Cam operated friction clutch

Abstract

The present invention provides an externally engagable clutch which comprises an inner rotating hub member operably attached to a rotating back plate upon which is pivotly mounted an eccentric arm and a circular shaped clutch assembly provided with a clutch lining. An outer rotating clutch drum hub is provided which is rotatably attached to and in alignment with the inner rotating hub. Clutch drum hub eccentric cam means are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer drum hub. Cam follower means is rotatably mounted upon the eccentric arm in constant rolling contact with a cam surface. As the cam follower means is displaced over the peripheral surface of the cam the eccentric arm is caused to shove the clutch assembly outwards into frictional contact with the clutch drum thereby connecting the driving source with the driven member. A throw out lever assembly is rotatably mounted upon the outer portion of the outer rotating clutch drum hub for laterally displacing the cam or cam follower. A preferred embodiment is directed to displacing the cam follower rather than the cam faces.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.