Ceramic clutch separator plates.

摘要

An improvement in a torsional coupling in which clutch separator plates (24) are interleaved between clutch friction plates (16) having friction linings (18) on the opposite surfaces thereof to provide an increased coefficient of friction without substantially increasing the wear of the friction lining of the clutch plates during operation of the clutch or brake. The separator plates (24) are formed of a solid ceramic material (24a) or of a steel plate (46) which is coated with a thin layer of the ceramic material (48). Suitable ceramics include silicon nitride, aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide. <IMAGE>