US3868006A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-adjusting release mechanism for friction clutches
Assignee: Lipe Rollway Corp
•
Filing: 1973-05-03
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1993-05-03
Abstract
Abstract A self-adjusting release mechanism for disengaging a friction clutch. As wear occurs on the clutch disc facings, repositioning of parts of the release mechanism is required for proper operation. The mechanism includes telescoping sleeves with one sleeve engaging the release levers and the other sleeve carrying the release bearing. Means, including a finger washer, are provided to releasably lock the two sleeves together. When the wear on the disc facings reaches a particular point, other means operate to unlock the locking means whereby relative axial movement can occur between the sleeves to compensate for the wear.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald F Linn
- 👤 George L Wishart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:00
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D13/00; F16D13/58; F16D13/75; F16D13/755
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
In a friction clutch for connecting driving and driven shafts, the clutch having means for normally effecting a driving connection between the shafts and release levers actuatable to disengage said driving connection, the improvement comprising a first sleeve member axially slidable on the driven shaft, a second sleeve member axially slidable on the first sleeve member, means on the second sleeve member engageable with the release levers for actuating same, releasable means normally connecting the first and second sleeve members together to prevent relative axial movement therebetween whereby axial movement of the first sleeve member in one direction operates to correspondingly move the second sleeve member and actuate the release levers, and independent means located adjacent the releasable sleeve connecting means and operable when the driving connection wears to release the sleeve member connecting means and permit relative axial movement between the members to compensate for the wear.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
In a friction clutch for connecting driving and driven shafts, the clutch having means for normally effecting a driving connection between the shafts and release levers actuatable to disengage said driving connection, the improvement comprising a first sleeve member axially slidable on the driven shaft, a second sleeve member axially slidable on the first sleeve member, means on the second sleeve member engageable with the release levers for actuating same, releasable means normally connecting the first and second sleeve members together to prevent relative axial movement therebetween whereby axial movement of the first sleeve member in one direction operates to correspondingly move the second sleeve member and actuate the release levers, and independent means located adjacent the releasable sleeve connecting means and operable when the driving connection wears to release the sleeve member connecting means and permit relative axial movement between the members to compensate for the wear.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A friction clutch as defined in claim 1 wherein the releasable sleeve connecting means includes an annular support member mounted on and axially movable with the first sleeve member, and a finger washer supported at its circumference by said support member, the finger washer having a plurality of inwardly projecting radial fingers normally engaging the circumference of the second sleeve member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
A friction clutch as defined in claim 1 wherein the means operable to release the sleeve member connecting means includes an annular member mounted on and normally axially movable with the second sleeve member, and means connected to said annular member to positively limit the extent of its axial movement in one direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
199 words
In a friction clutch for connecting driving and driven shafts, the clutch having means for normally effecting a driving connection between the shafts and release levers actuatable to disengage said driving connection, the improvement comprising a first sleeve member axially slidable on the driven shaft, a second sleeve member axially slidable on the first sleeve member, means on the second sleeve member engageable with the release levers for actuating same, a support member fixed on the first sleeve member, a finger washer carried by the support member in encircling relation to the second sleeve member, the washer having a plurality of inwardly projecting radial fingers that normally engage the second sleeve member and prevent relative axial movement between the sleeve members whereby axial movement of the first sleeve member in one direction operates to correspondingly move the second sleeve member and actuate the release levers, and a release member mounted on the second sleeve member adjacent the washer fingers, the release member being operable when the wear on the clutch driving connection reaches a particular point to disengage the fingers from the second sleeve member and permit relative axial movement between the sleeve members to compensate for the wear.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
199 words
In a friction clutch for connecting driving and driven shafts, the clutch having means for normally effecting a driving connection between the shafts and release levers actuatable to disengage said driving connection, the improvement comprising a first sleeve member axially slidable on the driven shaft, a second sleeve member axially slidable on the first sleeve member, means on the second sleeve member engageable with the release levers for actuating same, a support member fixed on the first sleeve member, a finger washer carried by the support member in encircling relation to the second sleeve member, the washer having a plurality of inwardly projecting radial fingers that normally engage the second sleeve member and prevent relative axial movement between the sleeve members whereby axial movement of the first sleeve member in one direction operates to correspondingly move the second sleeve member and actuate the release levers, and a release member mounted on the second sleeve member adjacent the washer fingers, the release member being operable when the wear on the clutch driving connection reaches a particular point to disengage the fingers from the second sleeve member and permit relative axial movement between the sleeve members to compensate for the wear.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A friction clutch as defined in claim 4 wherein the release member on the second sleeve member is normally axially movable with the member, the release member including means to positively limit the extent of its movement in one direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A friction clutch as defined in claim 5 including a cover, and wherein the movement limiting means of the release member comprises at least one outwardly projecting arm arranged to abut against the cover.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |