Multiple-plate clutch
US4036344A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D47/06
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A low loss, multiple element wet clutch mechanism for connecting two mechanical members to each other wherein the two members are concentric about a common axis and either or both are supported for rotation about the common axis. The connection is made by clutch elements which are forced together by an actuator. Clutch elements on one side of the interface are keyed to one member to limit rotational movement about the axis to that of the member while clutch elements on the other side of the interface are keyed to a rotating annular carrier element carried by the second member. A second annular element mounted on the same member as the carrier is keyed to the member for rotational movement about the axis but is free to translate axially of the member to engage the rotating annular carrier element to key the clutch elements carried by it to that member. A clutch engaging actuator when actuated first causes the two annular elements to engage and thereafter the clutch elements. In "unclutched" mode, the clutch elements on one side of the clutch interface are free of connection to either member and therefore do not cause viscous drag power losses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.