the presser-rings and operating-means therefor are unconnected with either the driving or driven members, in order to avoid loss of power by churning the oil when running declutched. A driving-shaft 10 has slidably keyed to it a plate 20, on the boss 21 of which slides a plate 23, and a driven shaft 11, or pulley, has keyed to it a casing 12 having a bearing 15 on the shaft 10 and slidably carrying on keys 16 clutch plates 17, 17<a>, 17b and a presser-plate 24, which plate and the end wall 13 of the casing 12 cannot become worn, as there is no slip between them and the plates 17<a>, 17b respectively. Floating presser-rings 25, 25<a> respectively contact with the plate 24 and a head 26, which is adjustably screwed in the casing 12 and locked by an oiltight check-ring 51. The rings 25, 25<a> are separated for clutch engagement by toggles 29 actuated by links 33 pivoted on a sleeve 37, which slides through an oil-tight aperture in the head 26 and contains an annular oil-chamber 40 communicating by a passage 41 with the casing and by a duct 47 with a groove 43 in an actuating trunnion-ring 44, wherein oil is centrifugally retained. The links 33 carry stops 38 contacting with the plate 24 to prevent excessive movement of the sleeve. The inner face 19 of the wall 13 has two radial grooves for feeding oil to the bearing 15 when the casing is at rest. The casing is about one-quarter filled with oil, the presence of which between the clutch discs ensures gradual starting.