Abstract: A locking clutch includes a torsion damper (20) and a piston (21), the torsion damper (20) having an inlet part (40) fixed to the piston (21) and an outlet part (60, 160, 260). The web has support portions (65) for the circumferential ends of springs (50, 52, 53) acting between the inlet parts (40) and outlet parts (60, 160, 260). The inlet part (40) of the torsion damper (20) consists of a plurality of guidance plates (40) fixed to the piston (21). Each plate (40) has a central part (47) and two lateral wings (49) to define holding portions (41) for the springs (50, 52, 53) and support portions (45, 145) for the springs (50, 52, 53). The piston (21) has at its external periphery an axially oriented annular shoulder (28) shaped so as to retain the springs (50, 52, 53).

Abstract: The torsion damper for a lock-up clutch (4) comprises two coaxial parts (40, 60) which are movable with respect to each other against circumferentially acting springs (50), namely an input part in the form of a guide ring (40) and an output part (60) called a damper plate, in which the guide ring (40) comprises a retaining portion (42, 142 . . . ) and engagement portions (45, 145 . . . ) for the external retention of the springs (50) and for their engagement, respectively, while the damper plate (60) also has engagement portions (65, 165 . . . ) for engagement with the springs (50). The damper plate (60) has a retaining portion (61, 161 . . . ) in the form of a half shell, the engagement portions of the damper plate (60) are carried by the said retaining portion of the damper plate (60), and the retaining portions of the guide ring (40) and of the damper plate (60) are offset axially with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a hydrokinetic device comprising a locking assembly adapted to provide a direct mechanical connection between its input element and its output element. According to the invention, this locking assembly comprises between a flange forming a piston and a counter flange, two discs each engaged with a hub with predetermined play, with, for the configuration of the assembly at rest, an alternate disposition in which one of the discs abuts the hub circumferentially in one circumferentially in the opposite circumferential direction. Such an arrangement is particularly applicable to an automobile transmission.

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: In a torsional damper device in particular for equipping hydraulic coupling devices, in particular for automotive vehicles, two flanges mesh through meshing means with clearance with a same flange. There is at least one area of axial interpenetration between these flanges.

Abstract: A torsional damper device comprises an intermediate member responsive to centrifugal force. At low values of torque, beyond a predetermined critical rotation speed, it causes to become operative an elastic intermediate member which is normally inoperative at such low values of torque. This intermediate member comprises at least one flange which, by way of a toothed portion, is selectively interlocked with the hub. By way of a bearing lug, it is adapted to act on the elastic member concerned.

Abstract: A transmission system comprises an annular input member adapted to be keyed at least circumferentially to a first shaft. It has a generally cylindrical axial wall. A movement take-up device within this cylindrical wall has at least one protected mild steel lug by which it is keyed axially and circumferentially to the cylindrical wall and by which it is adapted to be at least circumferentially keyed to a second shaft. The movement take-up device also comprises an input part to which one end of this lug is welded, the other end of the lug being fixed to the cylindrical wall.

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: In a clutch release bearing suitable for automotive vehicles a drive member is retained to a maneuvering member in the axial direction by an axially acting spring washer. This bears on a first shoulder on the maneuvering member and urges the drive member in the axial direction towards a second shoulder on the maneuvering member. The first shoulder is locally intersected by at least one axially extending groove which is accessible from the outside, for the purpose of inserting an assembly tool.

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: A clutch cover assembly comprises an annular cover attached to a reaction plate, an annular pressure plate rotationally coupled to and axially movable relative to the cover and axially acting elastic means bearing on the cover and continuously urging the pressure plate away from the cover. The cover is circumferentially divided into separate sectors. Means are provided whereby one of the sectors overlap another. For each sector, the overlap means comprise at least overlap lug constituting an extension of the sector in one circumferential sense. This is at least locally superposed on and attached to the immediately adjacent sector in the aforementioned circumferential sense.

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 cover assembly is disclosed in which the cover has radial retaining lugs which cooperate with transverse shoulders on the pressure plate for limiting the axial travel relative to the cover. Slots which may receive the lugs are provided in the pressure plate and may comprise one or more axial and/or circumferential grooves in continuity with the transverse shoulders. The grooves may be formed in the peripheral edge of the main body of the pressure plate or in the axial bosses engageable with the axially acting spring or in radial bosses at the edge of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing is disclosed comprising a plastic operating member with an axial sleeve and a transverse flange, and a ball bearing defining a drive or thrust member. One of the races of the ball bearing is applied directly or indirectly against a bearing member which comprises a simple flat metal washer. The arms of the associated actuating fork bear against the other side of the bearing member through passages therein. For guiding the arms of the actuating member there are raised edges or projections bordered the passages, possibly with a right angle portion parallel to the flange for engaging each arm of the fork. An axial rim is provided at the outer periphery of the flange extending to the drive or thrust member side and has hooks engageable with a resilient clip for coupling the drive or thrust member to the operating member and if desired self-centering operation. Various arrangements are disclosed to positively hold the bearing member against axial movement in either direction.

Abstract: A hub and web assembly such as for a clutch plate or pulley half in which the outer component comprises a sleeve with a web and the inner component a hub. The inturned terminal end of the sleeve bears axially against a transverse shoulder to positively determine the relative axial position of the components. Also, a bead formed from the inner component is swaged against the opposite side of the inturned terminal end. The length of the serrations on the sleeve is shorter than the total length thereof. A cylindrical bearing surface on the end of the sleeve adjacent the actual web bears tightly against a corresponding cylindrical bearing surface on the hub remote from the transverse shoulder. This arrangement permits limited torsion of the web without loosening the mating serrations on the components.

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: The invention relates to a clutch release bearing, particularly for motor vehicles, of the kind comprising an operating element, which is acted on by a clutch fork, a drive element, which, under the action of the operating element, acts on the disengaging mechanism of the clutch, and axially acting elastic means, which are supported by the operating element and bear on the drive element in order to hold the latter against a bearing plate which is axially fast with the operating element. According to the invention, the circumference along which these axially acting elastic means bear on the drive element has a diameter which is approximately equal to the diameter of the circumference along which the drive element is capable of bearing on the disengaging mechanism of the clutch. As a result, the axially acting elastic means are not able to cause a rocking torque on the drive element, which is thus maintained in axial alignment with the operating element.

Abstract: A torsion damping assembly is disclosed in which there are provided two coaxial parts mounted for limited relative angular displacement, one being a web and the other a pair of guide plates flanking the web. Spacer members interconnect the guide plates within their outer periphery and extend axially through the guide plates and are crimped therebeyond. A connecting bar attaches at least two such spacer members in a group. Preferably four such groups of three spacer members are provided, each connecting bar being bent or arched. The torsion damping assembly may comprise the torsion damping center of a drive disc of a friction clutch.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle clutch cover assembly comprising a cover, a pressure plate rotatable with the cover but movable axially relative thereto, and axially-acting resilient means such as a diaphragm located between the cover and the pressure plate and operable to urge the pressure plate away from the cover, the invention provides one or more retaining shims adapted to limit the displacement of the pressure plate relative to the cover, and corresponding apertures in the cover which allow the retaining shims to be removed or inserted. The retaining shims are fitted either during removal of the cover assembly for servicing, or during replacement, and by restricting displacement of the pressure plate reduce the effective axial dimension of the cover assembly thereby facilitating removal or replacement of the assembly in a confined space.

Abstract: A diaphragm clutch cover assembly is disclosed comprising a cover having a peripheral flange secured to a flywheel, a diaphragm spring, assembly means rockably mounting the diaphragm spring on the cover between axial spaced fulcra and axially applying a predetermined resilient clamping load, and a pressure plate fixed for rotation with and axial displacement in relation to the cover. The resilient clamping load on the diaphragm spring is selected between the peak value of the release load on the diaphragm spring at the minimum reference value and the greater of the final value of the release load at the minimum reference value and the final value of the release load at the maximum reference distance. In the coarse of service life the diaphragm spring breaks contact with one of its fulcra when it rocks from its engagement position and its disengagement position.