Abstract: A clutch control mechanism, for manoeuvring an actuating member such as a clutch release bearing, comprises a support member, a tubular driving member, a tubular driven member having a mounting means and, between the driving member and the driven member, camming means of the helical ramp type.The said mounting means comprises a first sleeve adapted to penetrate into the interior of the actuating member and to carry internally one of the cams, while the driving member penetrates into the interior of the sleeve and carries the other cam, the sleeve having an external radial flange, which acts as an abutment for the clutch release bearing and which is coupled in rotation to the support member.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a torsion damping device, of the kind comprising two coaxial parts which are mounted so as to be rotatable with respect to one another against the action of circumferentially acting resilient members, with a phasing ring operatively connected between the resilient members so that the resilient members are effectively mounted for operation in series with each other. The phasing ring is maintained in a radial relationship by a plurality of pads, which being separate from each other, are spaced apart circumferentially, with each pad being individually secured to an appropriate one of the coaxial parts. The pads are preferably made from a synthetic material. The invention is especially applicable to clutches of the lock up type for use in hydrokinetic coupling apparatus for automobiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch control device comprising a driven part entrained by a driving part. According to the invention, the driving and driven parts are hollow, and are mounted coaxially. The driving part carries engagement structure and is fixed in translation, whereas the driven part is movable in translation and fixed in rotation. The driven part is mounted in the axial prolongation of the driving part and carries on its inner periphery a support portion for attachment of the clutch release element.

Abstract: A torsional damper device comprises at least two coaxial parts disposed to rotate relative to each other within defined limits of relative angular displacement. Circumferentially acting elastic members are adapted to operate circumferentially between the coaxial parts over part at least of such relative angular displacement. The elastic members includes at least two coil springs spaced circumferentially along a common circumference of the device. Retainers associated with the coil springs, common to all the coil springs, are adapted to retain the coil springs against the action of centrifugal force. The retainers are disposed at least in part radially outside the common circumference.

Abstract: A friction disk comprises circumferentially distributed support vanes and two annular friction facing members at its periphery, one on each side of the support vanes. Each friction facing member is axially fastened to the support vanes but axially mobile relative to the other friction facing member. Each support vane comprises a sheet metal member which is bent in an inoperative configuration with the friction facing members moved apart from one another. This sheet metal member features a circumferential succession of bends delimiting a circumferential succession of bearing surfaces alternately for one of the friction facing members and for the other. The friction facing members comprise bearing areas which cooperate with these bearing surfaces and recesses between these bearing areas axially recessed relative to the bearing areas.

Abstract: A torsional damper device, such as a clutch disk for an automobile vehicle, comprises at least two coaxial parts adapted to rotate relative to one another and a bearing disposed radially between them. This bearing comprises two separate parts, one on each side of a diametral plane of the device. Each is locked axially to a respective one of the coaxial parts and provides axial bearing support for the other coaxial part.

Abstract: A torsional damper device comprises at least two coaxial parts disposed to rotate relative to one another within defined limits of relative angular displacement. Circumferentially acting elastic means operative between these parts over at least part of this relative angular displacement resist same. A first coaxial part comprises a hub and an annular hub flange around the hub, constrained to rotate with the hub for one circumferential direction. A second coaxial part comprises at least one annular guide ring around the hub free to rotate relative to it in both circumferential directions. The device further comprises an annular hub counter-flange around the hub constrained to rotate with the hub for one circumferential direction. The hub flange and the hub counter-flange are each free to rotate relative to the hub in the circumferential direction opposite that in which it is constrained to rotate with it.

Abstract: A torsional damper device comprises at least three coaxial parts rotatable relative to one another in pairs within defined limits of relative angular displacement. Such rotation occurs against circumferentially acting elastic members operative between them over part at least of such relative angular displacement. A first coaxial part comprises a hub. A second coaxial part comprises at least one transverse annular hub flange around the hub. First teeth with clearance are disposed between the hub and the hub flange. A third coaxial part comprises at least one transverse annular flange around but having no direct relationship with the hub, parallel to the hub flange. The second part further comprises at least one transverse annular auxiliary flange around the hub, parallel to and associated with the hub flange. Second teeth with clearance are disposed between the auxiliary flange and the hub.

Abstract: A clutch for a motor vehicle is provided in which the reaction plate assembly is made of two separate parts fixed to one another by fastening means, namely a transverse supporting bracket, by means of which it can be fixed to the input shaft, and a reaction element with which the associated friction disc can interact. The reaction plate element and the supporting bracket bear axially on one another by means of local seats providing circumferentially between them recesses which open freely outwards radially, the cover being fixed to the said reaction plate element. This arrangement provides good ventilation in the space between the supporting bracket and the reaction plate element. Furthermore the components between which the friction disc is interposed have similar thermal characteristics and this is favorable to balanced working conditions of the said friction disc on the respective faces.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly suitable for automotive vehicles comprises a generally annular cover by means of which it is adapted to be attached to a reaction plate or flywheel. It further comprises a generally annular pressure plate which is constrained to rotate with the cover but movable relative to it in the axial direction. Elastic means in the form of a diaphragm spring bear on the cover to exert an axial force on the pressure plate through a bearing member. The bearing member is centered on the diaphragm spring by axial lugs which engage in notches provided on the diaphragm spring for this purpose. The bearing member carries a progressively acting spring washer.

Abstract: An automotive clutch comprises a single support ring for carrying a starter ring gear and an ignition timing mark. The support ring comprises a radial portion and an axial portion the latter of which carries both the starter ring gear and the ignition timing mark. The axial portion may have two separate axial sections radially offset relative to each other, with the greater diameter axial section remote from the radial portion and a smaller diameter axial section relatively adjacent to the radial portion.

Abstract: An automotive clutch comprises a flywheel fixed to a driving shaft, a friction disc fixed for a rotation with a driven shaft, a pressure plate fixed for rotation and axially movable with respect to the flywheel and a diaphragm spring bearing against a fulcrum on the cover for urging the pressure plate towards the flywheel axially clamping the clutch disc. Precision centering and securement of the cover on the flywheel are provided by machining a recess in the skirt of the cover in precision fitting relation with the cylindrical periphery and a faced annular surface on the flywheel and crimping the skirt to the flywheel. The precision centering of the cover ensures the centering of components such as starter ring gear.

Abstract: A clutch comprises a transversely disposed reaction plate assembly. This is designed to be fixed in rotation to a shaft, in practice a drive shaft. At its outer periphery, on an axial rim, it has a toothed starter ring. The reaction plate assembly is in two parts fastened together, a support bracket and a reaction element. The support bracket is stamped out from sheet metal, the axial rim and the toothed starter ring forming integral parts of the support bracket. The toothed ring is formed by stamping the axial rim.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism, particularly for a motor vehicle, is fitted with stop means to check the axial travel of the pressure plate after a predetermined distance of axial travel thereof with respect to the cover. The stop means include at least one radial lug which, independently of the cover, is fixed thereto using fixing means connecting to the cover the leaf-springs which provide the rotational connection between the pressure plate and the cover. The lug or lugs act on the outer circumferential edge of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A diaphragm clutch mechanism for a motor vehicle has a diaphragm spring disposed between a primary fulcrum support provided on the cover and a secondary fulcrum support retained by fastening means which fasten the diaphragm to the cover for rocking movement between the two supports.The fastening means comprise lugs extending from the cover, each having an axial portion passing through openings in the diaphragm, and an outwardly turned radial portion, said portions defining between them a wedging bend. An annular support ring forms (directly or indirectly) the secondary fulcrum support and this is wedged in position by the folding of the radial portions of the lugs beween the wedging bend and a thrust bearing surface formed on the axial portion of each lug. A clearance is provided between the fulcrum supports and the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is not gripped by the supports, and clamping friction is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A diaphragm clutch mechanism for a motor vehicle has a diaphragm spring which rocks between a primary fulcrum support provided on the cover and a secondary fulcrum support retained by fastening structure which fastens the diaphragm to the cover for rocking movement with respect thereto. The fastening structure comprises lugs extending from the cover, each having an axial portion passing through openings in the diaphragm, and an outwardly turned radial portion, these portions defining between them a wedging bend. An annular support ring forms (directly or indirectly) the secondary fulcrum support and this is wedged in position against the wedging bend by thrust tabs provided on the cover or the support ring which are applied against a wedging zone that is spaced from the primary and secondary supports to pre-stress the support ring by an amount which is greater than the declutching force.

Abstract: The invention comprises an anti-lock braking circuit of the kind which incorporates a modulation device between the master cylinder and the slave sylinder of the respective wheel. The modulation device is controlled by a pickup sensitive to wheel locking and comprises an isolation valve which in its normally open position establishes communication between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder, and a pressure drop regulation valve which can establish communication between the slave cylinder and a discharge. When locking of a wheel is sensed by the pickup, the isolation valve is closed and the pressure drop regulation valve is opened to connect the slave cylinder to the discharge, thereby reducing the braking force applied to the respective wheel.

Abstract: A sheave for a speed variator comprising a fixed and a movable side mounted for rotation with a common shaft. A diaphragm spring urges the movably slide towards the fixed side to clamp a V-belt therebetween. The fixed side may be removed and turned around and then tightened with its own threaded fastener on the shaft to urge the movable side against the force of the diaphragm spring to a retracted position. A retaining member, e.g. a screwdriver, cooperates with the movable side to temporarily hold the same in its retracted position while the fixed side is removed again and turned around and secured by the threaded member in its normal position. The V-belt is then repositioned between the side and the retaining member released. Alternatively, the retaining member may be released automatically, e.g. centrifugally, when the variator is set into motion again.