GB444324A - Improvements in or relating to clutch devices - Google Patents

Abstract

444,324. Friction clutches; variablespeed gearing. BACKER, J. DE, 1221, Chaussee d'Alsemberg, Uccle, Brussels. Sept. 18, 1934, No. 26842. Convention date, May 11. [Class 80 (ii)] A multiple clutch for successively driving a number of concentric shafts, such as the shafts 1, 19 and 33 of the variable-speed gear described in Specification 309,563, [Class 80 (ii)], comprises a number of individual clutches, each comprising a drum 8 in which are disposed a driven clutch plate 2, splined on one of the concentric shafts, and a pressure plate 5 to which are secured longitudinallyextending rods 13 which at one end are subjected to the action of springs 16 tending to engage the clutch. The drums of the various clutches are secured to each other and the left-hand drum is secured to a driving flywheel 11, while the springs 16 of all the clutches abut against the left-hand drum. Radial disengaging levers 17 pivoted on the cover plate 12 of the right-hand drum and cooperating with adjustable abutments k on the rods 13 are actuated through rocker levers 21 by the inclined ends of longitudinal ribs 28 on a spring-loaded sleeve 24 which is slidable within the hub 25 of the plate 12 under the control of a fork 32, the ribs 28 projecting through slots in the hub 25 so as to prevent relative rotation of the sleeve 24. The ribs 28 associated with the different clutches are of different lengths, as shown in Fig. 5, the arrangement being such that as the sleeve 24 is moved to the right the clutches are disengaged in succession, while as soon as one clutch has been disengaged its associated rocker levers engage the outer flat face of the associated ribs 28 so as to relieve the sleeve 24 from the effect of the springs of that clutch. Similarly, as the sleeve is allowed to move to the left, the clutches engage in succession. The disposition of the levers and ribs may be such that the engaging and disengaging movements of the sleeve are reversed.