Multiple ratio, manually controlled power transmission mechanism with self energizing neutral clutch

Claim 2

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis of rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power outlet gears, a clutch shaft supported by said driven shaft and movable axially therealong, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first-named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said discs and connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to move said pressure plate toward said discs upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element registering with said first cam element and slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, and a cam follower carried by said first cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction and the sole torque delivery path between said clutch shaft and said driven shaft is through said pressure plate.

Claim 3

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis of rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first-named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gearS, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element registering with said first cam element and slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element being connected to said second friction clutch element through said first cam element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state.

Claim 4

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis of rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first-named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gearS, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element registering with said first cam element and slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element being connected to said second friction clutch element through said first cam element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state.

Claim 5

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis of rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plaTe, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, a centering cam element registering with said first cam element and slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions carried by said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element approaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction discs.

Claim 6

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis of rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plaTe, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, a centering cam element registering with said first cam element and slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions carried by said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element approaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction discs.

Claim 7

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element being connected to said second friction clutch element through said first cam element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction under the force of said spring as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state, and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions carried by said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element appRoaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction clutch discs.

Claim 8

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element being connected to said second friction clutch element through said first cam element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction under the force of said spring as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state, and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions carried by said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element appRoaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction clutch discs.

Claim 9

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis of rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, a centering cam element registering with said first cam element and slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering can element in one direction, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personal operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.

Claim 10

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis of rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, a centering cam element registering with said first cam element and slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said cam means is released upon movement of said centering can element in one direction, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personal operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.

Claim 11

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connnected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first aNd second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower connected to said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said clutch assembly is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element being connected to said second friction clutch element through said first cam element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction under the force of said spring as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personal operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.

Claim 12

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connnected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first aNd second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower connected to said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said clutch assembly is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element being connected to said second friction clutch element through said first cam element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction under the force of said spring as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personal operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.

Claim 13

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch eleMent upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said clutch assembly is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions carried by said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element approaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction discs, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personally operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.

Claim 14

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch eleMent upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, and a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower carried by said first cam element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said clutch assembly is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions carried by said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element approaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction discs, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personally operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.

Claim 15

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower connected to said second friction clutch element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said clutch assembly is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element beiNg connected to said second friction clutch element through said first clutch element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction under the force of said spring as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state, and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions of said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element approaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction clutch discs, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personally operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.

Claim 16

A power transmission mechanism for delivering torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, a power input gear connected to said driving shaft, multiple cluster gear assemblies engaged with said power input gear, power output gears journaled for rotation upon an axis that is common to the axis rotation of said input shaft, said cluster gear assemblies engaging continuously said power output gears, a clutch shaft connected drivably to said driven shaft and movable axially along said driven shaft, clutch elements situated in each of said output gears, a companion clutch element engaging each of said first named clutch elements as it is moved axially through said gears, a clutch sleeve carrying said companion clutch element on said sleeve and journaled rotatably on said clutch shaft and fixed against axial movement relative thereto, a first friction clutch element carried by said sleeve, a second friction clutch element surrounding said first clutch element, friction discs carried by said first and second friction clutch elements in adjacent relationship to form a clutch disc assembly, a clutch pressure plate adjacent said disc connected drivably to said power output shaft, the driving connection between said output shaft and said pressure plate permitting relative axial shifting movement of the latter with respect to the former, cam means for exerting a clamping force on said pressure plate including a first cam element carried by said second clutch element independently of said driven shaft and adapted for angular displacement relative to said driven shaft when said cam means is actuated to apply said force, which force tends to separate said pressure plate and the adjacent parts of said second friction clutch element upon relative rotation of said second friction clutch element with respect to said pressure plate, a reaction ring secured to said second friction clutch element adjacent said disc assembly for accommodating the clamping force transmitted by said pressure plate, a centering cam element slidably connected to said pressure plate whereby relative axial movement thereof with respect to said pressure plate is permitted while angular motion therebetween is prevented, a cam follower connected to said second friction clutch element and registering with the centering cam element whereby said clutch assembly is released upon movement of said centering cam element in one direction, a spring situated between said pressure plate and said centering cam element whereby the latter is urged normally away from said clutch disc assembly, said centering cam element beiNg connected to said second friction clutch element through said first clutch element to permit a modified force transfer through said disc assembly when the former is shifted in said one direction under the force of said spring as the spring force normally tends to maintain said clutch disc assembly in an engaged state, and a shoulder formed on said centering cam means and situated along a line of motion that intersects portions of said second friction clutch element when said centering cam element approaches its limiting position in a clutch disengaging direction whereby the reaction ring and the pressure plate are separated to permit clearance between the adjacent friction clutch discs, said cam means including a personally operable lever means for shifting said centering cam element in said one direction to effect clutch disengagement while permitting it to move in the opposite direction to effect clutch engagement, and second personally operable means for shifting said clutch shaft when said friction clutch assembly is disengaged thereby effecting speed ratio changes.