# US 2014/0190782 A1 · Clutch backing plate with fluid drain > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0190782 A1 - Document ID: US20140190782A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/733,940 - Filed: 2013-01-04 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-04 - Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Applicants: GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Inventors: Robert Neil Paciotti - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140190782A1 ## CPC - F16D 13/52: Clutches with multiple lamellae {; Clutches in which three or more axially moveable members are fixed alternately to the shafts to be coupled and are pressed from one side towards an axially-located member (F16D13/385 takes precedence)} - F16D 13/70: Pressure members, e.g. pressure plates, for clutch-plates or lamellae; Guiding arrangements for pressure members {(clutch flywheels comprising two or more masses with a rotational damper F16F15/12)} - F16D 25/10: Clutch systems with a plurality of fluid-actuated clutches (arrangements or mounting of clutches in vehicles B60K17/00) - F16D 13/72: Features relating to cooling - F16D 21/06: at least two driving shafts or two driven shafts being concentric - F16D 25/0638: with more than two discs, e.g. multiple lamellae - F16D 25/123: {in view of cooling and lubrication} - F16D: COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES ## Abstract A backing plate for a friction clutch pack includes a shoulder or flange through which a plurality of radial drain passageways extend. The radial drain passageways intersect a circumferential channel which collects hydraulic fluid from the friction clutch. The radial passageways, assisted by centrifugal force, direct hydraulic fluid flow radially outwardly, away from other friction pack clutches and thus prevent such fluid from creating drag and causing increased spin losses as it flows to and through disengaged clutch packs. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A friction clutch pack for an automatic transmission comprising, in combination, a plurality of first clutch plates coupled to a drive member, a plurality of second clutch plates interleaved with said plurality of first clutch plates and coupled to a driven member, an actuator disposed on one side of said pluralities of clutch plates, and a backing plate disposed on another side of said pluralities of clutch plates, said backing plate including an axially extending flange and a plurality of radial passageways extending through said flange. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The friction clutch pack of claim 1 further including a circumferential channel on said flange communicating with said radial passageways. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The friction clutch pack of claim 1 wherein said actuator is one of electric, hydraulic and pneumatic. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The friction clutch pack of claim 1 wherein said backing plate is retained in one of said drive and driven members by a cooperating snap ring and groove. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The friction clutch pack of claim 1 wherein at least one face of said first and second clutch plates includes friction material. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The friction clutch pack of claim 1 wherein said backing plate is fabricated of powdered metal. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The friction clutch pack of claim 1 further including at least on planetary gear assembly having a component coupled to one of said drive and said driven members of said friction clutch pack. ### Claim 8 A friction clutch pack for an automatic transmission comprising, in combination, a plurality of first clutch plates coupled by first interengaging splines to a drive member, a plurality of second clutch plates interleaved with said plurality of first clutch plates and coupled by second interengaging splines to a driven member, an actuator disposed on one end of said pluralities of clutch plates, and an annular backing disc disposed on an opposite end of said pluralities of clutch plates, said backing disc including an axially extending flange and a plurality of radial passageways extending through said flange. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The friction clutch pack of claim 8 further including a circumferential channel on said flange communicating with said radial passageways. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The friction clutch pack of claim 8 wherein said actuator is one of electric, hydraulic and pneumatic. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The friction clutch pack of claim 8 wherein said backing disc is retained in one of said drive and driven members by a cooperating snap ring and groove. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The friction clutch pack of claim 8 wherein one face of said first and second clutch plates includes friction material. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The friction clutch pack of claim 8 wherein said backing disc is fabricated of powdered metal. ### Claim 14 (depends on 8) The friction clutch pack of claim 8 further including at least on planetary gear assembly having a component coupled to one of said drive and said driven members of said friction clutch pack. ### Claim 15 A friction clutch pack for an automatic transmission comprising, in combination, a plurality of first clutch plates coupled by first interengaging splines to a drive member, a plurality of second clutch plates interleaved with said plurality of first clutch plates and coupled by second interengaging splines to a driven member, an actuator disposed on one end of said pluralities of clutch plates, and a backing plate disposed on an opposite end of said pluralities of clutch plates, said backing plate including an axially extending flange, a plurality of radial passageways extending through said flange and a circumferential channel intersecting said radial passageways. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The friction clutch pack of claim 15 wherein said circumferential channel is on an inside of said flange. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The friction clutch pack of claim 15 wherein said actuator is one of electric, hydraulic and pneumatic. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The friction clutch pack of claim 15 wherein said backing plate is retained in one of said drive and driven members by a cooperating snap ring and groove. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The friction clutch pack of claim 15 wherein one face of said first and second clutch plates includes friction material.