Abstract A method is provided for adhering friction material to a metallic ring-like element to form clutch elements of the type generally utilized in automatic transmissions. In a preferred embodiment, the ring-like element is precoated with an adhesive material on both sides. The adhesive is then dried to a non-tacky state. A ring of friction material is then positioned on either side of the metallic ring-like element. This assembly is then placed in a press which includes an electrically conductive ring which constitutes a one turn coil. The press is closed to apply pressure to the assembly. At the same time, alternating current is caused to flow in the one turn coil to create a magnetic field which induces current flow in the metallic ring-like element. The flow of current causes the metallic ring-like element to become hot as a result of resistance and hystereses losses. The heat causes the adhesive material to bond the friction material to the metallic ring-like element.
Apparatus for adhering friction material to a metallic ringlike element to form a clutch plate comprising a lower platen and an upper platen, means to move said platens towards and away from each other and applying pressure to work mounted therebetween, an electrically conductive single split ring winding having a flat surface secured to one of the platens, means on the other platen to receive a clutch plate assembly including a metallic ring-like element with friction material juxtaposed thereagainst but not adhered thereto and with one of said element and friction material having a layer of heat-bondable adhesive thereon, said winding having a sufficient band width as measured by the difference between the outer diameter and inner diameter thereof to completely overlie the friction material, and means for applying alternating electrical energy to the winding to create an electrical field which induces current flow in the ring-like element to heat it for a period sufficient to bond the friction material to the ring-like element while simultaneously applying sufficient pressure to cause slight predetermined compression of the friction material to achieve a predetermined density thereof and to achieve a predetermined thickness of the final clutch plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
Apparatus for adhering friction material to a metallic ringlike element to form a clutch plate comprising a lower platen and an upper platen, means to move said platens towards and away from each other and applying pressure to work mounted therebetween, an electrically conductive single split ring winding having a flat surface secured to one of the platens, means on the other platen to receive a clutch plate assembly including a metallic ring-like element with friction material juxtaposed thereagainst but not adhered thereto and with one of said element and friction material having a layer of heat-bondable adhesive thereon, said winding having a sufficient band width as measured by the difference between the outer diameter and inner diameter thereof to completely overlie the friction material, and means for applying alternating electrical energy to the winding to create an electrical field which induces current flow in the ring-like element to heat it for a period sufficient to bond the friction material to the ring-like element while simultaneously applying sufficient pressure to cause slight predetermined compression of the friction material to achieve a predetermined density thereof and to achieve a predetermined thickness of the final clutch plate.