Patent GB-491675-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to laminated disc clutches
IPC: F16D21/08
Filed: 1937-05-24
Abstract: 491,675. Friction clutches. KATTWINKEL, H. May 24, 1937, Nos. 14434 and 14435. Convention dates, Aug. 24, 1936 and Oct. 29, 1936. [A Specification was laid open to inspection under Sect. 91 of the Acts, Nov. 23, 1937.] [Class 80 (ii)] A clutch device between the engine and gear shafts 10 and 1 of a motor vehicle comprises a main multi-plate clutch between a member 2, Fig. 1, fixed to the gear shaft 1, and a member 5, journalled and axially-positioned on a part 2a of the member 2, together with an auxiliary single-plate clutch between the member 5 and a member 12 secured to the flywheel 11 on the engine shaft 10. The main and auxiliary clutches are normally engaged by separate springs 6 and 13a, the former of which acts on the pressure plate of the main clutch through a member 7, slidable on the hub 2b of the member 2, and levers 8 pivoted on the member 2, and the latter of which acts directly on the pressure plate 13 of the auxiliary clutch. Disengagement is effected by a control member 19 which coacts directly with the member 7 and which coacts with levers 15 through a thrust bearing 17 and a sleeve 18 with which coact projections 7a of the member 7. A pin 20, universally connected to the plate 13, passes through an aperture in each lever 15 and through an aperture in the flywheel. A projection 15b on the lever engages a recess 20c in the pin 20, while a nose 20b on the end of the latter coacts with a spring plate 21 secured on the flywheel. During disengaging movement of the member 19, the lever 15 carries the plate 13 to the left and, if the movement is sufficient, the nose 20b engages over the plate 21. On release of the member 19, a spring (not shown) returns the lever 15 to the right. The plate 21 retains the plate 13 in disengaged position until the projection 15b contacts with the right-hand inclined end of the recess 20c and lifts the pin 20 to release it from the plate 21. The auxiliary clutch now engages suddenly, followed by engagement of the main clutch. In another form shown in Fig. 2, the member 2 is fixed to the engine shaft 10, the member 5 is secured to a starter ring 11, and the driven plate 9 of the auxiliary clutch is in claw engagement with a cover plate 23 splined on the gear shaft 1. Separate engaging springs 6 and 13a act directly on the pressure plates 14 and 13 of the main and auxiliary clutches respectively. Disengagement is effected by a control member 19 coacting, through the member 23 and a thrust bearing, with levers 8 pivoted on the member 5 and connected to the plate 14 by rods 24. The plate 14, in its disengaging movement, takes along the plate 13 by means of projections 13b on the latter. Alternatively, the plate 23 may be fixed on the shaft 1, a ring, arranged between the parts 19 and 23, being provided with pins extending through holes in the member 23. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 comprises also the construction shown in Fig. 3 (Cancelled). The member 2 is fixed to a cover plate 35 secured to the flywheel 11 on the shaft 10, and the member 5 is journalled and axially-positioned on the shaft 1, the auxiliary clutch being between an extension 23 of the member 5 and a member 27 fixed to the shaft 1. The main and auxiliary clutches are normally engaged by separate springs 6 and 13a, and are adapted to be disengaged by a control member 19 which coacts directly with the end of the hub 14a of the pressure plate 14 of the main clutch, said hub being slidable on the hub 30a of the member 5, while the plate 14 coacts with levers 15 which are pivoted on the member 5 and which co-operate with adjustable studs 25 on the pressure plate 13 of the auxiliary clutch. The driven plate 9 of the latter is resilient, being preferably formed with concentric corrugations. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.