GB241409A - Improvements in or relating to friction clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

241,409. Rushen, P. C., (Brown-Lipe Gear Co.). Nov. 22, 1924. Friction clutches of the type in which the friction members are pressed together by a spring having pivoted radial arms for multiplying' the pressure thereof. The arms consist of levers which can engage throughout the entire extent of annular fulcrum and pivot surfaces to impart substantially uniform pressure to the friction members. As shown, for a single plate clutch, the levers 27, Figs. 2 and 3, are segmental and have straight ridges 28, 29 engaging an axially movable pressure. member 8 and a fixed fulcrum ring 24 respectively. The pressure member 8 is supported by and secured against relative rotation to a driving member 1 and has a sleeve 18 in the bore of which an operating sleeve 12 can slide. The end of the sleeve 18 remote from the friction disc 5 is supported by an abutment 22 slidable in a bore. 36 formed in a cover plate 250 secured to the driving member 1. One end of a conical spring 21 bears against the abutment 22 and the other end bears against an abutment 23 to which the inner ends of the levers 27 are secured. Projections 20 on the operating sleeve 12 protrude through slots in the sleeve 18 and engage the abutment 23. In operation, when the operating sleeve 12 is moved to the left, under the action of a pedal acting through a yoke 15 and bearing 14, the pressure member 8 engages the clutch. When the sleeve 12 is moved to the right the pressure at the ridges 28 is relieved, and the pressure member under the, action of the spring pressure moves to the right to disengage the clutch. The fulcrum ring 24 may be adjustable and locked in adjusted position by a member 39 secured to the cover 250.