Rapid release clutch pack
US6634478B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D25/0638
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed to “wet” friction clutch packs used in land motor vehicle's transmissions. The clutch pack comprises a multitude of friction plates and steel plates, which are stacked one upon the other. The clutch pack further comprises a multitude of splines attached to the outer portions of the steel plates. The steel splines have rubber inserts attached to them. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the clutch pack it is compressed engaging the friction and steel plates and allowing the clutch pack to rotate, however, when the pressure is released the friction plates stay static, whereas the steel plates rotate. The rubber inserts facilitate a rapid release when the clutch pack is disengaged. When pressure is applied to the clutch pack, the rubber inserts do not interfere with the proper operation of the clutch pack.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.