# US 2018/0320773 A1 · Drive clutch

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- Number: US 2018/0320773 A1
- Document ID: US20180320773A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/032,792
- Filed: 2018-07-11
- Published: 2018-11-08
- Earliest claimed: 2015-07-20
- Inventors: Dennis Zulawski
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20180320773A1

## CPC

- F16H 55/56: of which the bearing parts are relatively axially adjustable
- F16H 9/12: engaging a pulley built-up out of relatively axially-adjustable parts in which the belt engages the opposite flanges of the pulley directly without interposed belt-supporting members
- F16H: GEARING

## Abstract

A drive clutch having a compressible torque transfer mechanism configured to transfer torque from an engine or motor to a moveable sheave and configured to reduce wear on components of the drive clutch by eliminating sliding contact between surfaces to transfer torque and change the gear ratio. The torque transfer mechanism increases efficiency and reduces wear and may comprise a torque bellows, which is configured to transfer torque from the engine to the moveable sheave upon radial compression of the torque bellows. Sliding blocks and corresponding slide tracks are concentrically positioned between the moveable sheave and the shift plate and centrifugal force provides a force for linear movement for the sliding blocks, which results in movement of the moveable sheave and the cover, which can act to compress the torque bellows. This configuration reduces costs because precise machining is not needed and reduces premature wear and tear on the drive clutch.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of efficiently transferring torque for shifting at least one gear with a drive clutch mechanism, the method comprising:
providing a drive clutch assembly comprising an axially compressible torque transfer mechanism;
applying torque to a shaft component of the drive clutch and connected to the torque transfer mechanism by running a motor operably connected to the drive clutch;
initiating shifting of a gear of the drive clutch; and
axially compressing and radially loading the torque transfer mechanism to transfer torque from the engine to a moveable sheave of the drive clutch.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the torque transfer mechanism comprises a substantially semi-spherical housing having a substantially open interior providing an open space and a substantially flat cover configured to be securely attached to an open end of the semi-spherical housing and to seal off the open space.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, and providing a cover for the torque transfer mechanism configured to selectively seal an interior cavity of the torque transfer mechanism.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, and further comprising selectively adjusting pressure within the sealed off interior cavity of the torque transfer mechanism for selectively controlling drive clutch performance.