Agricultural vehicle with debris cleaning clutch assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a clutch assembly (200) comprising: a drive hub (210) having a spline configured to be coupled to a gearbox (130); a clutch housing (220) coupled to the drive hub and having an end face (222) defining an opening (223) therein; a clutch hub (230) provided within the clutch housing and having a portion extending beyond the opening, the clutch hub being rotatable relative to the clutch housing in a slipping state; a primary seal (240) disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; an amount of a cleaning compound (250) disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; and an end washer (260) coupled to the clutch hub and facing the end face, the end washer and the end face defining a cleaning gap (261) therebetween such that rotation of the clutch hub relative to the clutch housing causes some cleaning compound to exit from the clutch housing through the cleaning gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to agricultural vehicles and, more particularly, to agricultural vehicles including clutch assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Agricultural harvesters, historically known as "combines," are so called because they combine multiple harvesting functions into a single harvesting unit, such as picking, threshing, separating, and cleaning. A combine harvester includes a header that removes the crop from the field and a feeder housing that delivers the crop material into a threshing rotor. The threshing rotor rotates within a perforated housing, which may be in the form of an adjustable recess, and performs a threshing operation on the crop to remove the grain. Once the grain is threshed, it falls through the perforations in the recess onto a grain pan. A cleaning system is used to clean the grain from the grain pan and then deliver it to a grain bin on the combine harvester. A cleaning fan blows air through a screen, discharging chaff and other debris to the rear of the combine harvester. Non-grain crop material from the threshing section is handled by a residue handling system, which may utilize a straw chopper to process the non-grain material and direct it to the rear of the combine harvester. When the grain bin is full, the combine harvester approaches a vehicle, such as a semi-trailer, gravity bin, straight truck, etc., into which the grain is to be unloaded; the unloading system on the combine harvester is activated to transfer the grain into the vehicle.

[0003] More specifically, a rotary threshing or separation system includes one or more rotors that may extend axially (front to back) or laterally (side by side) within the body of the combine harvester and are partially or completely surrounded by perforated recesses. The crop material is threshed and separated by the rotation of the rotors within the recesses. Coarser non-cereal crop material, such as stalks and leaves, passes through a straw beater to remove any remaining grain and is then conveyed to the rear of the combine harvester for discharge back into the field. The separated grain, along with some finer non-cereal crop material such as chaff, dust, straw and other crop residues, is discharged through the recesses, falls onto a grain pan, and is then conveyed to a cleaning system. Alternatively, the grain and finer non-cereal crop material may also fall directly onto the cleaning system itself.

[0004] The cleaning system further separates the grain from the non-grain crop material and typically includes a fan that directs an airflow upward and backward through a vertically arranged screen that oscillates in a back-and-forth manner. The airflow lifts and carries the lighter non-grain crop material toward the rear end of the combine harvester for discharge into the field. The heavier cleaned grain and larger non-grain crop material that are not carried away by the airflow fall onto the surface of the upper screen (also called the screening screen), where some or all of the cleaned grain passes through the lower screen (also called the cleaning screen). As the material moves backward, the grain and non-grain crop material remaining on the upper and lower screens are physically separated by the reciprocating motion of the screens. Any grain and / or non-grain crop material that passes through the upper screen but not the lower screen is directed to the tail pan. The grain that falls through the lower screen falls onto the bottom pan of the cleaning system, where it is conveyed forward to the cleaning grain auger. The cleaning grain auger conveys the grain to the grain elevator, which transfers the grain to the grain bin for temporary storage. Grain is accumulated to the point where the grain bin is full and discharged to an adjacent vehicle, such as a semi-trailer, gravity bin, straight truck, etc., through an unloading system on the combine harvester, which is activated to transfer the grain into the vehicle.

[0005] Agricultural harvesters often operate in the presence of large amounts of dust, dirt, crop material, etc., which may be collectively referred to as "debris." One persistent problem during harvesting is the effect of debris on harvester operation. Debris can include large and / or coarse particles, such as rocks, but also fine particles, such as dust and crop residues. Both types of debris can adversely affect harvester operation. For example, rocks can be thrown at high speeds, causing deformation damage and chipping. On the other hand, fine debris can enter spaces between moving parts, causing excessive friction, equipment clogging and wear.

[0006] What is needed in the art is a method of reducing the deleterious effects of debris on agricultural harvester components. Summary of the invention

[0007] An exemplary embodiment disclosed herein provides a clutch assembly having a clutch housing, a clutch hub disposed in the clutch housing and rotatable relative to the clutch housing, and an end washer coupled to the clutch hub and facing an end surface of the clutch housing to define a cleaning gap therebetween, the cleaning gap allowing cleaning compounds to be discharged from the clutch housing through the cleaning gap.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments provided according to the present disclosure, a clutch assembly includes: a drive hub having a spline configured to be coupled to a gearbox; a clutch housing coupled to the drive hub and having an end face having an opening defined therein; a clutch hub disposed within the clutch housing and having a portion extending beyond the opening, wherein the clutch hub is capable of rotating relative to the clutch housing in a slipping state; a primary seal disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; an amount of cleaning compound disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; and an end gasket coupled to the clutch hub and facing the end face, wherein a cleaning gap is defined between the end gasket and the end face, such that rotation of the clutch hub relative to the clutch housing causes some of the cleaning compound to be discharged from the clutch housing through the cleaning gap.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments provided according to the present disclosure, a harvesting platform for an agricultural vehicle includes a harvesting platform frame, a gearbox carried by the harvesting platform frame, and a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes: a drive hub having a spline coupled to the gearbox; a clutch housing coupled to the drive hub and having an end face, the end face defining an opening; a clutch hub disposed within the clutch housing and having a portion extending beyond the opening, the clutch hub being able to rotate relative to the clutch housing in a slipping state; a primary seal disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; a quantity of cleaning compound disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; and an end washer coupled to the clutch hub and facing the end face, a cleaning gap being defined between the end washer and the end face, such that rotation of the clutch hub relative to the clutch housing causes some of the cleaning compound to be discharged from the clutch housing through the cleaning gap.

[0010] One possible advantage that may be achieved according to exemplary embodiments provided by the present disclosure is that the purge gap may act as a trap for fine debris, preventing the debris from further entering the clutch assembly and causing excessive wear.

[0011] Another advantage that may be achieved according to exemplary embodiments provided by the present disclosure is that the cleaning compound discharged through the cleaning gap may also remove fine debris in the cleaning gap, further reducing the risk of debris further entering the clutch assembly.

[0012] Another advantage that may be achieved according to exemplary embodiments provided by the present disclosure is that the end gasket may also protect the end face of the clutch housing from large pieces of debris, thereby reducing the possibility of dirt entering the clutch housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For ease of illustration, certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, dimensions and apparatus shown. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an agricultural vehicle in the form of a combine harvester carrying a harvesting header configured to harvest grain in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 It is shown that the present disclosure may include Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly in a harvesting header;

[0016] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly taken along line 3-3;

[0017] Figure 4 It is shown that the present disclosure may include Figure 1 A perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly in a harvesting header;

[0018] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 a perspective view of an end seal of a clutch assembly of; and

[0019] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly taken along line 6-6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference now Figure 1 , an exemplary embodiment of an agricultural vehicle 100 is shown in the figure, which is in the form of a combine harvester, including a header 110 configured to harvest corn or other stalk crops. The header 110 is mounted to the vehicle 100 via a feeder housing 120 and an actuator 121. The header 110 includes a header frame 114, which carries one or more cutting units 111, which can be used to chop stalks using, for example, a rotating stalk chopper 115, which can be a bladed wheel, also referred to as a "cutting element". The crop material collected by the header 110 can then be conveyed to the feeder housing 120 via an auger 113. The cutting unit 111 can be driven by connecting to a gearbox 130.

[0021] In known agricultural vehicles, a clutch assembly may be used to couple and decouple a gearbox to a cutting unit. Many clutch assemblies are so-called "slip clutch" assemblies that allow slippage under certain conditions. When harvesting corn and other stalk crops, chopped stalk fragments and other debris can easily penetrate the clutch assembly, causing excessive friction between moving parts. This excessive friction can not only become harmful by causing excessive wear, but also increase the input torque required to clamp the clutch, which may cause damage or failure of the cutting unit. Some measures to reduce the harmful effects of debris include providing seals in the housing of the clutch assembly to reduce the infiltration of debris. However, debris generated, particularly during corn harvesting, can be propelled at high speeds and can infiltrate the clutch housing anyway.

[0022] In order to solve some of the problems of the known agricultural vehicles described above, reference is now made to Figure 2-3 , an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly 200 is provided, which includes a drive hub 210, a clutch housing 220 coupled to the drive hub 210, a clutch hub 230 disposed within the clutch housing 220, a primary seal 240 disposed between the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230, a quantity of cleaning compound 250 disposed between the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230, and an end washer 260 coupled to the clutch hub 230. The drive hub 210 includes a spline 211 that is coupled to the gearbox 130 or is configured to be coupled to the gearbox 130 when the clutch assembly 200 is disconnected from the gearbox 130. The drive hub 210 and the spline 211 can have any shape and configuration suitable for coupling to the gearbox 130, and many such shapes and configurations are known. The drive hub 210 can also include a compound port 212 for introducing the cleaning compound 250 into the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230. Although the agricultural vehicle 100 is shown in the form of a combine harvester having a harvesting table configured to harvest corn or other stalk crops, the present invention is equally applicable to other types of agricultural vehicles and implements, including but not limited to agricultural vehicles having a harvesting table configured to harvest grain, rotary tillers, and other implements that utilize a clutch assembly to protect drive components, power output shafts, etc.

[0023] The clutch housing 220 is coupled to the drive hub 210. As shown, the clutch housing 220 may have a cylindrical shape with one or more convex corners 221 extending from the circumferential surface of the housing 220. The clutch housing 220 has an end face 222 with an opening 223 defined therein. The opening 223 may extend from the end face 222 to an opposite end 224 that may be welded or otherwise coupled to the drive hub 210, thereby coupling the clutch housing 220 to the drive hub 210. Specific reference Figure 3, which shows that the clutch housing 220 has one or more grooves 225, 226 formed in the inner surface 227 of the clutch housing 220. One of these grooves 225 can accommodate the snap ring 201, which is pressed against the thrust washer 202, which abuts against the clutch hub 230. The other groove 226 can retain a portion of the primary seal 240 to hold the primary seal 240 in place.

[0024] The clutch hub 230 is disposed within the clutch housing 220. The clutch hub 230 includes a portion 231 extending from an opening 223 formed in the clutch housing 220, so that the portion 231 is located outside the clutch housing 220. An opening 233 may be formed on an end surface 232 of the portion 231, which is shown as a hexagonal shape. It should be understood that the shape of the opening 233 can be adjusted as needed. In a slipping state, the clutch hub 230 can rotate relative to the clutch housing 220, so that the clutch assembly 200 functions as a "slipping clutch." A slipping condition that causes relative rotation between the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230 may be an overload condition at one of the cutting units 111, such as a sudden deceleration of one or more of the cutting units 111 after hitting a large object. It should be understood that the clutch hub 230 can be configured in various ways to rotate relative to the clutch housing 220 in response to different conditions where slipping is desired, which is well known.

[0025] The primary seal 240 is disposed between the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230. The primary seal 240 may include one or more sealing lips 241, 242, which engage with one or more corresponding surfaces to form a seal. One of the sealing lips 241 may engage with the clutch housing 220, while the other sealing lip 242 engages with the clutch hub 230. For example, the primary seal 240 may be an annular seal formed of a polymer. There are many types of known primary seals, and any suitable primary seal may be provided according to the present disclosure.

[0026] A certain amount of cleaning compound 250 is disposed between the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230. Figure 3As shown, the cleaning compound 250 can fill part or all of the space 251 between the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230 that is not occupied by other components of the clutch assembly 200. As previously described, the cleaning compound 250 can be introduced into the space 251 through the compound port 212. In some embodiments, the cleaning compound 250 is disposed in a compound reservoir 252, which is formed between the clutch housing 220, the clutch hub 230, the primary seal 240, and the end gasket 260. The cleaning compound 250 can include a variety of compounds. In some embodiments, the cleaning compound 250 is a lubricant, such as grease, which can also lubricate the various moving parts of the clutch assembly 200. In general, the cleaning compound 250 should have a certain viscosity so that it can flow out of the clutch assembly 200 under certain conditions to remove debris, which will be further described below.

[0027] The end washer 260 is coupled to the clutch hub 230 and faces the end face 222 of the clutch housing 220. A cleaning gap 261 is defined between the end washer 260 and the end face 222, so that rotation of the clutch hub 230 relative to the clutch housing 220 causes some of the cleaning compound 250 to be discharged from the clutch housing 220 through the cleaning gap 261. The cleaning gap 261 can define a gap length GL, for example, which does not exceed 1.2 mm, so as to trap debris in the cleaning gap 261 while also providing a flow path for the cleaning compound 250. In this regard, the cleaning gap 261 can serve as a trap for debris, which is cleaned when sliding occurs between the clutch hub 230 and the clutch housing 220, forcing the cleaning compound 250 to pass through the cleaning gap 261 and flow out of the clutch housing 220. The discharged cleaning compound 250 can entrain or otherwise force the accumulated debris out of the cleaning gap 261, thereby reducing the risk of the trapped debris further penetrating the clutch housing 220. The end gasket 260 can also protect other components of the clutch assembly 200, such as the primary seal 240 and the clutch housing 220, from wear caused by high-speed debris (such as corn stalk fragments and dust that are thrown out). In order to extend the service life of the end gasket 260, the end gasket 260 can include a wear-resistant material, such as a metal, such as steel. Therefore, the end gasket 260 provides a cleaning gap 261 to form a debris catcher, while also providing a flow path for the cleaning compound 250 to flow out and clean the debris. In addition, the end gasket 260 can protect various components of the clutch assembly 200 from damage caused by high-speed debris impact.

[0028] In order to reduce the amount of debris that penetrates into the clutch housing 220, the end gasket 260 may include a first ring segment 262 and a second ring segment 263 coupled to the first ring segment 262. The first ring segment 262 defines a first ring diameter RD1, and the second ring segment 263 defines a second ring diameter RD2 that is smaller than the first ring diameter RD1. As shown, the first ring segment 262 may be completely disposed outside the clutch housing 220, while the second ring segment 263 is disposed between the clutch housing 220 and the clutch hub 230, i.e., the second ring segment 263 at least partially extends into the opening 223. The first ring segment 262 and the second ring segment 263 may together form a debris trap 264 in the area of ​​the cleaning gap 261, and the debris trap 264 is surrounded by a circumferential surface 265 of the second ring segment 263, a surface 266 of the first ring segment 262, and an inner surface 227 of the clutch housing 220. Thus, the end washer 260 with the ring segments 262 , 263 may function as a labyrinth to form a debris catcher 264 to prevent debris from penetrating into the clutch housing 220 .

[0029] To hold the end washer 260 in place, the clutch assembly 200 may include a snap ring 270 coupled to the clutch hub 230 and configured to hold the end washer 260 in place. The clutch hub 230 may include an annular groove 234 formed in the portion 231, wherein the snap ring 270 is partially disposed in the annular groove 234. The clutch hub 230 may also include a washer lip 235 formed near the annular groove 234. The snap ring 270 may force the end washer 260 against the washer lip 235, fixing the end washer 260 between the washer lip 235 of the clutch hub 230 and the snap ring 270 to hold the end washer 260 in place. In some embodiments, the snap ring 270 is a split ring.

[0030] Although the clutch assembly 200 described above has an end washer 260 that forms a debris catcher 264 to reduce debris infiltration into the clutch housing 220, other methods may be used to reduce debris infiltration according to some exemplary embodiments provided by the present disclosure. In certain exemplary embodiments, reference is now made to Figure 4-6 , a clutch assembly 400 is provided, which is similar to the clutch assembly 200 described above, wherein the clutch assembly 400 includes a drive hub 410, a clutch housing 420 coupled to the drive hub 410, a clutch hub 430 disposed within the clutch housing 420, a primary seal 440 disposed between the clutch housing 420 and the clutch hub 430, a quantity of cleaning compound 450 disposed between the clutch housing 420 and the clutch hub 430, and an end washer 460 coupled to the clutch hub 430. For the sake of brevity, some elements of the clutch assembly 400 that are similar to the elements of the clutch assembly 200 are not described again, but are described in detail. Figure 4-6 In relative to Figure 2-3 The reference numerals provided in the figure are marked with the reference numerals 200, for example, Figure 2-3 Thrust washers 202 are similar to thrust washers in Figure 4-6 It is marked as 402.

[0031] Figure 4-6 The clutch assembly 400 and Figure 2-3 The clutch assembly 200 in FIG. 4 is different in that the clutch assembly 400 further includes an end seal 480 disposed between the clutch housing 420 and the end gasket 460. The end seal 480 (individually Figure 5 460) can have a first seal section 481 corresponding to the shape of the clutch housing 420 and a second seal section 482 corresponding to the shape of the clutch hub 430, while still maintaining a cleaning gap 461 between the end seal 480 and the clutch housing 420. The cleaning gap 461 between the end seal 480 and the clutch housing 420 can also serve as a debris trap, which is cleaned when the cleaning compound 450 is discharged through the cleaning gap 461. The end seal 480 can include a flexible material such as a polymer and serve as a secondary seal of the primary seal 440 to reduce debris infiltration and remove accumulated debris. The end seal 480 can eliminate the need for the end gasket 460 to form a debris trap as previously described, so the end gasket 460 can be a ring gasket defining a diameter in some embodiments.

[0032] The sealing segments 481, 482 of the end seal 480 may each include respective arcuate projections 483, 484 extending from respective circumferences 485, 486 of each sealing segment 481, 482, the arcuate projections 483, 484 being arranged and spaced to correspond, for example, to lobes 421 extending from the clutch housing 420. In certain embodiments, the end washer 460 is rotatable relative to the end seal 480 such that rotation of the clutch hub 430 relative to the clutch housing 420 causes the end washer 460 to rotate against the end seal 480. In these embodiments, the end seal 480 may be coupled to the clutch housing 420, for example, at the arcuate projections 484, to hold the end seal 480 in place.

[0033] As can be seen from the above, it should be understood that the present disclosure also provides a method for cleaning debris from the clutch assembly 200, 400. The method may include introducing a cleaning compound 250, 450 into the space 251, 451 between the clutch housing 220, 420 and the clutch hub 230, 430, and rotating the clutch hub 230, 430 relative to the clutch housing 220, 420, i.e., causing slippage, so that part of the cleaning compound 250, 450 is discharged from the clutch housing 220, 420 through the cleaning gap 261, 461 to remove the debris. The slippage may be intentionally induced, or may be induced during the operation of the clutch assembly 200, 400.

[0034] As can be seen from the above, it should be understood that the clutch assembly 200, 400 provided according to the present disclosure can reduce the risk of debris infiltration into the clutch housing 220, 420, clean the accumulated debris, and protect the components of the clutch assembly 200, 400 by providing the end gasket 260, 460 to form the cleaning gap 261, 461. The end gasket 260 can reduce the infiltration of debris alone by providing a labyrinth forming a debris trap 264 and / or by cooperating with the end seal 480 to form a debris trap. Regardless of how the debris trap is formed, the cleaning compound 250, 450 can be discharged from the clutch housing 220, 420 to clean the debris trap and remove the accumulated debris. Therefore, the clutch assembly 200, 400 provided according to the present disclosure can reduce the risk of debris (whether small or large debris) adversely affecting the operation of the clutch assembly 200, 400.

[0035] These and other advantages of the present invention are apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Therefore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments may be modified or altered without departing from the broad inventive concept of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all variations and modifications consistent with the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly, comprising: a drive hub including splines configured to couple to a gearbox; a clutch housing coupled to the drive hub and including an end face defining an opening therein; a clutch hub disposed in the clutch housing and including a portion extending outside the opening, the clutch hub being rotatable relative to the clutch housing in a slipping state; a primary seal disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; a quantity of purge compound disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; as well as An end washer is coupled to the clutch hub and faces the end face, with a cleaning gap defined therebetween such that rotation of the clutch hub relative to the clutch housing causes some cleaning compound to be discharged from the clutch housing through the cleaning gap.

2. The clutch assembly of claim 1 wherein said cleaning compound comprises a lubricant.

3. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the end washer includes a first ring segment and a second ring segment coupled to the first ring segment, the first ring segment defining a first ring diameter, the second ring segment defining a second ring diameter that is smaller than the first ring diameter. 4 . The clutch assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first ring segment is disposed entirely outside the clutch housing and the second ring segment is disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub. 5 . The clutch assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a snap ring coupled to the clutch hub and configured to retain the end washer in place. 6 . The clutch assembly of claim 5 , wherein the clutch hub includes an annular groove formed in a portion extending out of the opening, the snap ring being partially disposed in the annular groove.

7. The clutch assembly of claim 1 further comprising an end seal disposed between the clutch housing and the end gasket.

8. The clutch assembly of claim 7, wherein the end washer is rotatable relative to the end seal such that rotation of the clutch hub relative to the clutch housing causes the end washer to rotate against the end seal.

9. The clutch assembly of claim 7, wherein said purge gap is defined between said end seal and said clutch housing.

10. The clutch assembly of claim 7 wherein said end washers comprise metal and said end seals comprise a polymer.

11. A harvesting platform for an agricultural vehicle, comprising: Header frame; a gear box, the gear box being carried by the header frame; as well as A clutch assembly, the clutch assembly comprising: a drive hub including splines coupled to the gearbox; a clutch housing coupled to the drive hub and including an end face defining an opening therein; a clutch hub disposed in the clutch housing and including a portion extending outside the opening, the clutch hub being rotatable relative to the clutch housing in a slipping state; a primary seal disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; a quantity of purge compound disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub; and An end washer is coupled to the clutch hub and faces the end face, with a cleaning gap defined therebetween such that rotation of the clutch hub relative to the clutch housing causes some cleaning compound to be discharged from the clutch housing through the cleaning gap.

12. The harvesting header of claim 11, wherein the cleaning compound comprises a lubricant.

13. The harvesting header of claim 11, wherein the end washer comprises a first ring segment and a second ring segment coupled to the first ring segment, the first ring segment defining a first ring diameter, the second ring segment defining a second ring diameter that is smaller than the first ring diameter.

14. The harvesting header of claim 13, wherein the first ring segment is disposed entirely outside the clutch housing and the second ring segment is disposed between the clutch housing and the clutch hub.

15. The harvesting header of claim 11, further comprising a snap ring coupled to the clutch hub and configured to retain the end washer in place. 16 . The harvesting header according to claim 15 , wherein the clutch hub includes an annular groove formed in a portion extending out of the opening, the snap ring being partially disposed in the annular groove.

17. The harvesting header of claim 11, further comprising an end seal disposed between the clutch housing and the end gasket.

18. The harvesting header of claim 17, wherein the end washer is rotatable relative to the end seal such that rotation of the clutch hub relative to the clutch housing causes the end washer to rotate against the end seal.

19. The harvesting header of claim 17, wherein the cleaning gap is defined between the end seal and the clutch housing.

20. The header of claim 17, wherein the end gasket comprises metal and the end seal comprises a polymer.

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