Disc clutch

The disc clutch, through its active rotating disc and multi-plate friction design, solves the wear and burnout problems of traditional friction disc clutches under high loads and frequent start-stops, achieving stable torque transmission and extended service life under heavy load conditions.

CN224161978UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-24LISHUI HUAZHOU AUTO PARTS TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
LISHUI HUAZHOU AUTO PARTS TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-25
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional friction disc clutches are prone to wear under high loads and frequent start-stop cycles, leading to performance degradation and shortened service life. Furthermore, their torque output is unstable under heavy loads, making them susceptible to burnout.

Method used

The disc clutch design includes components such as a drive disc, drive shaft, rod, pressure plate, friction plates, and compression spring. It transmits torque through multiple friction plates and separates when needed. Combined with bearings and fan blades for cooling and support, it ensures stable operation of the clutch under heavy load.

Benefits of technology

It improves the clutch's response speed and smoothness, reduces vehicle vibration, extends service life, and enables stable operation under heavy loads, preventing friction plate burnout.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a disc type clutch which comprises a shell, a driving rotating disc is arranged in the shell, a driving shaft is fixed on one side of the driving rotating disc, round rods are fixed at the other end of the driving rotating disc, a group of first pressing plates are fixed on each round rod, each first pressing plate is provided with a through hole, and a first friction plate is fixed on each first pressing plate. A rotating block is rotationally connected into the shell, an output shaft is connected to the rotating block through a shaft, a set of second pressing plates are fixed to the output shaft, second friction plates are fixed to the second pressing plates, a set of inserting holes are formed in the rotating block, the round rods are inserted into the inserting holes respectively, and a set of compression springs are arranged between the first pressing plate on the rightmost side and the rotating block; a linear bearing is inserted into each round rod, and a connecting plate is fixed between each linear bearing and the inner wall of the shell. The vehicle body is quick in response, less in shaking, smooth in driving, long in service life, capable of being used in a heavy load environment and worthy of popularization and application, and the clutch is not easy to burn down.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a clutch, and more particularly to a disc clutch. Background Technology

[0002] The clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch is fixed to the rear surface of the flywheel with screws. The output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. During vehicle operation, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate and gradually engage the engine and transmission to transmit or cut off the power input from the engine to the transmission.

[0003] Traditional clutches are typically friction disc clutches, which use a single friction disc to transmit torque from the driving disc to the driven disc. Because friction disc clutches operate on the principle of friction, over time, excessive wear, or excessive external resistance can easily cause the friction disc to slip, potentially burning it out and leading to clutch failure. Furthermore, torque output is affected by the friction of the individual friction disc, preventing excessive torque output and thus limiting engine torque delivery. This makes them unsuitable for heavy-load applications and can cause vehicle vibration when shifting gears and releasing the pedal. Under high loads and frequent start-stop cycles, traditional friction disc clutches experience rapid wear of the friction surfaces, impacting performance and lifespan.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN 2546684 Y discloses a friction disc clutch assembly, which includes a clutch spline shaft, a spline sleeve, an intermediate steel plate, and friction discs. The spline sleeve is fitted onto the clutch spline shaft, and asbestos friction discs are arranged on the inner and outer sides of the intermediate steel plate. The spline sleeve and the intermediate steel plate are an integral structure. This friction disc clutch assembly consists of a single friction disc, which leads to rapid wear of the friction surfaces under high load and frequent start-stop conditions, affecting performance and service life. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a disc clutch that is highly responsive, produces less body jerking and vibration, is smooth, and can be used in heavy-load environments. It meets the requirements of maintaining fast body response, minimizing body vibration, ensuring smooth driving, minimizing burnout, and having a long service life suitable for heavy-load environments even after prolonged use.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: This disc clutch includes a housing, a drive disc rotatably connected inside the housing, a drive shaft fixed to one side of the drive disc, and a set of round rods evenly distributed along the center of the drive disc fixed to the other end of the drive disc. A set of first pressure plates evenly distributed at intervals are fixed on each round rod, each first pressure plate has a through hole, and each first pressure plate has a first friction plate fixed on each first pressure plate. A rotating block is rotatably connected inside the housing, and an output shaft is axially connected to the rotating block. A set of second pressure plates evenly distributed at intervals are fixed on the output shaft, and each second pressure plate has a second friction plate that cooperates with the first friction plate. A set of insertion holes evenly distributed along the center of the rotating block is opened on the rotating block, and each round rod is inserted into each insertion hole. A set of compression springs, each sleeved on each round rod, is provided between the rightmost first pressure plate and the rotating block. Linear bearings are inserted into each round rod, and connecting plates are fixed between each linear bearing and the inner wall of the housing. The active turntable and drive shaft are used to transmit the torque output from the engine. The round rods, first pressure plate, first friction plate, rotating block, output shaft, second pressure plate, second friction plate, insertion hole, and compression spring are used to ensure that at high speed, the active turntable can drive the second friction plates to rotate via the first friction plates, thus transmitting torque to the output shaft. When shifting gears, pressing the clutch pedal moves the active turntable, which is then guided by the round rods at the insertion hole, causing the first friction plates to disengage from the second friction plates, thus disengaging the clutch and interrupting the engine's torque output. The through hole allows the output shaft to pass through and facilitates the installation of the second pressure plate and second friction plates. The linear bearing and connecting plate support the round rods, thereby supporting the active turntable and drive shaft, resulting in smoother clutch operation without vibration. Due to the large number of friction plates, the resulting friction is high, preventing slippage and generating greater torque transmission force, making it particularly suitable for heavy-duty operating conditions.

[0007] Further improvements include: a first blocking block fixed to each round rod; a first sleeve fitted onto each round rod between each first pressure plate; the rightmost first pressure plate tightened by a first nut threaded onto the round rod; and each first pressure plate fastened to each round rod by fasteners. A second blocking block fixed to the output shaft; a second sleeve fitted onto the output shaft between each second pressure plate; the leftmost second pressure plate tightened by a second nut threaded onto the output shaft; and each second pressure plate fastened to the output shaft by fasteners. The function of the first blocking block, the first sleeve, the first nut, and the fastener is to allow the first pressure plate and the first friction plate to be detachably installed at each round rod, thus facilitating the installation of each component. Furthermore, it also facilitates the replacement and installation of the first friction plate when it is excessively worn. Similarly, the function of the second blocking block, the second sleeve, the second nut, and the fastener is to allow the second pressure plate and the second friction plate to be detachably installed at the output shaft, thus facilitating the installation of each component. Furthermore, it also facilitates the replacement and installation of the second friction plate when it is excessively worn.

[0008] Further improvements include: a pair of first bearings installed on the inner wall of the housing; the outer contour of the rotating block installed on the inner ring of the two first bearings; a first thrust bearing installed on the right side of the housing on the opposite side of the compression spring; the right side of the rotating block resting on the first thrust bearing; a pair of opposing second bearings installed inside the rotating block; the output shaft installed on the inner ring of the two second bearings; a second thrust bearing installed on the left side of the rotating block; a third thrust bearing installed on the right side of the housing; and a left support block pressed against the second thrust bearing and a right support block pressed against the third thrust bearing by fasteners on the output shaft. The function of the first bearing and the first thrust bearing is to reduce frictional resistance when the rotating block rotates. Furthermore, through the elastic force of each compression spring, the rotating block can be pressed against the shaft ring of the first thrust bearing, further reducing the frictional resistance experienced by the rotating block during rotation. The function of the second bearing is to reduce frictional resistance when the output shaft rotates. Furthermore, through the action of the second thrust bearing, the third thrust bearing, the left stop block, and the right stop block, the output shaft can be limited to the rotating block, rotating but not moving.

[0009] Further improvements include a fixed shaft at the right end of the drive disc, with a fan mounted on the shaft. A first set of vent holes is located at the left end of the housing, a second set of vent holes is located on the drive disc, and a third set of vent holes is located on the outer contour of the housing. The positions of these third vent holes correspond to the positions of the first and second friction plates. The function of the shaft and fan is to rotate the drive disc, causing the fan to rotate as well, thereby cooling the first and second friction plates. Under heavy load conditions, this prevents the first and second friction plates from burning out due to high friction temperatures, significantly improving the clutch's heavy-load capacity. The first, second, and third vent holes allow external air to flow into and out of the housing, cooling the interior and consequently the first and second friction plates during contact or under heavy load conditions, thus greatly extending their service life.

[0010] Further improvements include the addition of a self-lubricating layer on the inner contour surface of each socket. This self-lubricating layer ensures smoother and more fluid movement of the rod; it is made of tin bronze.

[0011] Further improvements include the installation of a pair of opposing mounting plates on the housing, each plate having a set of mounting holes evenly distributed along its center. The purpose of these mounting plates and holes is to securely mount the clutch onto the vehicle or other equipment.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1) The active turntable and drive shaft can be used to transmit the torque output from the engine;

[0014] 2) The drive disc, at high speed, is driven by the round rods, first pressure plate, first friction plate, rotating block, output shaft, second pressure plate, second friction plate, insertion hole, and compression spring. This allows the first friction plate to drive the second friction plate to rotate, thus transmitting torque to the output shaft. When shifting gears, the clutch pedal is depressed, causing the drive disc to move. The round rods guide this movement at the insertion hole, disengaging the first and second friction plates, thus disengaging the clutch and interrupting the engine's torque output. The hole allows the output shaft to pass through and facilitates the installation of the second pressure plate and second friction plate.

[0015] 3) Linear bearings and connecting plates can be used to support each round rod, thereby supporting the drive disc and drive shaft, making the clutch run more smoothly and without vibration;

[0016] 4) The first blocking block, first sleeve, first nut, and fasteners allow each first pressure plate and first friction plate to be detachably installed at each round rod, facilitating the installation of each component. Furthermore, when the first friction plate is excessively worn, it is easy to replace and install it. Similarly, the second blocking block, second sleeve, second nut, and fasteners allow each second pressure plate and second friction plate to be detachably installed at the output shaft, facilitating the installation of each component. Furthermore, when the second friction plate is excessively worn, it is easy to replace and install it.

[0017] 5) The first bearing and the first thrust bearing reduce frictional resistance when the rotating block rotates. Furthermore, the elastic force of each compression spring presses the rotating block against the shaft ring of the first thrust bearing, further reducing frictional resistance during rotation. The second bearing reduces frictional resistance when the output shaft rotates. The second thrust bearing, the third thrust bearing, the left stop block, and the right stop block limit the output shaft to the rotating block, allowing it to rotate without moving.

[0018] 6) The shaft and fan blades can rotate together with the active turntable, thereby cooling down the first and second friction plates. Under heavy load conditions, this ensures that the first and second friction plates are not burned by high friction temperatures, thus greatly improving the heavy load capacity of the clutch. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first friction plate and the second friction plate area in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer block area of ​​this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the working principle of this utility model.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Housing; 1-1. First vent; 1-2. Third vent; 2. Active turntable; 2-1. Drive shaft; 2-2. Second vent; 3. Round rod; 4. First pressure plate; 4-1. Through hole; 4-2. First friction plate; 5. Rotary block; 5-1. Insertion hole; 5-1. Self-lubricating layer; 6. Output shaft; 6-1. Second blocking block; 7. Second pressure plate; 7-1. Second friction plate; 8. Compression spring; 9. Linear bearing; 10. Connecting plate; 11. First sleeve; 12. First nut; 13. Second sleeve; 14. Second nut; 15. First thrust bearing; 16. Second bearing; 17. Second thrust bearing; 18. Third thrust bearing; 19. Left support block; 20. Shaft column; 21. Fan blade; 22. Right support block; 23. Mounting plate; 24. Mounting hole; 24-1. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Referring to the attached diagram: This disc clutch includes a housing 1, within which a drive disc 2 is rotatably connected. A drive shaft 2-1 is fixed to one side of the drive disc 2, and a set of round rods 3 evenly distributed along the center of the drive disc 2 is fixed to the other end of the drive disc 2. A set of first pressure plates 4 evenly distributed at intervals are fixed to each round rod 3. Each first pressure plate 4 has a through hole 4-1 and a first friction plate 4-2 is fixed to each first pressure plate 4. A rotating block 5 is rotatably connected within the housing 1, and an output shaft 6 is axially connected to the rotating block 5. A set of evenly spaced second pressure plates 7 are fixed on the shaft 6. Each second pressure plate 7 is fixed with a second friction plate 7-1 that cooperates with the first friction plate 4-2. A set of insertion holes 5-1 are evenly distributed along the center of the rotating block 5. Each round rod 3 is inserted into each insertion hole 5-1. A set of compression springs 8 are provided between the rightmost first pressure plate 4 and the rotating block 5 and are respectively sleeved on each round rod 3. A linear bearing 9 is inserted into each round rod 3. A connecting plate 10 is fixed between each linear bearing 9 and the inner wall of the housing 1.

[0026] Each round rod 3 is fixed with a first blocking block 3-1. Each first pressure plate 4 is fitted with a first sleeve 11 that is respectively sleeved on the round rod 3. The rightmost first pressure plate 4 is pressed by a first nut 12 that is threaded onto the round rod 3. Each first pressure plate 4 is fastened to each round rod 3 by fasteners. A second blocking block 6-1 is fixed on the output shaft 6. Each second pressure plate 7 is fitted with a second sleeve 13 that is respectively sleeved on the output shaft 6. The leftmost second pressure plate 7 is pressed by a second nut 14 that is threaded onto the output shaft 6. Each second pressure plate 7 is fastened to the output shaft 6 by fasteners.

[0027] A pair of first bearings 15 are installed on the inner wall of the housing 1. The outer contour of the rotating block 5 is installed at the inner ring of the two first bearings 15. The opposite side of the compression spring 8 is provided with a first thrust bearing 16 installed at the right end of the housing 1. The right end of the rotating block 5 rests on the first thrust bearing 16. A pair of oppositely arranged second bearings 17 are installed inside the rotating block 5. The output shaft 6 is installed at the inner ring of the two second bearings 17. A second thrust bearing 18 is installed at the left end of the rotating block 5. A third thrust bearing 19 is installed on the right end of the housing 1. A left abutment 20 is pressed against the second thrust bearing 18 and a right abutment 23 is pressed against the third thrust bearing 19 by fasteners on the output shaft 6.

[0028] A shaft 21 is fixed to the right end of the active turntable 2, and a fan blade 22 is installed on the shaft 21. A set of first vent holes 1-1 is opened on the left end of the housing 1. A set of second vent holes 2-2 is opened on the active turntable 2. A set of third vent holes 1-2 is opened on the outer contour of the housing 1. The positions of each third vent hole 1-2 match the positions of each first friction plate 4-2 and each second friction plate 7-1.

[0029] A self-lubricating layer 5-1a is provided on the inner contour surface of each socket 5-1.

[0030] A pair of mounting plates 24 are installed on the housing 1, and each mounting plate 24 has a set of mounting holes 24-1 evenly distributed along the center of the mounting plate 24.

[0031] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When it is necessary to transmit the torque output of the engine (not shown in the figure) through the clutch, the drive shaft 2-1 on the clutch transmits power and causes the active turntable 2 to rotate, thereby driving the fan blade 22 to rotate as well. At the same time, the rotation of each round rod 3 will drive the rotating block 5 to rotate together. At this time, through the elastic force of each compression spring 8, each first friction plate 4-2 is pressed against each second friction plate 7-1. Thus, through the action of friction, the second pressure plate 7 will rotate. The rotation of the second pressure plate 7 will drive the output shaft 6 to rotate, thereby transmitting the torque output of the engine, thus making the equipment work. When the clutch pedal (not shown in the figure) is pressed, the rotating drive shaft 2-1 will move towards the compression spring 8, thereby driving the active turntable 2 to move together. Then, each round rod 3 will guide the movement at the insertion hole 5-1, and at the same time, the compression spring 8 will be compressed and stored energy. Then, each first friction plate 4-2 will disengage from each second friction plate 7-1, thereby causing the output shaft 6 to lose torque, thus completing the disengagement of the clutch (e.g., Figure 4As shown), after shifting gears, release the clutch pedal. The spring force of each compression spring 8 causes the first friction plate 4-2 to press against each second friction plate 7-1 again. This results in faster vehicle response (multiple friction plates prevent slippage), less vehicle vibration (no relative displacement between friction plates during instantaneous torque output), smoother driving (less vibration and faster response time), less clutch burnout (multiple friction plate combination prevents slippage and high temperatures), longer service life, and suitability for heavy-duty environments (multiple friction plates can output greater engine torque). It is worthy of widespread application.

[0032] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail are possible within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A disc clutch, comprising a housing (1), characterized in that: An active turntable (2) is rotatably connected inside the housing (1). A drive shaft (2-1) is fixed on one side of the active turntable (2). A set of round rods (3) evenly distributed along the center of the active turntable (2) is fixed at the other end of the active turntable (2). A set of first pressure plates (4) evenly distributed at intervals are fixed on each of the round rods (3). Each first pressure plate (4) has a through hole (4-1) and a first friction plate (4-2) is fixed on each of the first pressure plates (4). A rotating block (5) is rotatably connected inside the housing (1). An output shaft (6) is axially connected to the rotating block (5). A set of intermittent friction plates (4-2) is fixed on the output shaft (6). The second pressure plates (7) are evenly distributed, and each second pressure plate (7) is fixed with a second friction plate (7-1) that cooperates with the first friction plate (4-2). The rotating block (5) has a set of insertion holes (5-1) evenly distributed along the center of the rotating block (5). Each round rod (3) is inserted into each insertion hole (5-1). Between the rightmost first pressure plate (4) and the rotating block (5), there is a set of compression springs (8) that are respectively sleeved on each round rod (3). Each round rod (3) is inserted with a linear bearing (9), and each linear bearing (9) is fixed with a connecting plate (10) between it and the inner wall of the housing (1).

2. A disc clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the round rods (3) is fixed with a first blocking block (3-1), and each of the first pressure plates (4) is fitted with a first sleeve (11) that is respectively sleeved on the round rod (3). The rightmost first pressure plate (4) is pressed by a first nut (12) that is threaded onto the round rod (3). Each of the first pressure plates (4) is fastened to each of the round rods (3) by fasteners. A second blocking block (6-1) is fixed on the output shaft (6), and each of the second pressure plates (7) is fitted with a second sleeve (13) that is respectively sleeved on the output shaft (6). The leftmost second pressure plate (7) is pressed by a second nut (14) that is threaded onto the output shaft (6). Each of the second pressure plates (7) is fastened to the output shaft (6) by fasteners.

3. A disc clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pair of first bearings (15) are installed on the inner wall of the housing (1). The outer contour of the rotating block (5) is installed on the inner ring of the two first bearings (15). A first thrust bearing (16) is installed on the right side of the housing (1) on the opposite side of the compression spring (8). The right side of the rotating block (5) rests on the first thrust bearing (16). A pair of opposite second bearings (17) are installed inside the rotating block (5). The output shaft (6) is installed on the inner ring of the two second bearings (17). A second thrust bearing (18) is installed on the left side of the rotating block (5). A third thrust bearing (19) is installed on the right side of the housing (1). A left support block (20) is pressed against the second thrust bearing (18) and a right support block (23) is pressed against the third thrust bearing (19) by fasteners on the output shaft (6).

4. A disc clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right end of the active turntable (2) is fixed with a shaft column (21), and a fan blade (22) is installed on the shaft column (21). A set of first ventilation holes (1-1) is opened on the left end of the housing (1). A set of second ventilation holes (2-2) is opened on the active turntable (2). A set of third ventilation holes (1-2) is opened on the outer contour of the housing (1). The position of each third ventilation hole (1-2) matches the position of each first friction plate (4-2) and each second friction plate (7-1).

5. A disc clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the aforementioned sockets (5-1) has a self-lubricating layer (5-1a) on its inner contour surface.

6. A disc clutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is equipped with a pair of oppositely arranged mounting plates (24), and each mounting plate (24) is equipped with a set of mounting holes (24-1) evenly distributed along the center of the mounting plate (24).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Friction plate type clutch assembly

    CN2546684Y