Inventors:
John D. Novikoff - S. El Monte CA
Oleg B. Krivenkoff - Covina CA
International Classification:
F16D 1350
Abstract:
A progressive engagement clutch having a compressible clutch plate assembly mounted between the clutch flywheel and pressure plate. The clutch plate assembly has a pair of outer clutch plates, a center wave spring plate coaxially mounted on a hub for axial movement relative to one another and to the hub, and clutch facings on the outer sides of the outer plates engagable with clutch facings on the flywheel and pressure plate. During clutch engagement, the clutch plate assembly and its spring are progressively compressed between the flywheel and pressure plate until the clutch plates are finally firmly gripped between the flywheel and pressure plate to permit torque transmission through the clutch without chattering, excessive stress on the clutch or transmission coupled to the clutch, and other problems associated with conventional clutches. The clutch plates have slots and openings which aid cooling of the plates, expulsion of particles and dirt from the plate assembly, and firm frictional contact of the clutch facings.
