GB643481A - Improvements in or relating to a friction clutch - Google Patents

Abstract

643,481. Friction clutches. DANA CORPORATION. July 30, 1947, No. 20625. Convention date, Sept. 18, 1939. [Class 80(ii)] In a motor vehicle transmission or other plate clutch especially applicable to tractors and of the single intermediate driven' disc type, operated by over-centre levers 22 acting on a presser plate 20, clutch engagement is cushioned by circumferentially arranged sets of springs, such as preloaded double Belleville washer assemblies 25, arranged between the back cover plate 21 and a single annular member 34 against which the levers react. As shown, the washers 25 act between the member 34 and a ring 26, nested in the cover plate 21 and having axial lost-motion rivet connections 40, Fig. 2, with the member 34 to preload the washers and allow their further compression upon clutch engagement. The levers 22, which are operated from a collar 59 and are located in slots 50 in-the member 34, act through rollers 57, 45 on the member 34 and presser plate 20 respectively. The rollers 45 are cut away to engage circumferentially - extending cams 46 on the presser plate. Rotation of the member 34 relative to the cover plate 21 varies the position of the rollers 45 on the cam 46 and effects clutch adjustment. Teeth 53 on the member 34 are accessible through the cover plate 21 to effect such adjustment, a spring locking finger 55 being provided. In Fig. 3 (not shown) the washers 25 are replaced by preloaded coil compression springs, mounted in retainer cups projecting externally through bores in the cover plate. The springs act between the cover plate and the ring nested therein, which is now in axial lost motion connection therewith and directly supports for relative rotation the lever-carrying annular member.