Patent number: 6578688

Spline cushion clutch driver for an electromagnetic clutch

Original Assignee: North Coast Clutch Company, Inc.

Field of technology: Vehicles, Engines and Transportation

Patent granted on: Tue, 17 Jun 2003

Patent drawing

Abstract

An automotive air conditioning compressor clutch eliminates all rivets and utilizes only one return spring. A hub with multiple radial teeth closely fitting into armature openings supports the armature plate concentric and parallel to a pulley friction disk. The armature is free to slide relative to the hub as the return spring is compressed. The thrust areas between the hub teeth and armature are large, which reduces compressive stress. The lower stress reduces the wear rate for both the all-metal and rubber torque cushion versions of the clutch.