Adapter rings for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to different types of flywheels

摘要

Adapter rings for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to different types of flywheels are disclosed. A single adapter ring may be installed on different types of stock or aftermarket flywheels. In one embodiment, a multiple-disc clutch assembly may be mounted onto the adapter ring. The multiple-disc clutch unit may fit inside a stock bellhousing to enable the user to utilize the stock clutch release mechanism and simultaneously increase the holding power capability while maintaining light pedal effort. Aftermarket replacement OEM clutch units including the adapter ring may be used with higher horsepower engines in automotive vehicles with manual transmissions.

主权项

1. An adapter ring for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to flywheels comprising:
an annular base comprising a planar flywheel-engaging surface extending continuously around a circumference of the adapter ring, a planar opposing surface extending continuously around the circumference of the adapter ring defining a thickness B of the base measured between the flywheel-engaging surface and the opposing surface, a radial outermost edge extending continuously around the circumference of the adapter ring defining an outer diameter of the annular base, and a central hole extending axially through the annular base and having a cylindrical surface extending continuously around the circumference of the adapter ring defining an inner diameter of the annular base; at least two arcuate raised portions circumferentially and discontinuously spaced from each other around the circumference of the adapter ring structured for attachment to the clutch assembly extending axially a height H from the opposing surface of the base comprising a radial outermost surface defining an outer diameter of the raised portion less than the outer diameter of the annular base, and a radial innermost surface defining an inner diameter of the raised portion substantially the same as the inner diameter of the annular base, wherein the adapter ring has an overall thickness T equal to the sum of the thickness B of the base and the height H of each of the at least two arcuate raised portions, and the overall thickness T of the adapter ring is sufficiently large to allow multiple clutch discs to be installed in the clutch assembly; a first set of flywheel mounting holes extending axially through the base radially outside of the outer diameter of each of the at least two arcuate raised portions arranged for mounting the adapter ring to a first type of flywheel; and a second set of flywheel mounting holes at different locations from the first set of flywheel mounting holes extending axially through the base radially outside of the outer diameter of each of the at least two arcuate raised portions arranged for mounting the adapter ring to a second type of flywheel.