GB551003A - Improvements in or relating to clutch-controlling mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

551,003. Centrifugal clutches. MORLEY, F.W.W. Aug. 11, 1941, No. 10198. [Class 80 (ii)] Clutches in which centrifugal masses effecting clutch engagement are carried by the driven member have a spring which presses the clutch into engaging position when the driven member is stationary or rotating at a low speed, and centrifugal means carried by the driven member oppose the action of the spring as the speed of the driven member rises. The invention is shown applied to a two-speed gear and to clutch mechanism of the kind described in Specification 551,002, in which a single set of centrifugal masses 18 alternately effect engagement of clutches 12, 17, the driven plates of both clutches being carried by a casing 13. Plungers 24 urged radially inwardly by springs 26 are mounted on the casing 113 and at low speeds, or when the casing 13 is stationary, each bears on a projection 25 on a mass 18 to move the latter into engagement with a presser plate 21 and engage the clutch 12. As the casing 13 increases in speed centrifugal force acting on the plungers overcomes the action of the springs 26 and the plungers 24 move away from the projections 25. In a modification, Fig. 2 (not shown), the spring- pressed plunger is located within each centrifugal mass which is hollow. The plunger carries a roller bearing upon a wedge-shaped abutment on the clutch casing, the apex of the wedge being in the radial plane containing the axes of the centrifugal masses.