Segmented core plate and friction disc

Abstract

Segmented steel core plates for either double sided or single sided wet clutch friction plates or separator plates and a process for making the same are disclosed.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view of a friction disc comprising “prime” segments, i.e. where the number of spline teeth is divisible by 3 segments.

FIG. 1 B is a plan schematic view of a blanking process for segments where segments are punched.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of a friction disc comprising “prime” segments, i.e., where the number of spline teeth is not evenly divisible by 3 or 5 segments.

FIG. 2B is a plan schematic view of a blanking process for “non-prime” segments where different segment punches are activated to allow for the “odd” segment.

FIG. 3A is a plan view, partially in phantom, of a friction discs having “non-prime” segments.

FIG. 3B is a schematic plan view showing a process for stamping “non-prime” segments and further stamping tab lock perforations.

FIG. 3C is a cross sectional view showing a semi-perforation in a first segment and in a second segment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a die layout for segmenting and lamenting steel core plates.

FIGS. 5A-F is schematic illustrations of different joint designs that are useful in connecting segments of the core plate.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show the laminated riveted core plate: FIG. 6A is a plan view, FIG. 6B is a partial cross section, and FIG. 6C is an exploded cross sectional view taken from FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a stock of core plates formed of multiple segments.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the core plate of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a friction disk having a plurality of stocked core plates.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the friction disk of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 a is a front elevation view of a core plate of the present invention.

FIG. 11 b is a front elevation view of the core plate of FIG. 11a with a friction material applied to the core plate.

FIG. 11 c is a side elevation view of the core plate of FIG. 11b.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a core plate with additional features for securing the segments together.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of a core plate with additional features for securing the segments together.

Claims

1. A core plate for supporting an oil lubricated friction material comprising: a plurality of arcuate segments having a first end and a second end, the first end of each segment defining a tab and the second end of each segment defining a slot, the tab on the first end of one segment being positioned in the slot the second end of an adjacent segment to secure the segments together to form the core plate.

2. The core plate of claim 1 wherein the core plate has a first surface and second surface in opposed spaced apart relationship with the first surface, the first and second surfaces being disposed to receive a friction material.

3. The core plate of claim 2 wherein a friction material is positioned on at least one of the first and second surfaces, wherein the friction material overlaps the first and second ends of the arcuate segments of the core plate to resist separation of the core plate segments.

4. The core plate of claim 3 wherein a friction material is positioned on the first and second surfaces.

5. The core plate of claim 3 wherein the friction material is formed of a plurality of arcuate segments, the arcuate segments having a first end and a second end.

6. The core plate of claim 5 wherein the segments forming the friction material are not oriented in the same position as the segments forming the core plate whereby the friction material segments overlap the first and second ends of the core plate segments.

7. The core plate of claim 6 wherein the friction segments are positioned in spaced apart relationship in the core plate to form oil flow grooves between the friction material segments.

8. The core plate of claim 7 wherein a slot can be positioned in the core plate segments that is in alignment with the oil flow groove between the friction segments.

9. The core plate of claim 7 wherein holes extend from the first surface to the second surface of the core plate segments to provide a path for oil flow to equalize fluid pressure action on the core plate.

10. The core plate of claim 9 wherein the holes in the core plate are in alignment with the oil flow grooves formed between the friction material segments.

11. The core plate of claim 1 wherein the first and second ends of the segments forming the core plate are bonded together.

12. The core plate of claim 7 wherein the first and second ends of the segments forming the core plate are bonded together by welding.

13. The core plate of claim 7 where in the first and second ends of the segments forming the core plate are bonded together by gluing.