US3557923A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple disc clutch with cushioned engagement
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1969-05-27
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Granted: 1971-01-26
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Expires: 1989-05-27
Abstract
Abstract A neutral clutch mechanism for a power transmission mechanism in an automotive vehicle driveline comprising a pair of friction clutch discs carried by a common clutch hub, a primary pressure plate disposed at one side of one of the clutch discs, the engine flywheel being on one side of the other clutch disc, a secondary pressure plate between the clutch discs, the pressure plates on the flywheel having a predetermined clearance therebetween which is maintained by spring elements carried by the auxiliary pressure plate, and an axial linkage with a relatively high mechanical advantage for actuating the pressure plates.
Inventors
- 👤 Claude H Nickell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 11:38
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D13/00; F16D13/22; F16D13/38; F16D13/385; F16D13/58; F16D2013/581
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
323 words
In an automotive vehicle transmission structure adapted to deliver torque from a vehicle engine to a transmission power input shaft, a friction disc clutch structure comprising a flywheel adapted to be connected to an engine crankshaft, a cover plate situated in spaced disposition with respect to the flywheel, a clutch hub adapted to be connected to said power input shaft, said hub comprising a radial disc, a pair of friction discs, the radially inward portions of said friction discs straddling said hub disc, a resilient damper spring connection between said hub disc and said inner disc portions, the radially outward portions of said discs being slotted to form a plurality of disc segments, friction material formed on each side of said disc segments, said disc segments being formed with a curvature, when viewed from a radial direction, to establish cushioned engagement of said clutch structure, drive pins connecting together said cover plate and said flywheel and establishing a rigid assembly, a primary pressure plate and a secondary pressure plate, openings formed in the outer regions of said pressure plates through which said drive pins are received thereby supporting said drive plates on said drive pins, one of said friction discs being disposed between said pressure plates and the other of said friction discs being disposed between said secondary pressure plate and said flywheel, spring elements secured to each radial face of said secondary pressure plate thereby establishing a predetermined clearance between said secondary pressure plate and the adjacent surfaces of said flywheel and sAid primary pressure plate, compression springs disposed between said cover plate and said primary pressure plate thereby tending normally to engage said clutch structure by establishing a frictional driving connection between said hub and said pressure plates and between said hub and said flywheel, and clutch release lever means including portions pivoted on said primary pressure plate and on said cover plate for relieving the spring force of said springs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
323 words
In an automotive vehicle transmission structure adapted to deliver torque from a vehicle engine to a transmission power input shaft, a friction disc clutch structure comprising a flywheel adapted to be connected to an engine crankshaft, a cover plate situated in spaced disposition with respect to the flywheel, a clutch hub adapted to be connected to said power input shaft, said hub comprising a radial disc, a pair of friction discs, the radially inward portions of said friction discs straddling said hub disc, a resilient damper spring connection between said hub disc and said inner disc portions, the radially outward portions of said discs being slotted to form a plurality of disc segments, friction material formed on each side of said disc segments, said disc segments being formed with a curvature, when viewed from a radial direction, to establish cushioned engagement of said clutch structure, drive pins connecting together said cover plate and said flywheel and establishing a rigid assembly, a primary pressure plate and a secondary pressure plate, openings formed in the outer regions of said pressure plates through which said drive pins are received thereby supporting said drive plates on said drive pins, one of said friction discs being disposed between said pressure plates and the other of said friction discs being disposed between said secondary pressure plate and said flywheel, spring elements secured to each radial face of said secondary pressure plate thereby establishing a predetermined clearance between said secondary pressure plate and the adjacent surfaces of said flywheel and sAid primary pressure plate, compression springs disposed between said cover plate and said primary pressure plate thereby tending normally to engage said clutch structure by establishing a frictional driving connection between said hub and said pressure plates and between said hub and said flywheel, and clutch release lever means including portions pivoted on said primary pressure plate and on said cover plate for relieving the spring force of said springs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said drive pins include an intermediate region of a cross section that defines two radial surfaces, the openings in said pressure plates having two side surfaces that register with said radial surfaces thereby permitting torque transfer between said drive pins and said pressure plates while permitting axial shifting movement of the latter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spring elements comprise springs secured at angularly spaced locations on each side of said secondary pressure plate thereby establishing a continuous separating spring force which tends to maintain a minimum clearance between said flywheel and said secondary pressure plate and between said secondary pressure plate and said primary pressure plate when said clutch structure is disengaged.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein said spring elements comprise springs secured at angularly spaced locations on each side of said secondary pressure plate thereby establishing a continuous separating spring force which tends to maintain a minimum clearance between said flywheel and said secondary pressure plate and between said secondary pressure plate and said primary pressure plate when said clutch structure is disengaged.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-25 | 1974-07-27 | 1975-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-25 | 1978-07-27 | 1979-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-25 | 1982-07-27 | 1983-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |