Abstract: In a diaphragm spring clutch, a clutch driven plate is clampable against a rotatably driven counter - pressure plate by a pressure plate urged by a diaphragm spring. To cushion clutch re-engagements the pressure plate has an annular array of spaced lands facing the diaphragm spring and supporting a resilient fulcrum ring having spanning portions spanning the spaces between the lands, the spanning portions of the fulcrum ring being in contact with respective radial ribs on a face of the diaphragm spring. As the diaphragm spring increasingly urges the pressure plate during a clutch re-engagement, the spanning portions of the fulcrum ring are resiliently deformed by the ribs into the spaces between lands to axially cushion the re-engagement.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly includes a diaphragm spring acting on a pressure plate through a fulcrum ring which encircles the clutch axis and is disposed in a groove in the pressure plate. The fulcrum ring is a resilient tube. During clutch re-engagements, the cross-section of the tube is resiliently deformed by the load of the diaphragm spring to provide cushioning. The resilient tube can have a slot in its outer periphery. In a first stage of cushioning the tube is deformed so as to close the slot. Thereafter, further deformation of the tube is harder and creates a second stage of harder cushioning.