Abstract: A friction clutch wherein the pressure plate is movable axially of and relative to the clutch housing to engage or disengage and the clutch by bearing against or by becoming disengaged from the friction linings of the clutch disc. The wear upon the friction linings is compensated for by an adjusting unit which is designed to shift a seat for the tiltable diaphragm spring relative to the housing and toward the pressure plate. A resilient component, which can form part of or can be borne by the diaphragm spring or which is carried by the housing, acts upon the diaphragm spring to ensure that the magnitude of the force to be exerted upon and by the diaphragm spring during and immediately after disengagement of the clutch varies within a narrow range. The resilient component does not affect the operation of the adjusting unit.

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein the pressure plate is movable axially of and relative to the clutch housing to engage or disengage the clutch by bearing against or by becoming disengaged from the friction linings of the clutch disc. The wear upon the friction linings is compensated for by an adjusting unit which is designed to shift a seat for the titable diaphragm spring relative to the housing and toward the pressure plate. A resilient component, which can form part of or can be borne by the diaphragm spring or which is carried by the housing, acts upon the diaphragm spring to ensure that the magnitude of the force to be exerted upon and by the diaphragm spring during and immediately after disengagement of the clutch varies within a narrow range. The resilient component does not affect the operation of the adjusting unit.