Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes a clutch disk; a pressure plate for moving the clutch disk through application of pressure; a diaphragm spring for applying a force to the pressure plate so as to urge the pressure plate toward a flywheel; a release bearing for pressing a central portion of the diaphragm spring; a release fork; and an actuator. The pressure plate and an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm spring are in contact with each other via taper portions of the pressure plate and an adjust wedge member. The clutch apparatus counts the number of clutch operations. In order to obtain a desirable press-contact load according to the counted number of clutch operations, the adjust wedge member is rotated with respect to the pressure plate to thereby modify the attitude of the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: A clutch control apparatus includes a clutch disk, which is engaged with a flywheel, by means of a diaphragm spring; a release mechanism (including a rod and an electric motor) for pressing a central portion of the diaphragm spring; and a clutch control circuit. The clutch control circuit calculates an ideal clutch load and an output torque of the electric motor for a detected stroke of the rod. On the basis of these values, the clutch control circuit obtains the acceleration of the rod. The clutch control circuit estimates a stroke of the rod from the obtained acceleration and causes an adjust wedge member to rotate such that a detected actual stroke and the estimated stroke become equal, thereby modifying the attitude of the diaphragm spring accordingly.

Abstract: A clutch control apparatus includes a clutch disk, which is engaged with a flywheel, by means of a diaphragm spring; a release mechanism (including a rod and an electric motor) for pressing a central portion of the diaphragm spring; and a clutch control circuit. The flywheel and an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm spring abut each other via taper portions of a pressure plate and an adjust wedge member. The clutch control circuit calculates an ideal clutch load and an output torque of the electric motor for a detected stroke of the rod. On the basis of these values, the clutch control circuit obtains the acceleration of the rod. The clutch control circuit estimates a stroke of the rod from the obtained acceleration and causes the adjust wedge member to rotate such that a detected actual stroke and the estimated stroke become equal, thereby modifying the attitude of the diaphragm spring accordingly.

Abstract: A torque absorbing device includes a hub member having a flange portion, plate members disposed around a hub portion of the hub member so as to be positioned opposite the flange portion in the axial direction, a plurality of torsion members elastically interconnecting the hub member and the plate members in the circumferential direction of the disc, and a plurality of seat members each of which is disposed among each of the torsion members, the plate members and the hub member. Each seat member has one side face portion contacting the circumferential end surface of each of the torsion members and the other side face portion contacting the plate members and the flange portion of the hub member. The other face portion is provided with a projected holding portion held on the flange portion of the hub member so as not to be able to move relative to the hub member and a guide portion nipping the flange portion of the hub member in the axial direction of the disc.

Abstract: A clutch release arrangement for a clutch includes a pressure plate arranged in a clutch cover and having a fulcrum portion on its external circumference. A diaphragm spring is supported in the region of its external circumference to the clutch cover. The clutch is released by pressing the pressure plate in the direction of a clutch disk through the connection of the fulcrum portion of the pressure plate to the diaphragm spring. A return spring is arranged between the clutch cover and the diaphragm spring and in contact with the diaphragm spring, and the fulcrum portion is a continuously curved surface formed so that the height of the fulcrum portion is low in proportion to the distance between the fulcrum portion and a contact point.

Abstract: A clutch disk assembly is provided with a continuously variable hysteresis mechanism which reduces noises or vibrations of the driving system. The continuously variable hysteresis mechanism includes a plate member, a spring member and a friction lining member operably disposed between the hub member and the disk member. The spring member is normally out of contact with said plate member to minimize wear. The spring member and plate member carry first and second projections, respectively, which come into contact after a certain amount of relative rotation occurs between those members, to produce the continuously variable hysteresis between the disk member and the hub member. The plate member is connected to the disk member in a manner preventing relative radial movement therebetween.

Abstract: A clutch disk assembly is provided with a continuous variable hysteresis mechanism which reduces noises or vibrations of the driving system. The continuous variable hysteresis mechanism includes a plate member, a spring member and a friction lining member between the hub member and the disk member. A cam face is provided on one of the plate member and/or spring member, a projection on one of the spring member and/or the plate member. An engaging mechanism is positioned between the plate member and the hub member and the continuous variable hysteresis is generated between the disk member and the hub member.