Importance

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Abstract

A groove pattern for the paper-based annular friction facing (38) on an alar plate (39) of a clutch plate (41) of a wet clutch to equalize the surface temperature of the friction facing and thus increase the thermal capacity of the clutch where there is continuous slippage. The groove pattern includes one or more continuous annular grooves (42,43,44,45) dividing the friction area into at least three annular bands (46,47,48,49,50), an inner band (46), at least one intermediate band (47,48,49), and an outer band (50), and a plurality of cross grooves (51,52) in each band which are angled with respect to a radius of the facing. The angled cross grooves extend at an acute angle (a,b) (10-60 degrees) to such radius. Slip of the friction pair of plates causes a viscous pumping action. The cross groove angle in each band of the facing is similar so as to keep all the grooves filled with cooling oil, and the cross-section of the cross grooves vary in their dimensions as between the bands. The angled cross grooves of this pattern also provides viscous pumping of oil through the facing. The annular bands are formed by molding before the facing is bonded to the annular plate, but the cross grooves are preferably formed continuously through the facing in a blanking operation before the facing is applied to the annular plate. When the cross grooves are formed by blanking, the facing is preferably formed with a radially thin runner strip on its outermost periphery to rigidify the facing for ease of handling before it is applied to the annular plate. The runner strip is removed after the facing is applied to the annular plate.

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First Claim