GB832894A - Improvements in or relating to centrifugal clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

832,894. Friction clutches. REGIE NATIONALE DES USINES RENAULT. June 2, 1958 [June 28, 1957], No. 17569/58. Class 80 (2). In a centrifugal friction clutch in which different friction linings become operative according to the relative rotations of the driving and driven shafts, clutch shoes 7, having main linings 8 and secondary linings 9 disposed respectively behind and in front (in relation to the normal rotation) of the pivot pins 6 for the shoes and the centrifugal weights 5, are also pivoted at 12 on rocking members 11 pivoted at 20 on the weight 5. Sockets 14 containing spring-loaded balls 15 engaging cam faces 17 on the driving flywheel 3 and a plate 18 secured to the pins 6 provide a braking system on the shoe movement. Strong springs 19 connect between the sockets 14, engaged in slots 21 in the weights 5, and the pins 6 to urge the shoes to their rearmost position in which linings 9 contact the driven drum 1. At rest the shoes are in the position A, Fig. 2, with the lining 9 in contact with the drum 1 for tow-starting of the vehicle. With the flywheel 3 at idling speed the members movable about the pins 6 are balanced and the clutch is completely disengaged as at B. Increase in speed causes weights 5 to urge linings 8 into engagement with the drum at which stage the rocker 11 tilts about pin 12. At a predetermined speed the weights 5 are prevented from further movement by shoulders on the flywheel 3 and plate 18 to limit the transmissible torque. At this speed the balls 15 pass in front of the cam faces and act to retain the transmissible torque to a speed below that associated with that torque, this prevents premature release of the clutch on vehicle deceleration near engine idling speed.