Abstract:
A ball ramp mechanism for generating a clutch disc clamping force is disclosed where an activation ring having ramped grooves is connected to a flywheel driven by a prime mover and a control ring having ramped grooves opposing those formed in the activation ring is frictionally connected to a transmission input shaft by a friction shoe contacting a friction ring nonrotatably attached to the transmission input shaft loaded by a centrifugal weight which is pivotally mounted to a coupling link which extends from the control ring.
Abstract:
A master clutch includes a pressure plate adjacent to a friction disc. A centrifugal weight forces the pressure plate and friction disc into engagement when in a desired install position. A locking device retains the centrifugal weight in the desired installed position. A controller sends an electronic command to a system component, such as an engine, to disengage the locking device. In one example, the electronic command may be an engine speed command that is above an engine speed limit in a normal vehicle operating mode. Commanding the engine to run at a speed greater than the typical engine speed limit moves the centrifugal weight out of the desired installed position making the master clutch operational.
Abstract:
An improved motorcycle slider clutch which utilizes several original equipment manufacturers components, also an aftermarket basket (34), housing gear assembly (44) and a pressure plate (74). The pressure plate engages the nest of discs (32) when compressed by a number of fingers (82) configured to create linear force when subjected to centrifugal action. An enclosure (100) surrounds the basket (34) and retains the fingers. This action defines the first or mechanical stage of operation. A number of counterbalanced fingers (120) are also rotatably contained in the enclosure (100) but are held from engagement with a restraining hub (142) connected to a fluid pressurized cylinder (136). The second, or pressurized fluid actuated stage, is engaged electrically in a timed sequence relieving the pressure allowing the counterbalanced fingers to exert pressure on the clutch discs and plates at the optimum moment.
Abstract:
A friction clutch including centrifugal and electromagnetic speed control systems. The clutch consists of an output member rotatably mounted on the drive member, an input member mounted for rotation with the drive member and centrifugal speed sensitive elements mounted on a carrier plate, and arranged to move the input member into frictional engagement with the output member. An electromagnetic coil located below the carrier plate and spaced therefrom provides a flux through the carrier plate which results in eddy currents in the plate and a magnetic drag on the plate. This drag can be varied by the degree of energization of the coil. The speed of the carrier plate controls the amount of pressure or thrust that the centrifugal speed sensing elements apply to the input member to control the clutch torque applied to the output member.
Abstract:
A throwout bearing lever for a centrifugal clutch having a dynamic adjustable weight assembly. The lever comprises a lever having an assembly aperture through the lever and an adjustment screw aperture in communication with the assembly aperture. A threaded adjustment screw within the adjustment screw aperture has a resilient member seat and an adjusting tool receiving seat. A sliding carrier slideable within the assembly aperture has a fastener aperture through the carrier and a resilient member seat. A weight fastener fastens a weight to the carrier. A resilient member seated against the resilient member seats resiliently biases the carrier against an end of the assembly aperture. The threaded adjustment screw allows for adjustment of the resiliency of the resilient member. The assembly slides within the assembly aperture, changing the weight distribution of the lever effecting movement of the lever during operational movement of the clutch.
Abstract:
A throwout bearing lever for a centrifugal clutch having a dynamic adjustable weight assembly. The lever comprises a lever having an assembly aperture through the lever and an adjustment screw aperture in communication with the assembly aperture. A threaded adjustment screw within the adjustment screw aperture has a resilient member seat and an adjusting tool receiving seat. A sliding carrier slideable within the assembly aperture has a fastener aperture through the carrier and a resilient member seat. A weight fastener fastens a weight to the carrier. A resilient member seated against the resilient member seats resiliently biases the carrier against an end of the assembly aperture. The threaded adjustment screw provides means for adjusting the resiliency of the resilient member. The assembly slides within the assembly aperture, changing the weight distribution of the lever effecting movement of the lever during operational movement of the clutch.