Rubberized clutch plates

Abstract

A dutch for an automobile includes a clutch pack that includes a plurality of friction plates that have a friction material on the outer surface and a plurality of reaction plates. At least one of the plurality of reaction plates comprises a. first metal disk, a. second metal disk, and a rubber layer bonded to each of the first metal disk and the second disk, so that the rubber layer is positioned between the first metal disk and the second metal disk. The friction plates and the reaction plates are alternatingly aligned along a clutch pack axis so that each friction plate is adjacent to at least one of the reaction plates.

Description

[0001] S3543585

[0002] 1

[0003] RUBBERIZED CLUTCH PLATES

[0004] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0005] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 745,341 filed January 15, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A clutch system plays an important role in the power train of a vehicle by allowing the transmission to be connected to or disconnected from the engine. However, a clutch system may introduce unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness during operation of a vehicle.

[0008] There remains, however, a desire for new and improved designs.S3543585

[0009] 2

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A clutch pack for the dutch of a vehicle may include a plurality of friction plates and a plurality of reaction plates. Each of the friction plates may include a friction material on an outer surface of the friction plate. Each of the reaction plates may include a rubber layer, a first metal disk, and a second metal disk. The rubber layer may be bonded to a side of the first metal disk and may be bonded to a side of the second metal disk so that the rubber layer is positioned between the first metal disk and the second metal disk. In some instances, the rubber layer may be bonded to the first metal disk and to the second metal disk with epoxy. The plurality of friction plates and the plurality of reaction plates may be alternatingly aligned along a clutch pack axis so that each of the friction plates of the plurality of friction plates is adjacent to a reaction plate of the plurality of reaction plates.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rubber layer may have a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the first metal disk. The diameter of the rubber layer may also be substantially equal to and to a diameter of the second metal disk. Additionally, the rubber layer may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first metal disk and less than a thickness of the second metal disk.

[0013] In some examples, the friction plate may include a first friction paper, a first rubber layer and a metal disk. In certain embodiments, the friction plate may also include a second friction paper and a second rubber layer. The first rubber layer may be bonded to one side of the metal disk and the second rubber layer may be bonded to an opposite side of the metal disk. The first friction paper may be bonded to the first rubber layer, and the second friction paper may be bonded to the second rubber layer.

[0014] The friction plate may include friction plate splines extending from a perimeter of the friction plate, and the reaction plate may include reaction plate splines extending from a perimeter of the reaction plate. In certain aspects, the friction plate splines may extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of the friction plate. The reaction plate splines may extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of the reaction plate. However, in other embodiments, the friction plate splines may extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of the friction plate, and the reaction plate splines may extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of the reaction plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first metal disk may be bonded to one side of the rubber layer and the second metal disk may be bonded to an opposite side of the rubber layer. The first friction paper may be bonded to the first metal disk, and the second friction paper may be bonded to the second metal disk.S3543585

[0016] 3

[0017] In some embodiments, the first metal disk may be bonded to one side of the rubber layer. The first friction paper may be bonded to the first metal disk, and the second friction paper may be bonded to the first rubber layer.

[0018] In certain aspects, the rubber layer of the reaction plate may include a first side and a second side and a plurality of rubber splines extending from a perimeter of the rubber layer. The first metal disk may include a plurality of first metal splines extending from a perimeter of the first metal disk, and the second metal disk may also include a plurality of second metal splines extending from a perimeter of the second metal disk. The first metal disk may be bonded to the first side of the rubber layer, and the second metal disk may be bonded to the second side of the rubber layer so that the rubber layer is positioned between the first metal disk and the second metal disk. The rubber splines of the rubber layer may be aligned with the metal spl ines of the first metal disk and the splines of the second metal disk.S3543585

[0019] 4

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS F IG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a powertrain of an automobile.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a clutch of the powertrain of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a friction plate of the clutch of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the friction plate of FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the friction plate of FIG. 4.

[0025] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the friction plate of FIG. 4.

[0026] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the friction plate of FIG. 4.

[0027] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the friction plate of FIG. 4.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a friction plate of the clutch of FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a reaction plate of the clutch of FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the reaction plate of FIG. 7.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a clutch pack of the clutch of FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the clutch pack of FIG. 9.S3543585

[0033] 5

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It. will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0036] A diagrammatic view of a powertrain 100 for an automobile is shown in FIG. 1. The powertrain 100 includes an engine 102, a transmission 106, and a drive train 108 for transmitting power from the transmission 106 to the rear wheels 112, or in some embodiments, the drive train 108 may transmit power from the transmission to the front wheels 110. A clutch 114 operatively connects and disconnects the engine 102 from the transmission 106.

[0037] The clutch 114 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The clutch 114 includes a clutch pack 125 that is positioned within an outer casing 120. The clutch pack 125 that is formed from a plurality of annular friction plates 130 and annular reaction plates 160. The friction plates 130 and the reaction plates 160 are aligned along a clutch pack axis 127 (see FIG. 9). In the embodiment shown, the friction plates 130 alternate with the reaction plates 160 so that each friction plate 130 is directly adjacent to one or more reaction plate 160 and each reaction plate 160 is directly adjacent to one or more friction plate 130. In some embodiments, the clutch 114 may be a wet clutch, and in other embodiments, the clutch 114 may be a dry clutch.

[0038] The clutch 114 also includes a piston 190 that may operatively engage the friction plates 130 and the reaction plates 160 to force the friction plates 130 into contact with the reaction plates 160. When the piston 190 is engaged and the friction plates 130 are in contact with the reaction plates 160, power may be transmitted through the clutch 114. When the piston 190 is disengaged and the friction plates 130 are not in contact with the reaction plates 160, power is not transmitted through the clutch. A spring assembly 192 may be used to bias the piston 190 into a desired position. The clutch also includes back plate 194.

[0039] In some embodiments, the clutch 114 may be configured to transfer torque from the engine 102 to the transmission 106. In certain embodiments, the reaction plates 160 of theS3543585

[0040] 6

[0041] clutch pack 125 may be operatively connected to the engine 102 by a clutch input so that power from the engine 102 is transferred to the reaction plates 160. The friction plates 130 of the clutch pack 125 may be operatively connected to the transmission 106 through a clutch output. Therefore, when the reaction plates 160 are engaged with the friction plates 130, power is transmitted from the engine 102 to the reaction plates 160, and then transferred to the friction plates 130 to drive the transmission.

[0042] In other embodiments, the friction plates 130 of the clutch pack 125 may be operatively connected to the engine 102 so that power from the engine 102 is transferred to the friction plates 130. The reaction plates 160 of the clutch pack 125 may be operatively connected to the transmission 106. Therefore, when the reaction plates 160 are engaged with the friction plates 130, power is transmitted from the engine 102 to the friction plates 130, and then transferred to the reaction plates 160 to drive the transmission.

[0043] A perspective view of a representati ve rubberized friction plate is illustrated in FIG.

[0044] 3. In the embodiment shown, the friction plate 130 is in the shape of an annular disk defining a friction plate opening 137. The friction plate 130 has an inner perimeter 131 surrounding the friction plate opening 137, and an outer perimeter 132. A plurality of interior splines 134 extend radially inward from an inner perimeter 131 of the friction plate 130. In the embodiment shown, the interior splines 134 are evenly spaced around the inner perimeter 131 of friction plate 130. The interior splines 134 are designed to interface with the clutch output, so that the friction plate 130 is rotationally connected to the clutch output. Therefore, rotation of the friction plates 130 is transmitted to the clutch output and to the input shaft of the transmission 106.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the friction plate 130 may include a plurality of exterior splines extending radially outward from an outer perimeter 132 of the friction plate 130, rather than interior splines 134 extending from the inner perimeter 131 of the friction plate 130. The exterior splines may be evenly spaced around the outer perimeter 132 of the friction plate 130 or may be unevenly spaced around the outer perimeter 132 of the friction plate 130. The exterior splines would be designed to interface with the clutch input, so that the friction plate 130 is rotationally connected to the engine 102.

[0046] A friction material, such as friction paper 146 is positioned on the outer surface of each side of the friction plate 130. The friction paper 146 may be made of any suitable material that allows torque produced by the engine 102 to be smoothly transferred to the transmission 106, A suitable material should have the temperature resistance and durability to withstand the torque produced by the engine 102, the clamping force of the pressure plateS3543585

[0047] 7

[0048] 190, and the heat produced during engagement and disengagement between the friction plate 130 and the reaction plate 160. In certain embodiments, the friction paper 146 may be made from a composite material that includes a paper or cellulose base mixed with various additives such as ceramic, copper, steel, chopped glass, or rubber, to provide the desired durability and strength.

[0049] A partial cross-sectional view of the rubberized friction plate 130 is shown in FIG. 4. The friction plate includes a metal disk 140. The metal disk 140 is preferably made from steel, but may be made from other suitable metals in other embodiments. The metal disk 140 has a thickness and includes a first side and a second side.

[0050] A friction plate rubber layer 142 is adhered to each side of the metal disk 140, so that the metal disk 140 is sandwiched between the rubber layers 142. In some instances, the rubber layer 142 may completely cover the side of the metal disk 140, and in other embodiments, the rubber layer 142 may only cover a portion of the side of the metal disk 140. The rubber layers 142 may be bonded to a side of the metal disk 140 by an adhesive, such as an epoxy, or any other suitable adhesive. The rubber layers 142 each have a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of the metal disk 140, so that the rubber layer 142 covers substantially the entire surface area of the first side or the second side of the metal disk 140. In the embodiment shown, the rubber layers 142 have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the metal disk 140. The rubber layers 142 are made from a material that is softer than the metal disk 140 and the friction paper 146, so that the harder materials of the metal disk 140 and the friction paper 146 are separated and not in direct contact with each other. The softer rubber layers 142 are able to absorb vibrations and to assist in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) during operation of the vehicle.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, in other embodiments, the friction plate 130 may include different variations in the layering of the metal disk 140 and the rubber layers 142 between the friction paper 146. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 A, the friction plate 130 may include two metal disks 140, one rubber layer 142, and two sheets of friction paper. In this example, the friction plate 130 has two sheets of friction paper 146 with each sheet of friction paper 146 adhered to a metal disk 140. A rubber layer 142 is positioned between the metal disks 140 so that each side of the rubber layer 142 is attached to a respective metal disk 140.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5B, in another embodiment, the friction plate may be made from a single metal disk 140, one rubber layer 142, and two sheets of friction paper 146. In this embodiment, the sheets of friction paper 146 are positioned on the outside of the friction plate 130. A. first side of the rubber layer 142 is adhered to a first sheet of friction paper 146S3543585

[0053] 8

[0054] and a second side of the rubber layer 142 is adhered to a side of the metal disk 140. The opposite side of the metal disk 140 is adhered to the second sheet of friction paper 146. The embodiment of the friction plate 130 shown in FIG. 5C is similar to the one shown in FIG. 5C with one metal disk 140, one rubber layer 142, and two sheets of friction paper 146.

[0055] However, in FIG. 5C, the position of the metal disk 140 and the rubber layer 142 between the two sheets of friction paper 146 is switched.

[0056] The embodiment of the friction plate.130 shown in F IG. 5D includes two metal disks 140, three rubber layers 142, and two sheets of friction paper 146. The two sheets of friction paper 146 are positioned on the outside of the friction plate 130. A rubber layer 142 is adhered to each of the sheets of friction paper 146 and a corresponding metal disk 140 is adhered to each of those rubber layers 142. The third rubber layer 142 is positioned between the metal disks 140.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the friction plate 130 shown in FIGS. 4-5 D each include a rubber layer 142, as shown in FIG. 6, in an alternative embodiment, friction plate 230 may not include a rubber layer 142. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the friction plate 130 includes a single metal disk 140 and a sheet of friction paper 146 adhered to each side of the metal disk 140.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a rubberized reaction plate 160. In the embodiment shown, the reaction plate 160 is in the shape of an annular disk defining a reaction plate opening 167. The reaction plate 160 has an inner perimeter 161 surrounding the reaction plate opening 167, and an outer perimeter 162. The reaction plates 160 each have a plurality of exterior splines 164 extending radially outward from an outer perimeter 162 of the reaction plate 160. In the embodiment shown, the exterior splines 164 are unevenly spaced around the outer perimeter 162 of the reaction plate 160. The exterior splines 164 are designed to interface with the clutch input, so that the reaction plate 160 is rotationally connected to the engine 102. Therefore, rotation of an output shaft of the engine 102 is transmitted through the clutch input and to the reaction plate 160.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, the reaction plate 160 may include a plurality of interior splines extending radially inward from an inner perimeter 161 of the reaction plate 160, rather than exterior splines 164 extending from the outer perimeter 162 of the reaction plate 160. The interior splines may be also be spaced unevenly around the inner perimeter 161 in some embodiments, or may be evenly spaced around the inner perimeter 161 of the reaction plate 160. The interior splines would be designed to interface with the clutch output, so that the reaction plate 160 is rotationally connected to the clutch output.S3543585

[0060] 9

[0061] A cross-sectional view of the reaction plate 160 is illustrated in FIG. 8. The reaction plate includes two metal disks 170 and a reaction plate rubber layer 172 positioned between the metal disks 170. In some instances, the rubber layer 172 may completely cover the side of the metal disk 140, and in other embodiments, the rubber layer 172 may only cover a portion of the side of the metal disk 140. A first side of the rubber layer 172 is adhered to a side of one of the metal disks 170, and a second side of the rubber layer is adhered to a side of the other metal disk 170, In some embodiments, the rubber layer 172 may be bonded to the metal disks 170 using glue. In other embodiments, the rubber layer 172 may be bonded to the metal disks 170 using an epoxy or any other suitable substance.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, the rubber layer 172 has a thickness that is less than a thickness of each of the metal disks 170. Similar to the friction plate 130, the rubber layer 172 of the reaction plate 160 is capable of absorbing vibration and assist in reducing noise while the vehicle is in operation.

[0063] A front view of the assembled clutch pack 125 is shown in FIG. 9, and a cross- sectional side view of a portion of the clutch pack 125 is shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the friction plates 130 and the reaction plates 160 are aligned along the clutch pack axis 127 and stacked adjacent to each other so that each of the friction plates 130 is positioned next to at least one reaction plate 160, and each reaction plate 160 is positioned next to at least one friction plate 130. The exterior splines 164 of the reaction plates 160 extend radially outward with respect to the outer perimeters 132 of the friction plates 130 and the interior splines 134 of the friction plates extend radially inward with respect to the inner perimeters 161 of the reaction plates 160.

[0064] The partially cross-sectional view of the clutch pack 125 shown in FIG. 10, shows the clutch pack 125 in a compressed position, where the friction plates 130 are in contact with adjacent reaction plates 160. In the embodiment shown, the clutch pack 125 includes a total of nine friction plates 130 and nine reaction plates 160. In other embodiments, the clutch pack 125 may have more or fewer friction plates 130 and reaction plates 160 as desired. The friction paper 146 of the friction plate 130 is in direct contact with the metal disk 170 of an adjacent reaction plate 160. The increased friction of the friction paper 146 allows torque to be transmitted from the reaction plate 160 to the friction plate 130. The rubber layers 142 of the friction plate 130 and the rubber layer 172 of the reaction plate 160 assists to reduce noise, vibration, or harshness that might result from the transmission of torque between the friction plates 130 and the reaction plates 160 of the clutch pack 125.S3543585

[0065] 10

[0066] The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention:

[0067] 1. A clutch pack comprising:

[0068] a plurality of friction plates, wherein each of said friction plates includes a friction material on an outer surface of the friction plate;

[0069] a plurality of reaction plates, wherein each of said reaction plates includes a rubber layer, a first metal disk, and a second metal disk, wherein said rubber layer is bonded to a side of said first metal disk and wherein said rubber layer is bonded to a side of said second metal disk, so that said rubber layer is positioned between said first metal disk and said second metal disk; and

[0070] wherein said plurality of friction plates and said plurality of reaction plates are alternatingly aligned along a clutch pack axis so that each of said friction plates of said plurality of friction plates is adjacent to a reaction plate of said plurality of reaction plates.

[0071] 2. The clutch pack of clause 1, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said first metal disk.

[0072] 3. The clutch pack of any preceding clause, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said second metal disk.

[0073] 4. The clutch pack of any preceding clause, wherein said rubber layer has a thickness that is less than a thickness of said first metal disk and less than a thickness of said second metal disk.

[0074] 5. The clutch pack of any preceding clause, wherein said rubber layer is bonded to said first metal disk with epoxy.

[0075] 6. The clutch pack of any preceding clause, wherein said rubber layer is bonded to said second metal disk with epoxy.

[0076] 7. A clutch pack comprising:

[0077] a friction plate including a first friction paper, a first clutch pack rubber layer and a clutch pack metal disk;

[0078] a reaction plate including a reaction plate rubber layer, a first reaction plate metal disk, and a second reaction plate metal disk, wherein said reaction plate rubber layer is bonded to a side of said first reaction plate metal disk and wherein said reaction plate rubber layer is bonded to a side of said second reaction plate metal disk so that said reaction plate rubber layer is positioned between said first reaction plate metal disk and said second reaction plate metal disk;S3543585

[0079] 11

[0080] wherein said friction plate includes friction plate splines extending from a perimeter of said friction plate;

[0081] wherein said reaction plate includes reaction plate splines extending from a perimeter of said reaction plate; and

[0082] wherein said friction plate and said reaction plate are aligned along a clutch pack axis.

[0083] 8. The clutch pack of clause 7, wherein said friction plate includes a second friction paper and a second friction plate rubber layer, and wherein said first friction plate rubber layer is bonded to one side of said friction plate metal disk and said second friction plate rubber layer is bonded to an opposite side of said friction plate metal disk., and wherein said first friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate rubber layer and wherein said second friction paper is bonded to said second friction plate rubber layer.

[0084] 9. The clutch pack of any one of clauses 7-8,

[0085] wherein said friction plate splines extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of said friction plate; and

[0086] wherein said reaction plate splines extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of said reaction plate.

[0087] 10. The clutch pack of any one of clauses 7-9,

[0088] wherein said friction plate splines extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of said friction plate; and

[0089] wherein said reaction plate splines extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of said reaction plate.

[0090] 11. The clu tch pack of any one of clauses 7- 10, wherein said friction plate includes a second friction paper and a second friction plate metal disk, and wherein said first friction plate metal disk is bonded to one side of said friction plate rubber layer and said second friction plate metal disk is bonded to an opposite side of said friction plate rubber layer, and wherein said first friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate metal disk and wherein said second friction paper is bonded to said second friction plate metal disk.

[0091] 12. The clutch pack of any one of clauses 7-11, wherein said friction plate includes a second friction paper, and wherein said first friction plate metal disk is bonded to one side of said friction plate rubber layer, wherein said first friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate metal disk, and wherein said second friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate rubber layer.

[0092] 13. A reaction plate for a clutch pack of a clutch, the reaction plate comprising:S3543585

[0093] 12

[0094] a rubber layer including a plurality of rubber splines extending from a perimeter of' said rubber layer, wherein said rubber layer includes a first side and a second side

[0095] an annular first metal disk including a plurality of first metal splines extending from a perimeter of said first metal disk;

[0096] an annular second metal disk including a plurality of second metal splines extending from a perimeter of said second metal disk;

[0097] wherein said first metal disk is bonded to said first side of said rubber layer, and wherein said second metal disk is bonded to said second side of said rubber layer so that said rubber layer is positioned between said first metal disk and said second metal disk; and wherein said rubber splines of said rubber layer are aligned with said metal splines of said first metal disk and said splines of said second metal disk.

[0098] 14. The reaction plate of clause 13, wherein a thickness of said rubber layer is less than a thickness of said first metal disk.

[0099] 15. The reaction plate of any one of clauses 13-14, wherein a thickness of said rubber layer is less than a thickness of said second meta! disk.

[0100] 16. The reaction plate of any one of clauses 13-15, wherein said rubber splines extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of said rubber layer.

[0101] 17. The reaction plate of any one of clauses 13-16, wherein said rubber splines extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of said rubber layer.

[0102] 18. The reaction plate of any one of clauses 13-17, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said first metal disk.

[0103] 19. The reaction plate of any one of clauses 13-18, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantial ly equal to a diameter of said second metal disk.

[0104] 20. The reaction plate of any one of clauses 13- 19, wherein said first metal disk and said second metal disk are each bonded to said rubber layer by epoxy.

[0105] GLOSSARY OF DEFINITIONS AND ALTERNATIVES

[0106] While the invention is illustrated in the drawings and described herein, this disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. The present disclosure is exemplary in nature and all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are included. The detailed description is included herein to discuss aspects of the examples illustrated in the drawings for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the princi les of the invention. No limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described examples, and any further applications of the principles described herein are contemplated as wouldS3543585

[0107] 13

[0108] normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Some examples are disclosed in detail, however some features that may not be relevant may have been left out for the sake of clarity.

[0109] Where there are references to publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein, they are understood to be incorporated by reference as if each individual, publ ication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

[0110] Singular1forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and the like include plural referents unless expressly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, references io “a device” or “the device” include one or more of such devices and equivalents thereof.

[0111] Directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top” “botom”, “fore”, “aft”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, “radial”, “circumferential”, etc., are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader’s understanding of the illustrated examples. The use of these directional terms does not in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and / or claimed features to a specific direction and / or orientation.

[0112] . The language used in the disclosure are presumed to have only their plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words used in the definitions included herein are to only have their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster’s and Random House dictionaries. As used herein, the following definitions apply to the following terms or to common variations thereof (e.g., singular' lural forms, past'present tenses, etc.):

[0113] “About” with reference to numerical values generally refers to plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, if the stated value is 4.375, then use of the term “about 4375” generally means a range between 3.775 and 4.8125.

[0114] “And / Or” generally refers to a grammatical conjunction indicating that one or more of the cases it connects may occur. For instance, it can indicate that either or both of two stated cases can occur. In general, “and / or” includes any combination of the listed collection. For example, “X, Y, and / or Z” encompasses: any one letter individually (e.g., {X}, {Y}, (Z i); any combination of two of the letters (e.g., (X, Y}, {X, Z), (Y, Z}); and all three letters (e.g., {X, Y, Z} ). Such combinations may include other unlisted elements as well.

[0115] “Contact” generally refers to a condition and / or state where at least two objects are physically touching. For example, contact requires at least one location where objects are directly or indirectly touching, with or without any other member(s) material in between.S3543585

[0116] 14

[0117] “Energy Source” generally refers to a device, structure, mechanism, and / or system that provides power for performing work. The energy supplied by the energy source can take many forms including electrical, chemical, electrochemical, nuclear, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravitational, kinetic, and / or potential energy forms. The energy source for instance can include ambient energy sources, such as solar panels, external energy sources, such as from electrical power transmission networks, and / or portable energy sources, such as batteries. The energy source can include an energy carrier containing energy that can be later converted to other forms, such as into mechanical, heat, electrical, and / or chemical forms. Energy carriers can for instance include springs, electrical batteries, capacitors, pressurized air, dammed water, hydrogen, petroleum, coal, wood, and / or natural gas, to name just a few.

[0118] “Interchangeable” generally refers to two or more things that are capable of being put and / or used in place of each other. In other words, one thing is capable of replacing and / or changing places with something else. For example, interchangeable parts typically, but not always, are manufactured to have nearly the same structural size as well as shape within normal manufacturing tolerances and have nearly the same operational characteristics so that one part can be replaced by another interchangeable part. In some cases, the interchangeable parts can be manufactured and / or sold by a specific company under the same part or Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) identifier, and in other cases, different companies can manufacture and / or sell the same interchangeable parts.

[0119] “Lateral” generally refers to being situated on, directed toward, or coming from the side.

[0120] “Longitudinal” generally relates to length or lengthwise dimension of an object, rather than across.

[0121] “Means For” in a claim invokes 35 U. S. C. 1 1 (f), literally encompassing the recited function and corresponding structure and equivalents thereto. Its absence does not, unless there otherwise is insufficient structure recited for that claim element. Nothing herein or elsewhere restricts the doctrine of equivalents available to the patentee.

[0122] “Motor” generally refers to a machine that supplies motive power for a device with moving parts. The motor can include rotor and linear type motors. The motor can be powered in any number of ways, such as via electricity, internal combustion, pneumatics, and / or hydraulic power sources. By way of non-limiting examples, the motor can include a servomotor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, a steam engine, pneumatic piston, hydraulic piston, and / or an internal combustion engine.S3543585

[0123] 15

[0124] “Multiple” as used herein is synonymous with the term “plurality” and refers to more than one, or by extension, two or more.

[0125] “Optionally” means discretionary; not required; possible, but not compulsory; left to personal choice.

[0126] “Portion” means a part of a whole, either separated from or integrated with it.

[0127] “Powertrain” generally refers to devices and / or systems used to transform stored energy into kinetic energy for propulsion purposes. The powertrain can include multiple power sources and can be used in non- wheel- based vehicles. By way of non-limiting examples, the stored energy sources can include chemical, solar, nuclear, electrical, electrochemical, kinetic, and / or other potential energy sources. For example, the powertrain in a. motor vehicle includes the devices that generate power and deliver the power to the road surface, water, and / or air. These devices in the powertrain include engines, motors, transmissions, drive shafts, differentials, and / or final drive components (e.g., drive wheels, continuous tracks, propeller, thrusters, etc.).

[0128] “Predominately” as used herein is synonymous with greater than 50%.

[0129] “State” generally refers to the particular condition that someone or something is in at a specific time.

[0130] “Substantially” generally refers to the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary' from a stated reference without resulting in an essential change of the basic function of the subject matter at issue. The term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, and or other representation.

[0131] “Transmission” generally refers to a power system that provides controlled application of mechanical power. The transmission uses gears and / or gear trains to provide speed, direction, and / or torque conversions from a rotating power source to another device.

[0132] “Vehicle” generally refers to a machine that transports people and / or cargo. Common vehicle types can include land based vehicles, amphibious vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and space craft. By way of non- limiting examples, land based vehic les can include wagons, carts, scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, buses, trucks, semi-trailers, trains, trolleys, and trams. Amphibious vehicles can for example include hovercraft and duck boats, and watercraft can include ships, boats, and submarines, to name just a few examples. Common forms of aircraft include airplanes, helicopters, autogiros, and balloons, and spacecraft for instance can include rockets and rocket-powered aircraft. The vehicle can have numerous types of power sources. For instance, the vehicle can be powered via human propulsion,S3543585

[0133] electrically powered, powered via chemical combustion, nuclear powered, and / or solar powered. The direction, velocity, and operation of the vehicle ean be human controlled, autonomously controlled, and / or semi-autonomous ly controlled. Examples of autonomously or semi-autonomously controlled vehicles include Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and drones.

Claims

009199-001078 S354358517CLAIMS1. A clutch pack comprising:a plurality of friction plates, wherein each of said friction plates includes a friction material on an outer surface of the friction plate;a plurality of reaction plates, wherein each of said reaction plates includes a rubber layer, a first metal disk, and a second metal disk, wherein said rubber layer is bonded to a side of said first metal disk and wherein said rubber layer is bonded to a side of said second metal disk so that said rubber layer is positioned between said first metal disk and said second metal disk; andwherein said plurality of friction plates and said plurality of reaction plates are alternatingly aligned along a clutch pack axis so that each of said friction plates of said plurality of friction plates is adjacent to a reaction plate of said plurality of reaction plates.

2. The clutch pack of claim 1, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said first metal disk.

3. The clutch pack of claim 2, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said second metal disk.

4. The clutch pack of claim 1, wherein said rubber layer has a thickness that is less than a thickness of said first metal disk and less than a thickness of said second metal disk.

5. The clutch pack of claim 1, wherein said rubber layer is bonded to said first metal disk with epoxy.

6. The clutch pack of claim 5, wherein said rubber layer is bonded to said second metal disk with epoxy.

7. A clutch pack comprising:a friction plate including a first friction paper, a first clutch pack rubber layer and a clutch pack metal disk;a reaction plate including a reaction plate rubber layer, a first reaction plate metal disk, and a second reaction plate metal disk, wherein said reaction plate rubber layer is bonded to a side of said first reaction plate metal disk and wherein said reaction plate rubberS354358518layer is bonded to a side of said second reaction plate metal disk so that said reaction plate rubber layer is positioned between said first reaction plate metal disk and said second reaction plate metal disk;wherein said friction plate includes friction plate splines extending from a perimeter of said friction plate;wherein said reaction plate includes reaction plate splines extending from a perimeter of said reaction plate; andwherein said friction plate and said reaction plate are aligned along a clutch pack axis.

8. The clutch pack of claim 7, wherein said friction plate includes a second friction paper and a second friction plate rubber layer, and wherein said first friction plate rubber layer is bonded to one side of said friction plate metal disk and said second friction plate rubber layer is bonded to an opposite side of said friction plate metal disk, and wherein said first friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate rubber layer and wherein said second friction paper is bonded to said second friction plate rubber layer.

9. The clu tch pack of claim 7,wherein said friction plate splines extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of said friction plate; andwherein said reaction plate splines extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of said reaction plate.

10. The cl u tch pack of c 1 aim 7,wherein said friction plate splines extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of said friction plate; andwherein said reaction plate splines extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of said reaction plate.

11. The clutch pack of claim 7, wherein said friction plate includes a second friction paper and a second friction plate metal disk, and wherein said first friction plate metal disk is bonded to one side of said friction plate rubber layer and said second friction plate metal disk is bonded to an opposite side of said friction plate rubber layer, and wherein said first friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate metal disk and wherein said second friction paper is bonded to said second friction plate metal disk.S35435851912. The clutch pack of claim 7, wherein said friction plate includes a second friction paper, and wherein said first friction plate metal disk is bonded to one side of said friction plate rubber layer, wherein said first friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate metal disk, and wherein said second friction paper is bonded to said first friction plate rubber layer,13. A reaction plate for a clutch pack of a clutch, the reaction plate comprising:a rubber layer including a plurality of rubber splines extending from a perimeter of said rubber layer, wherein said rubber layer includes a first side and a second side;an annular first metal disk including a plurality of first metal splines extending from a perimeter of said first metal disk;an annular second metal disk including a plurality of second metal splines extending from a perimeter of said second metal disk;wherein said first metal disk is bonded to said first side of said rubber layer, and wherein said second metal disk is bonded to said second side of said rubber layer so that said rubber layer is positioned between said first metal disk and said second metal disk; and wherein said rubber splines of said rubber layer are aligned with said metal splines of said first metal disk and said splines of said second metal disk.

14. The reaction plate of claim 13, wherein a thickness of said rubber layer is less than a thickness of said first metal disk.

15. The reaction plate of claim 13, wherein a thickness of said rubber layer is less than a thickness of said second metal disk.

16. The reaction plate of claim 13, wherein said rubber splines extend radially inward from an inner perimeter of said rubber layer.

17. The reaction plate of claim 13, wherein said rubber splines extend radially outward from an outer perimeter of said rubber layer.

18. The reaction plate of claim 13, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said first metal disk.S35435852019. The reaction plate of claim 18, wherein said rubber layer has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said second metal disk.20, The reaction plate of claim 13, wherein said first metal disk and said second metal disk are each bonded to said rubber layer by epoxy.

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