GB875501A - Improvements in motor vehicle transmissions - Google Patents

Abstract

875,501. Clutch combinations. MARTIN, G. P. B. July 31, 1958 [May 8, 1957], No. 14661/57. Class 80 (2). In a motor vehicle transmission wherein a single or multi-stage hydrodynamic torque converter 3 of the overrun reactor type is bridged by a parallel centrifugal friction clutch 12, the converter turbine 7 transmits torque to an output shaft 14 through means which produces a tendency to disengage the friction clutch, whereby high torque is transmitted mainly by the converter. In Figs. 1 and 2, such means comprises a toothed pinion 8 on the turbine 7 meshing teeth on bell-cranks 9 pivoted at 10 on the output shaft 14 and pivotally carrying centrifugal friction clutch shoes 12 for radial engagement with an input drum 2. Clutch pressure may be increased or decreased by torque responsive action of the pivoted shoes or by preloading as by resilient bushings at the bell-crank pivots 10. In Fig. 3 (not shown), a cone clutch comprises a male friction element diaphragm mounted on the output shaft and axially cammed by the relative rotation of the turbine which pivotally carries centrifugal masses geared to the output shaft and has a helical cam and ball connection with the male friction element. All or some of the centrifugal masses may act through springs or other resilient means and have their outward movement limited.