GB792904A - Improvements in and relating to clutch mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

792,904. Clutches. BOCHORY, M. Jan. 25, 1955 [Jan. 26, 1954], No. 2236/55. Class 80 (2). A centrifugally-operated clutch, particularly for use on automobiles, is combined with a main friction clutch in series therewith and on a unidirectional clutch in parallel. The centrifugal clutch comprises friction shoes 7 radially movable on supports 19 secured to a flywheel 1 on a driving shaft 2 into engagement with a drum 21 which is rotatably mounted upon bearings 25, 25a on the driven shaft 26. The drum 21 is coupled to the driven shaft 26 by means of a main spring-loaded clutch plate 34 axially slidable on splines on the shaft 26 and adapted to be disengaged by an electromagnet 40. The uni-directional clutch comprises a helical spring 29 arranged between a drum 28 on the flywheel 1 and a ring 21a on the drum 21 and coupled at 24 to the drum 21. No drive is transmitted by the spring 29 from the drum 28 to the ring 21a but should the driven shaft 26 tend to over-run the driving shaft 2 frictional drag on the spring expands it into engagement with the drum 28. On a vehicle this allows engine braking and starting the engine by pushing. Other forms of uni-directional devices may be used such as pawls engaging ratchet teeth or wedging ball or roller devices. The main clutch 34 is normally engaged but is disconnectible for speed changes either manually or automatically. This clutch may be operated mechanically instead of electrically or by any other servo-control. The shoes 7 of the centrifugal clutch are actuated by pivoted weights 3 through the intermediary of balls 15 and returned by springs -45 between the shoes. Springs 12 are located between the friction facings 11 and the shoes to provide a progressive engagement of the drive.