Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub and an annular spring plate fixed to the hub. A friction disc assembly is mounted concentric with an axis of rotation of the hub and is rotatably relative to the spring plate. A plurality of drive springs are operably disposed between the spring plate and the friction disc assembly. The friction disc assembly further includes a reinforcing plate and a substantially annular disc fixed to the reinforcing plate. A friction material button is fixed to the substantially annular disc. Friction material button has a metallic friction material cookie with at least three apertures. A backer plate is fixed to the friction material. The backer plate covers the apertures in the friction material cookie. At least three spot welds are within three corresponding apertures in the cookie. At least one of the welds are offset from a line joining two others of the welds.

Abstract: A disk assembly having a circular friction lining mounted on one or both sides of a support member. An oil channel extends from the outer edge of the friction lining to the inner edge. The oil channel includes an enlarged middle oil reservoir section extending completely through the friction lining. An inlet section and an outlet section of the oil channel are in communication with the reservoir section and are narrow grooves which are embossed in the friction lining during bonding of the friction lining.

Abstract: Friction facings of a clutch disk, especially for friction clutches in motor vehicles, wherein the friction coefficient varies along the radial extension of the friction facings such that the friction coefficient in the radial outer region has a lower value than the friction coefficient in the radial inner region.

Abstract: A wheel hub and brake disc arrangement for a vehicle wheel includes a wheel hub with alternately following grooves and teeth with inclined flanks, and a brake disc, carried on the part of the wheel hub, having a concentric opening which is formed with corresponding teeth and grooves which are adapted to the grooves and teeth of the hub, the brake disc being locked against rotation on the hub and having a slip fit between the disc and the hub. In order to reduce the heat transfer between hub and disc and minimize the stresses in the disc caused by the temperature distribution and the mechanical effects, the tip arc length for each tooth is less than the root arc length for each groove which is delimited by two opposing flanks of adjacent teeth, the flanks each merge at the respective root side of the teeth into a first radius Ra, which in turn emerges into a second radius Rb which forms the bottom of the groove and is common for the two opposing flanks.

Abstract: A torque converter according to the present invention includes a converter housing, a turbine wheel arranged in the converter housing so as to be rotatable relative thereto around a converter rotational axis (A), and a bridge coupling for the substantially rotation-proof selective connection of the turbine wheel to the converter housing. The bridge coupling has a coupling mechanism connected in substantially rotation-proof fashion to the turbine wheel and includes a friction surface which may be selectively brought to rest on a counter friction surface on the converter housing or selectively connected in rotation-proof fashion thereto. The friction surface is provided on a friction surface carrier connected in rotation-proof fashion to a coupling component that is rotatable with the turbine wheel. The coupling component is pivotable relative to the friction surface carrier around a circumferential line or a circumferential line region naming around the converter rotational axis (A).

Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub, an annular spring plate, an annular disc assembly, a plurality of drive springs, and a disc assembly. The hub has an axis of rotation. The annular spring plate rotatably is fixed to the hub. The annular disc assembly is mounted concentric with the axis of rotation for rotation relative to the spring plate. The plurality of drive springs is operably disposed between the spring plate and the disc assembly. The disc assembly has a reinforcing plate with spring pockets which receive the drive springs. The reinforcing plate has oppositely facing faces. The annular disc has a friction element fixed thereto and also has a plurality of attachment apertures passing therethrough. The weld bead is disposed in each of the attachment apertures and fixes the annular disc to one of the reinforcing plate faces.

Abstract: The pressure plate for use in a friction clutch is characterized in that the first plate 11 and second plate 12 thereof are respectively composed of divided plates, fins 12b are respectively formed in the second plates 12 such that they are integral with their respective plates 12, and the second plates 12 are disposed on the first plates 11 in such a manner that gaps between the first plates are not aligned with gaps between the second plates.

Abstract: A friction plate is constituted by a core plate, and friction members fixed respectively to opposite surfaces of the core plate. The friction member has oil passages, extending therethrough from its inner peripheral surface to its outer peripheral surface, and oil grooves which are open to the inner peripheral surface, but do not extend through the friction member. The area ratio of the oil grooves to the oil passages is 25% to 100%; and the width of the oil groove is not larger than the width of the oil passage. The length of the oil groove is not less than 1/4 of the length of the oil passage. It is not necessary that all of the oil grooves have the same length. Preferably, the width of the oil passage, as well as the width of the oil groove, is not more than 3 mm. The oil passages and the oil grooves may be inclined relative to the radial direction.

Abstract: An automatic transmission clutch plate provides reduced drag in a wet clutch environment by employing independent offset slots through a friction lining applied to an annular clutch plate. The slots extend through the friction lining from at least one inner or outer peripheral edge of the ring to a terminating point between the radially inner and outer edges. In addition, slots through the friction lining extending from the radially inner edge are offset from the grooves extending through the lining from the radially outer edge. Preferably, the friction lining is formed by segments, and slots can be conveniently formed through the lining between radial edges spaced apart from each other on adjacent arcuate lining segments. In addition, the arcuate segments preferably include overlapping ends to form the offset slots.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a bridging clutch having an annular friction liner for engaging axially against a reaction surface of the clutch. The liner is in the form of an annular ring having a friction surface, an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, with a network of grooves formed in the friction surface to enable a liquid to flow between the liner and the reaction surface. The network of grooves is not open radially in the outer perimeter of the liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a clutch plate includes forming arcuate segments from a friction material sheet, applying the arcuate segments to the ring in a fixed location with a temporary adherent, preferably to define intermediate spaces between the arcuate segments, and bonding the arcuate segments to the annular ring surface to form an automatic transmission clutch plate. Preferably, a set of multiple arcuate segments with independent edge boundaries are applied in a single workstation, and one or more sets may be applied to each annular surface by appropriately indexing the ring with respect to the application equipment. Preferably, the arcuate segments are formed by stamping the segments from sheets, the cuttings arranged at closely spaced positions on the sheet to reduce friction material waste.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a friction-in-oil device having a plurality of coaxial disks comprising metal rotor or driving disks, metal stator or driven disks, and loose disks of carbon/carbon ("C/C") composite material, each loose C/C disk lying between a metal rotor or driving disk and a metal stator or driven disk. Each loose C/C disk is centered by a bearing surface formed in an adjacent metal rotor or stator disk, which bearing surface has passages for feeding oil to the interface between the loose C/C disk and the metal rotor or stator disk.

Abstract: The bypass clutch in the fluid-containing housing of the hydrokinetic torque converter in the power train of a motor vehicle is provided with a first friction surface carried by a radially extending or conical section of the housing, and with a complementary friction surface carried by an axially movable piston or by an intermediate clutch plate of the bypass clutch. At least one of the friction surfaces is provided with an array of pockets and/or channels for a fluid (such as oil) which withdraws friction heat developing when the bypass clutch is partially engaged so that the friction surfaces contact but slip relative to each other. The depth and/or the width of the channels is at least substantially constant, and such channels can include bends between straight channel sections. The inlets of the channels can be located at the radially inner or radially outer marginal portion and their outlets can be located at the radially outer or inner marginal portion of the respective friction surface.

Abstract: In a clutch for an automatic transmission having a unilateral clutch disc construction in which outwardly toothed plates are interleaved with inwardly toothed plates, and the plates have friction faces only on one side, the inner peripheries of the outwardly toothed plates and the outer peripheries of the inwardly toothed plates have circumferentially spaced notches. These notches prevent distortion due to thermal expansion occurring when the clutch discs are unevenly engaged.

Abstract: A braking component such as a brake pad, brake rotor, brake drum or clutch disk is comprised of a metal substrate having a friction material laminated on at least a portion of at least one face of the metal substrate, the friction material being a ceramic-metal composite comprised of a metal phase and a ceramic phase dispersed within each other, wherein the ceramic phase is present in an amount of at least about 20% by volume of the ceramic-metal composite. In particular, the braking component is a metal substrate, such as aluminum, having laminated thereto a ceramic-metal composite of a dense boron carbide-aluminum composite having high specific heat and low density.

Abstract: Oil is introduced into gaps between divided pieces forming a friction facing to enhance sealability of working oil of a lockup clutch upon operation of the lockup clutch to enhance sliding characteristics and durability of the friction facing. The friction facing 30 is included in the lockup clutch 2 of a torque convertor 1, and includes a plurality of divided pieces divided in the circumferential direction. Gaps that are out of fluid communication from the outer circumferential side to the inner circumferential side are provided between the divided pieces with the lockup clutch in an engaged state.

Abstract: A disc assembly for use in, for example, an automatic transmission is disclosed. The disc assembly includes a pair of spaced core members (15-16, 25-26, 36-37, 56-57). A friction facing (17-18, 27-28, 42-43, 62, 77-78) is positioned on the outer side of at least one of said core members. A grooved cooling layer (20, 30, 45, 61) is positioned between the pair of spaced core members and is in fluid communication with a cooling fluid. The disc assembly is used with other disc assemblies and other power elements (12, 48, 65, 83) to form a clutch assembly for the transmission.

Abstract: A friction element which can be used in the lockup clutch of a hydrokinetic torque converter and has a friction face engaging a complementary friction face when the clutch is at least partially engaged is provided with one or more channels which are machined, impressed or otherwise formed in its friction face to permit a fluid coolant to flow from a first compartment containing a pressurized fluid into a second compartment wherein the fluid pressure is lower. Each channel includes at least one fluid flow restricting portion which communicates with the first compartment and establishes a turbulent flow of fluid into a major portion of the respective channel. The major portion is designed to establish a laminar flow of fluid toward one or more outlets communicating with the second compartment.

Abstract: The friction surfaces (4) of two essentially annular friction elements (1) which, through relative motion, can be arranged to transmit torque, are each approximately formed like the surface of a spherical layer whose center (M) is situated on the axis (5) of the annular frictional elements (1) outside the bottom plane of the spherical layer. This is a simple way to ensure a whole-surface, interlocking contact and a good friction performance over a large number of cycles even during a minor tilt of the two cooperating friction surfaces (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure plate 12 that is formed with a plurality of protrusions 12a. The amount of the imbalance in the pressure plate 12 is measured, the imbalance is then corrected by machining the protrusions 12a in accordance with the amount of determined imbalance.

Abstract: A fishing reel of a double bearing type includes a clutch member having an engaging portion which, during the movement of the clutch member between its rotation force transmission position and rotation force cut-off position, is caused to move along the inner peripheral surface of a bearing, wherein the engaging portion of the clutch member is structured such that, during the above movement, it is situated in the range of the inner peripheral surface of the bearing in a direction extending along the rotation axis of the spool shaft, and further wherein a clutch engaged portion engaged with the engaging portion is also structured such that it is situated in the range of the inner peripheral surface of the bearing in the direction extending along the rotation axis of the spool shaft.

Abstract: A structure of a clutch plate is provided which is capable of retaining its stable quality without any chemical treating agent. In the clutch plate structure, laminar facings (9, 9) are attached to the sides (8, 8) of a metallic core plate (7) with a binding material (10), and a plurality of concaves (11 . . . ) filled with the binding material (10) are formed physically in the sides (8, 8) so that the adhesion area on the side of the core plate (7) becomes larger.

Abstract: A plate and facing assembly (10), including a plate (12) and a facing (14) mounted on the plate. The facing (14) defines a substantially circular outer groove (20) and a substantially circular inner groove (22) spaced from the outer groove. The facing (14) defines a waved groove (24) between the outer and inner grooves (20, 22). The outer, inner and waved grooves (20, 22, 24) are interconnected by a plurality of flow grooves (28, 30, 32) defined by the facing (14). The grooves (20, 22, 24) interact to channel the flow of fluid.

Abstract: Generally trapezoid-shaped friction material pads can be used in conjunction with piston assemblies having torque collars with upstanding torque posts and with torque collars that have torque legs with inclined inner faces or shoulders to embrace side faces or shoulders of the pads. A retainer clip cooperates with the torque legs to prevent unwanted radial movement of the pad. A back plate of the pad has one or more tabs projecting beyond a wider base of the pad for facilitating pad removal. Tabs on the pad for indicating that a worn friction pad is due for replacement are located beyond the wider base of the pad or within the friction material pad. The friction pads are adapted for installation on module bases which include air ports on side surfaces and are constructed for interconnection that provides for air transfer between adjacent modules via the air ports.

Abstract: In a torque converter with a lock-up mechanism which can decrease a distribution of hydraulic pressure in the radial and circumferential directions of a frictional material, which can prevent the creation of any excess reaction by the distribution of hydraulic pressure, and which can efficiently give a fastening force to the frictional material to thereby improve transmission torque capacity, an oil groove for reducing the distribution of hydraulic pressure is provided on the frictional material or a piston. This oil groove is provided for depressurization at a location which does not hinder the fastening function.

Abstract: Friction plates for a friction type coupling device for displaying a function of braking, holding, accelerating or decelerating by depressing and contacting one friction member against the other friction member of a friction type coupling device composed of two friction plates one fabricated of metals or non-metallic materials or inorganic material. One friction plate has a friction portion which is selectively depressed against the other friction plate and a remaining non-contacting portion. The friction portion is formed as a plurality of protrusions by cutting away, by engraving a plurality of grooves, by cutting away non-contacting portions or by positively forming a plurality of protrusions on the surface of the friction plate.

Abstract: A lockup clutch for a torque converter (10) has a piston (63) with a tapered face (67) that engages a grooved friction material (61). The edge (71) of the piston face (67) extends outward away from the center portion (69) of the piston face (67) toward the friction material (61). The friction material (61) is arranged in a pattern of concentric lands (80, 82, 84) defining annular grooves (86) between adjacent lands with an innermost land (82) being free of radial grooves (92) and all other lands being connected by radial grooves (92) in communication with the interior of the torque converter housing (12, 14) through the torus circuit cavity. The innermost land (82) blocks fluid flow from the torus flow circuit cavity when the piston (63) engages the disk (61) in a hard lockup condition but permits fluid flow during a soft lockup condition.

Abstract: A disc for a ventilated disc brake, particularly for racing cars, which has the advantage of exceptional resistance to both thermal and mechanical stresses, comprising a brake ring and a bell-shape support, in which the brake ring is structurally independent from the bell and is formed from two ring elements separated by an air space and connected by spacer elements, and is attached to the bell by way of the spacer elements.

Abstract: A dry plate torque overload clutch for a driveline has a clutch plate with knurled surfaces that are impressed into the facing surfaces of friction discs to strengthen and support the friction disc material so as to resist being squeezed out from between the clutch plate and the housing and pressure plate on the opposite sides of the friction discs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a clutch plate includes forming arcuate segments from a friction material sheet, applying the arcuate segments to the ring in a fixed location with a temporary adherent, preferably to define intermediate spaces between the arcuate segments, and bonding the arcuate segments to the annular ring surface to form an automatic transmission clutch plate. Preferably, a set of multiple arcuate segments with independent edge boundaries are applied in a single workstation, and one or more sets may be applied to each annular surface by appropriately indexing the ring with respect to the application equipment. Preferably, the arcuate segments are formed by stamping the segments from sheets, the cuttings arranged at closely spaced positions on the sheet to reduce friction material waste. Preferably, the stamping die displaces the cut arcuate segment to its fixed location on the annular ring.

Abstract: In a torque converter with a cone-type lock-up clutch having a clutch disc (14) with a conical friction disc area (24) cooperating directly with the conical inner wall of the torque converter housing (1), the inner wall of the torque converter housing (1) has in its jacket part (2) at least two conical areas (K1 and K2) disposed concentrically of one another, the radially inner conical area (K1) having a relatively small angle and the radially outer conical area (K2) having a relatively large angle, and cooperates, with clutch discs (14 and 14') having different radial extents and having friction disc areas (23 and 23') with different cone angles.

Abstract: A friction element which can be used in the lockup clutch of a hydrokinetic torque converter and has a friction face engaging a complementary friction face when the clutch is at least partially engaged is provided with one or more channels which are machined, impressed or otherwise formed in its friction face to permit a fluid coolant to flow from a first compartment containing a pressurized fluid into a second compartment wherein the fluid pressure is lower. Each channel includes at least one fluid flow restricting portion which communicates with the first compartment and establishes a turbulent flow of fluid into a major portion of the respective channel. The major portion is designed to establish a laminar flow of fluid toward one or more outlets communicating with the second compartment.

Abstract: A friction clutch can have a relatively thin application plate with a diameter ratio D.sub.A (outside diameter) to D.sub.I (inside diameter) of less than about 1.4. As a result of such a configuration, the application plate, in spite of the reduction in the size of the friction surface, exhibits an improved ability to transmit the torque in the event of the sudden application of a high frictional load. In accordance with at least one embodiment this same diameter ratio can be given to the corresponding friction linings as well.

Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle in which a friction lining ring can be clamped directly between the centrifugal mass and the pressure plate. In addition, a radially inward extension of the friction lining rang is riveted directly to a carrier which is fastened non-rotationally on a hub, possibly with the interposition of a torsional damping device.

Abstract: A friction disc assembly (10) for use in clutch packs is disclosed. The friction disc assembly (10) includes a pair of annular friction facings (12-30) and an annular core plate (11) positioned between the friction facings (12-30). Each of the friction facings (12-30) includes a plurality of adjoining facing segments (14-31). Each segment (14-31) includes a notch (15-33) at one end and a tab (16-32) at the other end. Each notch (15-33) receives an adjoining tab (16-32) and defines a reservoir (21-35) adjacent the tab (16-32). The reservoir (21-35) receives unwanted stray fibers and cooling fluid. Another embodiment for wide core plates includes a pair of tabs (43-44) received in a pair of notches (45-46). Reservoirs (47-48) are defined adjacent the ends of the tabs (43-44).

Abstract: A friction plate for a friction engagement device has a pattern of grooves in the surface thereof. In one embodiment, radial grooves are inclined from the inner edge of the plate to the outer edge which divide the plate into friction material segments. A pair of radially spaced connecting grooves traverse each segment to connect the radial grooves which define the segment, and are staggered radially from the pairs of connecting grooves of the adjacent segments, so that the grooves of adjacent pairs alternate in radial location across the radial groove which divides them. In another embodiment, tangential grooves form a regular polygon inscribing the outer edge of the friction plate. In both embodiments, oil traverses the surface of the plate from the inner diameter edge to the outer diameter edge by a serpentine route alternating between the radial grooves and the connecting or tangential grooves.

Abstract: A clutch separator plate for use in an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The clutch separator plate comprises a first plate and at least a second plate, the first plate having a first side defining a first protrusion and a second side, the second plate having a third side and a fourth side, and the first plate and the second plate being used together by placing the first side of the first plate adjacent either one of the third side or the fourth side of the second plate such that the first plate and the second plate will be spaced apart by the first protrusion during use.

Abstract: A wet friction member which can maintain boundary lubrication by decreasing the thickness of oil film on a friction surface even when the sliding velocity increases. In a case where the friction surface of the friction member is in pressure contact with a mated member while rotating in a state of boundary lubrications a shearing resistance owing to viscosity of cooling oil is circumferentially applied to cooling oil in outer grooves in the friction surface. Since outer grooves extend from starting position of intermediate portions of the friction surface and terminate at the outer peripheral edge in a volute shape toward the direction of rotation, cooling oil in the outer grooves flows along the groove walls and is quickly discharged from opening portions at the outer peripheral edge.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter is designed with a lock-up clutch which comprises a piston which can be extended in the axial direction and can be connected by at least one friction lining to the converter housing. The friction lining is designed with a multiplicity of depressions for the flow of hydraulic fluid, preferably oil, from the converter circuit, whereby the depressions extend between the radially outside edge and the radially inside edge of the friction lining in the circumferential direction at a specified angle, with a changing radial distance from the axis of rotation of the friction lining. Each depression changes its longitudinal direction between each inlet and outlet for the oil at least once, so that its radial component is oriented opposite to its orientation before the change.

Abstract: A clutch friction wheel for a motor vehicle includes a friction disc which comprises two support elements, each carrying a friction liner fixed to the peripheral portion of the support element, which is extended radially inwardly by a central fastening portion of the support element. A resilient progressive action element or spring is interposed between the inner faces, facing towards each other, of the peripheral portions of the two support elements, and is fixed to at least one of the latter. A locating element is interposed between the inner faces of the central fastening portions and is fixed to the latter. The friction disc is made as a pre-formed unitary sub-assembly, and bayonet fitting means are interposed between the central fastening portion of one of the support elements and the locating element.

Abstract: A groove structure for a wet-type friction engaging element has an approximately U-shaped cross-sectional form in which both corners of a bottom surface are deeper than an intermediate section.

Abstract: An improved railway brake shoe member characterized by logitudinally tapered sidewalls of the brake shoe that provide adaptive response to braking under conditions of mis-alignment between the brake shoe member and the tread of a railway car wheel by facilitating wear-in of the mis-aligned brake shoe, thereby assuring brake shoe/wheel tread engagement and accordingly alleviating degradation of braking efficiency and undesirable thermal inputs to the wheel flange that otherwise results from such brake shoe mis-alignment.

Abstract: A method for automated assembly of a frictionally engaging clutch disc subassembly, employing a tooling jig in conjunction with appropriately configured subassembly friction facings and cushioning plate, whereby need for post-manufacture rotational balancing is eliminated.

Abstract: In a clutch mechanism formed by adhering a friction member to a face of one of a pair of rotating elements with an adhesive member and arranged to bring the surface of the other of the pair of rotating elements into pressed contact with the friction member by an urging member, a recessed part is formed in the face of the one of the rotating elements to which the friction member is adhered, so as to accumulate and retain pressure sensitive adhesive seeping from the adhesive member.

Abstract: A carbon-carbon composite material formed from a fibrous substrate and a matrix. The fibrous substrate has a carbon fiber base which acts as a reinforcement, a coarse texture and large sized cavities. The matrix includes pyrocarbon layers coating the fibrous substrate and a carbon based cellular structure dividing the large sized cavities of the substrate into small cavities having open porosity.

Abstract: Multimaterial disk for high-energy braking comprising at least one ceramic or cermet facing.

Abstract: A pressure-receiving plate for a friction device includes an annular portion and pawls formed integrally on the inner or outer periphery of the annular portion. The annular portion has one side provided with a friction surface which contacts a friction disk engaged with one of a driving member and a driven member, and another side provided with reduced-thickness portions formed by applying crushing work that takes hardness and surface roughness of the friction surface into consideration. The pawls are engaged with the other of the driving member and driven member.

Abstract: A friction pad for a disc brake comprising a stationary pad which is fixed on a backing plate, and a rotatable pad which is rotatably attached to the backing plate, wherein the rotatable pad is rotatable along an axis which is perpendicular to the backing plate.

Abstract: A torque converter having a lockup mechanism makes it possible to positively and forcibly suppress the frictional heat and others generated on the frictional surfaces of the lockup clutch and its counterpart while the lockup clutch is in operation, particularly in a slipping state. Hence, the life of the lockup clutch or that of the torque converter as a whole is prolonged. In this torque converter having the lockup mechanism, a hydraulic control mechanism is provided for maintaining the difference of pressure substantially at a constant level and changing the flow rate of a fluid to be supplied to the frictional surface of the lockup clutch in order to control the slipping state of the lockup clutch. Oil grooves are cut on the frictional member of the lockup clutch.

Abstract: A friction torque transmitting device includes a flywheel and a housing, wherein a pressure plate and a driven plate are sandwiched between the housing and the flywheel. The driven plate is coupled to an axially extending drive shaft. A friction bracket assembly is secured to the torque transmitting device at an outer periphery by a pair of spaced dowels. The friction bracket assembly extends about a drive shaft for only a limited circumferential extent, so that each bracket of the assembly may be removed from the drive shaft without disassembly of the device. Each of the brackets include friction surfaces in order to frictionally engage the elements of the device. A forward bracket includes a guide member extending from the forward bracket that cooperates with another member of the device, such as the housing, to provide increased stability. A rearward bracket includes a guide member extending from the rearward bracket which cooperates with the forward bracket for increased stability.