In a Wichita ATD348 air-tube disc clutch, the driving ring is a key structural componentthat connects the rotating power source to the friction discs. lts main functions areto
Transmit torgue: The drivina rina has intearal drive studs or internal splines thatengage with corresponding features on the friction discs. This mechanical connectionis what transfers power from the input side (engine or motor) to the output side(transmission or driven machine) when the clutch is engaged.
Guide axial movement: lt allows the friction discs to move axially (slide back and forthalong the shaft) during clutch engagement and disengagement, while still ensuring apositive rotational drive
Provide mounting points: The driving ring is typically bolted to an adapter or a quick-change ring, which in turn connects to the main shaft assembly.@
The air tube, when pressurized, expands to push a pressure plate, which in turnsaueezes the friction discs aaainst the opposina metal surfaces (like the center plate obackplate), thereby engaging the clutch. The driving ring ensures all these componentsrotate together once engaged