GB586388A - Improvements in and relating to hydraulically operated clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

586,388. Hydraulically-operated friction clutches. WILSON, W. G. March 30, 1945, No. 7543/46. Divided out of 586,385. [Class 80 (ii)] In a hydraulically-operated mutiple friction clutch in which the plates are acted on directly by the pressure fluid, the plates are provided with conduit means between their mutually contacting surfaces adapted to collect and disperse pressure fluid percolating therebetween. As shown, intermeshing inner and outer sets of plates 1, 2 respectively, Fig. 1, are slidably splined to the output and input clutch elements 3 and 4 and are pressed together for engagement between an abutment ring 13 and a pressure plate 14 operated by hydraulic pressure acting directly on its rear surface. Each of the outer set of plates 2 is provided on both sides with an annular groove 19, Fig. 2, near its periphery but within the area of mutual contact of the plates, and with any suitable number (in this case four) of circumferentially spaced apertures 20 coincident with the grooves. Apertures 21, 22 coincident with the grooves 19 are also provided in the inner plates 1 and the abutment ring 13 respectively, so that pressure fluid percolating inwardly between the plates is trapped in the grooves 19 and dispersed through apertures 20, 21, 22. Similarly, any oil percolating outwardly between the plates under centrifugal force will similarly be trapped and dispersed. Upon disengagement, the clutch plates are positively separated by the action of sinuous spring rings 23 provided between the adjacent plates of the inner set 1 as shown. Alternatively or additionally the groove 19 may be provided on the inner set of plates 1 and the spring rings 23 between the outer set of plates 2. Specifications 555,133. and 586,385 are referred to.