BLOCKED SLOT CLUTCH PLATE LINING

摘要

An automatic transmission clutch plate provides reduced drag in a wet clutch environment by employing independent offset slots through a friction lining applied to an annular clutch plate. The slots extend through the friction lining from at least one inner or outer peripheral edge of the ring to a terminating point between the radially inner and outer edges. In addition, slots through the friction lining extending from the radially inner edge are offset from the grooves extending through the lining from the radially outer edge. Preferably, the friction lining is formed by segments, and slots can be conveniently formed through the lining between radial edges spaced apart from each other on adjacent arcuate lining segments. In addition, the arcuate segments preferably include overlapping ends to form the offset slots.