Uniform high force clutch
AssigneeMr. Gasket Company
InventorPat Romanelli
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A centrifugally-assisted diaphragm clutch having a centrifugal weight pivotally mounted to the pressure plate which contacts the diaphragm spring. During rotation of the clutch, the centrifugal weight contacts and bears against the diaphragm spring exerting upward force on the diaphragm spring and downward force on the pressure plate, thereby increasing clutch pressure. The centrifugal weight also serves to distribute pressure over the pressure plate by directing force through its pivot point and by reducing the pressure applied to the pressure plate by the periphery of the diaphragm spring. The pressure plate includes a stop which limits the rotation of the centrifugal weight to prevent the clutch from locking in the engaged position.
Claims14
A centrifugally-assisted clutch comprising:
- a cover;
- a diaphragm spring;
- said diaphragm spring being connected to said cover;
- a pressure plate affixed to said diaphragm spring whereby said spring provides a clamping force to said pressure plate;
- and
- a centrifugal weight having first and second end portions;
- said first end portion being pivotally mounted to said pressure plate;
- said second end portion being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in said second position, said second end of said centrifugal weight is in contact with said diaphragm spring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.