Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic actuator for use in a vehicle transmission such as a four wheel drive transfer case. In one preferred embodiment, the transfer case includes two separate electronic actuators, a range shift actuator which is utilized to effect shifting of the transfer case between high range, neutral, and low range drive positions, and a clutch actuator which is utilized to control engagement of a clutch between two wheel drive, automatic ("on demand" four wheel drive), and "part time" four wheel drive operating modes. The range shift actuator includes a rotary electric motor coaxially mounted relative to a rear output shaft of the transfer case, and a linear screw for translating the rotational movement of the motor shaft to selective axial movement of a range shift sleeve.

Abstract: A clutch wheel for a plate type friction clutch comprises a clutch disc carrying a plurality of friction pads spaced coaxially around it. Each friction pad consists of two pad elements arranged back to back and movable axially with respect to each other against the action of a Belleville ring inserted between them. This axial movement is controlled within predetermined limits by abutment means consisting of cooperating elements of the two friction pads, or of at least one of the friction pads and the clutch disc. The Belleville ring is precompressed in such a way that, within the limits of the axial movement defined by the abutment means, it works only on a part of its characteristic curve in which the reaction force which it exerts is substantially constant.

Abstract: An industrial clutch has a diaphragm spring (40) which over-centers between full engagement and full disengagement. The clutch cover (12) has an abutment (64) which abuts the diaphragm spring (40) when the clutch is disengaged to prevent vibration of the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: An armature assembly for an electromagnetic coupling includes an armature plate made of a material having low magnetic reluctance and also includes an output hub having angularly spaced and radially extending mounting arms for supporting the armature plate. The armature plate is connected to the mounting arms by angularly spaced leaf springs which couple the armature plate and the output hub for rotation in unison while allowing the armature plate to move axially relative to the mounting arms when the coupling is engaged and disengaged. The leaf springs are made of a material having high magnetic reluctance and are formed with tabs or fingers which are sandwiched between the armature plate and the mounting arms to create a flux barrier for magnetically isolating the armature plate from the mounting arms and the output hub.

Abstract: An armature assembly for an electromagnetic clutch includes a plastic spider having a central sleeve which is joined to a central driven hub by insert molding. A circular web is molded integrally with and extends radially from the sleeve and carries an annular armature disc which is adapted to coact with the electromagnetic rotor of the clutch. When the clutch is energized, the web flexes adjacent the sleeve in the manner of a living hinge to enable the armature disc to move axially into engagement with the rotor. Upon de-energization of the clutch, the resilient memory of the plastic retracts the armature disc from the rotor. In addition to eliminating the need for separate springs and other components, the plastic spider provides torsional and acoustical dampening.

Abstract: A clutch drum includes a cylindrical drum body having a spline portion consisting of plural extruded angles and extruded channels formed by pressing, and plural pressed-out portions formed at the spline portion, one side wall of the pressed-out portions having a continuous shape without any rupture, the other side wall of the pressed-out portions being formed by half blanking of the clutch drum body so as to stop a snap ring threat.

Abstract: In a torque transmission, particularly for an automotive vehicle, of the kind including a hydraulic coupling unit and a locking clutch, the latter comprises essentially a piston and a clutch plate, the piston being mounted slidably on a hub to enable the friction pad to be gripped. The piston is coupled with the clutch plate through profiled coupling.

Abstract: A thrust washer has a protrusion which is formed with a projecting pawl. The rotating member is formed with a through hole, into which the protrusion of the thrust washer is inserted, such that the pawl is projected out on the opposed surface remote from the thrust washer of the rotating member, whereby the upstanding surface of the pawl is used as a stop means. Thus, the thrust washer is positively secured to the rotating member.

Abstract: A mounting structure is provided for a one-way clutch in an automatic transmission of the type that a carrier of a planetary gear mechanism and a casing of the transmission are connected together by way of a one-way clutch allowing the carrier to rotate only in one direction along a central axis of rotation of the planetary gear mechanism. A coupling member coupling the carrier and the one-way clutch to each other is splined at an end portion thereof, which is located on the side of the carrier, with the carrier so as to allow the carrier to slide along the central axis of the rotation. A limiting member is provided to limit the range of sliding movements of the coupling member.

Abstract: A clutch for an automotive vehicle has a driving member which is connected to the crankshaft of the vehicle engine, and a driven member which is keyed, by means of a spline, to the input shaft of the vehicle transmission, there being a spring at the end of the shaft for urging the second member toward the transmission. The first member includes a mounting ring and an end ring, as well as posts extended between the two rings. The end ring contains cutouts arranged in two rows around the shaft and a groove separating the rows. The second member has a hub against which the spring bears and a larger transfer ring at one end of the hub. The transfer ring in turn has lugs arranged in two rows around its periphery, and these lugs are configured to slide into the cutouts in the end ring of the driving member under the force exerted by the spring.

Abstract: In a pulled-type clutch arrangement, for the release of the clutch, release levers are provided which are connected in their radially outer region with the clutch cover and in a radially middle region articulatedly with the thrust plate. On the abutment face facing the drive plate, in the region of the radially inner ends, the release levers lie against a release ring which is connectable with a traction force transmission part of a clutch release device. In some cases the clutch arrangement avoids the diaphragm springs usually used in pulled-type clutch arrangements, and nonetheless can be operated as pulled-type clutch. The main spring can be formed by a dished spring which is simpler in construction than a diaphragm spring and avoids disadvantages which arise with diaphragm springs for some purposes, especially in heavy-duty clutches. The dished springs can here be supported in a radially outer region on the clutch cover and can act in a radially inner region upon the thrust plate.

Abstract: A cooling mechanism of a pull-type clutch wherein an outer peripheral edge of an opposite-to-flywheel-side face of an outer peripheral annular portion is supported by a clutch cover through a wire ring, an inner peripheral edge of a flywheel-side face thereof is supported by a fulcrum projection of a pressure plate, an annular holder covering the opposite-to-flywheel-side of the outer peripheral annular portion is installed by utilizing window holes of a diaphragm spring having slits which extend toward a central axis from plural places of an inner peripheral edge of the outer peripheral annular portion through the window holes, leg pieces are provided which extend from an inner peripheral edge of the annular holder through said window holes toward the flywheel side to be secured to a pressure plate, blade pieces are provided which extend from the holder inner peripheral edge toward the remaining part of the window holes and force air into the window holes during rotation, and a stopper is provided which exte

Abstract: A clutch assembly having an annular cover member attached to an engine flywheel, an annular pressure plate which is floatingly attached to the cover member by a plurality of drive straps, a friction drive assembly which is splined to a transmission shaft for rotation therewith and sliding movement therealong, and which is positioned between the pressure plate and the engine flywheel, a plurality of radially extending release levers, each of which is pivotably attached to the cover member at a location between the ends of such release lever, and a belleville spring trapped between the cover member and the release levers to normally bias the release levers so that the outer end of each of them imposes a load on the pressure plate which tends to urge the pressure plate against the friction drive assembly and the friction drive assembly against the flywheel, each of the drive straps having an outwardly projecting extension which is positioned between the pressure plate and the outer end of an adjacent release lev

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for use especially in a motor-driven chain saw. The clutch includes a carrier which is provided for attachment to a drive shaft and on which radially moveable centrifugal weights are mounted. The weights can move radially outwardly under centrifugal force and counter to spring force and come into contact engagement with the drum which is the output end of the clutch. A restraining device is provided between each centrifugal weight 2 and carrier 1 so that the engagement of the clutch does not occur until after an elevated speed has been reached. Disengagement of the clutch occurs as in known clutches somewhat above the idling speed. The restraining device is configured so that it does not clear the outward path of the centrifugal weight until a certain minimum centrifugal force has been exceeded. This has the effect that the clutch engages suddenly at mid range speeds and can transmit a very high initial torque to the output tool driven through the clutch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch according to the invention includes a first rotatable member having an axial end plate of magnetic material and a second rotatable member. The second rotatable member includes a drive shaft, and a hub mounted on an end of the shaft. An annular armature plate is disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the hub facing the axial end plate of the first rotatable member with an axial air gap therebetween. An electromagnetic device is disposed within the first rotatable member for attracting the armature plate to the axial end surface of the first rotatable member. The armature plate is elastically connected with the hub by a plurality of leaf springs. A self-return type temperature switch is fixedly disposed within the first rotatable member and closely placed to the axial end plate of the first rotatable member for controlling the energization of the electromagnetic device according to the temperature on the axial end plate.

Abstract: A clutch cover includes a pressure plate enclosed by a cover core and a strap having one end securely fastened to the cover core by a first rivet and an opposite end securely fastened to the pressure plate by a second rivet. A rivet hole in the one end of the strap for receiving the first rivet and a rivet hole in the other end for receiving the second rivet have the same diameter. The cover core is provided with a first rivet hole for receiving the first rivet and with a caulking tool access hole at a position corresponding to the second rivet, the first rivet hole and the caulking tool access hole being of equal diameter, which is greater than the diameter of the rivet holes in the strap.

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein a clutch disc is disposed between a flywheel, and a pressure plate fixed to the flywheel via a clutch cover secured to the flywheel, such that the clutch disc is normally held in pressed contact with the flywheel and pressure plate, with the pressure plate biased by a diaphragm spring against the clutch disc. The diaphragm spring engages the clutch cover at its outer end and engages a releasing member at its inner end, such that the spring normally biases the pressure plate at its intermediate portion. The clutch disc is released from the flywheel and pressure plate when the releasing member is operated to free the pressure plate from the biasing action of the spring. The friction clutch has a stopper device for limiting a maximum permissible length of axial displacement of the pressure plate toward the clutch disc due to wear of the clutch disc. This length is determined to the smaller than X.multidot.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprising a cover, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring acting between the cover and pressure plate to urge the pressure plate outwardly of the cover, and drive straps in the form of leaf springs attached to the cover and pressure plate to retract the latter into the cover when urging by the diaphragm spring is relieved. Latches formed by spring clips on the cover engage the pressure plate to hold it in a partially retracted state after its manufacture and during shipment, to prevent free outward movement of the pressure plate overstressing the drive straps. As the clutch cover assembly is bolted to a driving plate with a clutch driven plate between the driving and pressure plates, the pressure plate eventually comes to an axially stationary position pressing the driven plate against the axially stationary driving plate while the cover moves axially relative to the pressure plate as the bolts are finally tightened.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly for automobiles comprises an annular cover to be attached to a flywheel. An annular pressure plate coupled to the cover by coupling means permitting axial movement of the pressure plate relative to the cover. Axially acting elastic means urge the pressure plate from the cover. Abutment means retain the pressure plate axially after predetermined axial displacement relative to the cover. The cover comprises a transverse front wall on which the axially acting elastic means bear and an axial skirt. A transverse radial rim at the end of the skirt opposite the front wall bears on the flywheel. The pressure plate comprises radially projecting lugs on its outside periphery and the radial rim comprises louvers offset axially from its main part and formed with fixing lands. The coupling means comprise deformable tangs attached at one end to the lugs on the pressure plate and at the other end to the fixing land on the louvers.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is adapted to rotate about an axis in one direction only. It comprises a cover formed with radial openings bordered circumferentially by axially offset fixing and retaining lugs. Tabs on a pressure plate pass through the openings and are linked by circumferential strips to the fixing lugs. They are provided with retaining means adapted to come into bearing engagement against the retaining lugs. The retaining means are part of the rivets which fasten the strips to the tabs, and consist of cantilevered stubs on which axial projections, preferably in the form of radial ribs, may be formed if necessary.

Abstract: Provided is an improved fluid operated clutch control system (80) of the normally disengaged type and control system (100) of the normally engaged type that both employ a control valve (22) operative to selectively provide a fluid signal from a fluid pressure supply source (24) to a first fluid operated actuator preferably in the form of a piston (9) operative in the case of system (80) to overcome a reslient biasing device (26) and move the clutch to the engaged condition upon receipt by the control valve of an actuating signal normally provided either by depression of a clutch pedal (50) for a standard transmission or by a sensor (52, 53) for an automatic transmission and in the form of a piston (9A) for system (100) operative to overcome a resilient biasing device (26A) and move the clutch to the disengaged condition.

Abstract: A friction clutch system includes a constant running release bearing member designed to accommodate axial misalignment. In a preferred form, a wave washer is interposed between a flange of a bearing carrier and the outer race of the release bearing member to provide for axial flexibility. In addition, a mechanical stop is provided to limit axial travel of a thrust ring affixed to the axially moveable bearing member in a direction of clutch disengagement. In a preferred form the stop is formed of an elongated shaft having a radially extending projection for arresting the carrier movement beyond a predetermined limit. A sleeve positioned over the shaft includes markings to permit visual indication of amount of clutch wear to aid in the servicing of the clutch system. Also in a preferred form, the carrier is formed of two resilient non-metallic parts and incorporates a snap fit flange-detent connection system which preloads the wave washer upon assembly of the two carrier parts.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly including a clutch cover having a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs around its inner periphery and radially inwardly projecting projections intermediate such tabs, a diaphragm spring having a plurality of slits aligned with the tabs, each of the tabs passing through a slit, a pair of wire rings on opposite sides of the diaphragm spring, the ends of the tabs passing through the slits being bent around the wire ring at one side of the diaphragm spring to engage such wire ring with one side of the diaphragm spring and to clamp the wire ring at the other side of the diaphragm spring between the diaphragm spring and the inside of the clutch cover and a removable spacer ring between the inside of the clutch cover projection and the diaphragm spring to hold the diaphragm spring compressed on the inside of the cover.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is adapted to rotate about an axis in a predominant direction. It comprises a cover formed with radial openings bordered circumferentially by axially offset fixing and retaining lugs. Tabs on a pressure plate pass through the openings and are linked by circumferential strips to the fixing lugs. They are provided with retaining means adapted to come into bearing engagement against the retaining lugs. The axial offset between the fixing and retaining lugs is such that the strips may be fixed to the tabs and to the retaining lugs for the opposite rotation direction while retaining the same curvature for a given axial position of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A clutch release means for motor vehicles consisting of a housing holding a rolling bearing, said housing being axially moveable on a guide concentric with the clutch axis under the action of a pivoted clutch fork characterized in that the housing (1) has curvatures (7) at the contact points with clutch fork (3) which are turned toward the latter and whose vertices lie in a plane passing through clutch axis (8) and the contact surfaces (9) of clutch fork (3) have a flat form.

Abstract: Fan drive mechanism includes a fan plate rotatably mounted on a spindle by bearings having an outer race secured to the fan plate, an inner race mounted on the spindle, and ball bearings rotatably supporting the outer race on the inner race. A stop nut threaded on the spindle has a forward face engaging the inner race and a radially outwardly tapering conical surface tapering from the forward face. The conical surface catches the fan plate upon failure of the bearings and separation of the outer race from the inner race and controls the wobble of the fan plate while stopping its rotation, thereby preventing the fan plate from separating from the spindle.

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: A friction clutch wherein the leaf springs which confine the pressure plate to axial movement relative to the housing are secured to the pressure plate by fastening devices having solid or tubular connecting elements a first portion of each of which is anchored in a discrete blind bore of the pressure plate and each of which extends outwardly through and beyond an opening in the respective leaf spring. Those portions of the connecting elements which extend outwardly beyond the openings of the respective leaf springs are deformed to constitute rivet heads which overlie the leaf springs and hold them against movement away from the respective surface of the pressure plate. Such mode of fastening the leaf springs to the pressure plate allows for a reduction of the radial dimensions and weight and enhances the safety of the clutch, especially as concerns the bursting strength of the pressure plate.

Abstract: In a friction clutch unit the axial travel of the presser plate with respect to the clutch housing is axially limited. The presser plate is connected for common rotation with the clutch housing by a plurality of tangential leaf spring elements. These leaf spring elements allow axial travel of the presser plate with respect to the clutch housing, when the clutch housing is separated from the respective driving disc. A main spring is provided which is supported on the clutch housing and acts onto the presser plate. This main spring urges the presser plate away from the clutch housing. In order to restrict the travel of the presser plate under the action of the main spring stop elements are provided axially between the spring elements and the clutch housing and tangentially between the two ends of the respective leaf spring elements, namely nearer to that end of the respective leaf spring element which is fixed to the clutch housing.

Abstract: The axially movable pressure plate of a friction clutch for motor vehicles is non-rotatably secured to the housing by a set of leaf springs each of which has an end portion overlying that surface of the pressure plate which faces away from the clutch plate. The end portion of each leaf spring has an opening in register with the open end of a blind bore in the surface of the pressure plate. Such end portions of the leaf springs are permanently fastened to the pressure plate by tubular connecting elements having (a) enlarged end portions overlying those sides of the leaf springs which face away from the pressure plate and (b) main portions which extend through the respective openings and into the registering blind bores and are radially expanded into pronounced frictional engagement with the pressure plate.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism is provided with an improved travel limiting device. This device comprises a plurality of retaining members (38) on the perimeter of the pressure plate (14). Each of these members (38) hooks onto a retractable member (34) forming part of the cover (10) and limiting the axial travel of the plate (14) relative to the cover (10). The mounting of the combination of the plate (14), diaphragm spring (11) and cover (10) is particularly simple in that it is effected without any relative rotational movement.The retaining members are each adapted for hooking engagement with a limiting member following elastic movement beyond the limiting member.

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein the prestressed diaphragm spring has prongs extending outwardly from its annular main section and being separably affixed to the counterpressure plate by an annulus of screws. The spring bears against the pressure plate and urges the latter against the clutch plate which is thereby biased against the counterpressure plate. When the screws are removed, the prestressed spring is axially shifted relative to the pressure plate and lugs on its prongs come into engagement with a radial shoulder of the pressure plate to hold the spring against further axial movement relative to the pressure plate as well as to maintain the diameter of the circle formed by the centers of holes in the prongs at least substantially unchanged. This simplifies the reattachment of prongs to the counterpressure plate. The prongs tend to move radially inwardly and abut against a cylindrical surface of the pressure plate when they are detached from the counterpressure plate.

Abstract: A travel limiting lever is rockably mounted about an axis at right angles to the axis of the cover assembly and comprises two camming surfaces, one of the camming surfaces being engageable with the reaction plate or flywheel and the other being engageable with the cover. The lever is subjected to resiliently loaded friction action for controlling the angular position of the lever. The camming surfaces are both disposed on the same side of a plane which passes through the axis and also passes through the axis of the cover assembly or is parallel thereto.

Abstract: A friction clutch cover assembly comprises a cover and a pressure plate connected to the cover by flexible straps. An outer flange of the cover is deformed adjacent to each flexible strap to provide a respective abutment surface which in the event of excessive pressure plate movement away from the cover each flexible strap will contact to limit said movement.

Abstract: A driving rotary member which is rotatably fitted around a main shaft is rotated by a driving force from a motor. An intermediate gear is rotatably provided on one surface of the driving rotary member so as to have a different axis from that of the main shaft. A clutch gear having a gear portion, meshing with the intermediate gear and a clutch disk member, is rotatably fitted around the main shaft. A clutch plate is fitted around the main shaft so as to be rotated integrally with the driving rotary member while being brought into contact with the clutch disk of the clutch gear. The clutch plate is brought into contact with the disk of the clutch gear by a contact means. A driven rotary member having a gear portion on an inner surface thereof which meshes with the intermediate gear is also fitted around the main shaft so as to be rotatable together with and relative to the driving rotary member. A driving force transmitted from the driving rotary member is supplied to the antenna by the driven rotary member.

Abstract: A low mass clutch in which a thin hard metal disk carried by an output shaft is placed between a driven hardened solid wheel and the outer ring of a ball bearing. The inner ring of the bearing is carried on a shaft connected to a lever. In the quiescent state of the device, the disk and wheel slide relative to each other. To engage the clutch, an electromagnet is energized, exerting a force on the lever causing the ball bearing to exert a relatively high force on the disk. In response, the wheel drives the disk with an extremely rapid angular acceleration.

Abstract: In a clutch comprising at least one pressure plate with axially bored radial lugs at its periphery, a travel limiter is disposed in at least one of the axial bores. It comprises a rigid peg movable axially between two bearing surfaces in axial face-to-face relationship of the cover-reaction plate assembly. The peg is mounted with friction in a friction bush which is pressed against the peg by clamping members. The bush comprises axial retaining members for retaining it in position through the axial bore. The clamping members are adjusted so that the peg can slide in the bush when acted on by engagement means of the clutch, but not when acted on by disengagement means specific to the plate.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprises a pre-assembled combination of parts including a cover (10) which is fixed in the axial direction and a pressure plate (14) which is movable in the axial direction. A diaphragm spring (11) acts on the pressure plate (14). There are means to limit axial movement of the axially movable part and to retain this part radially. These means comprise a limiting member (50) having at least one inclined surface (44) and a retaining member (47) having at least one edge (49) disposed opposite the aforementioned inclined surface and adapted to immobilize the axially movable part in the storage position of the pre-assembled combination. By virtue of mutual interference, sufficient cohesion is conferred on the assembly to protect its drive straps (23) from damage while in storage.

Abstract: Concentric piston and cylinder components of a hydraulic slave cylinder used with a clutch release bearing have their axial movement under a biassing spring limited by latch means in the form of flanges. The flanges each have a radial face and a chamfered face, and one flange is radially deformable, being on a slotted cylindrical extension. The radially deformable flange allows the cylinder to be rapidly assembled without the need for assembly of a separate retaining device.

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 cover assembly comprises at least three components including a cover, a pressure plate and a diaphragm spring. At least one peg is provided to limit movement of the pressure plate. The peg comprises at least one snap-fastener adapted to immobilize it in the axial direction on a first of the components. It further comprises a head incorporating a barrel and a retaining shoulder, the barrel being radially spaced from a retaining edge adjacent an abutment surface on a second of the components. In normal operation of the assembly, this provides for relative sliding of the edge and the barrel whereas, in the storage position of the assembly, the shoulder is in abutting relationship with the abutment surface.

Abstract: A multiple disk clutch for motor vehicles comprises a flywheel (1), a clutch housing (7) which is firmly connected with an intermediate ring (9) arranged between the clutch housing (7) and the flywheel (1). The securing of the intermediate ring (9) to the clutch housing (7) is independent of the securing of this unit to the flywheel (1). This unit encloses a presser plate (19), an intermediate disk (15) between the flywheel (1) and the presser plate (19), a clutch disk (11) between the presser plate (19) and the intermediate disk (15) and a clutch disk (13) between the intermediate disk (15) and the flywheel (1). A dished spring (23) presses the presser plate (19) towards the flywheel (1). The presser plate (19) is guided non-rotatably but axially displaceably on the clutch housing (7). The intermediate disk (15) is guided non-rotatably but axially displaceably on the intermediate ring (9).

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 hydraulically operative clutch type transmission especially for industrial and loading vehicles comprises a casing accommodating shift gear mechanism therein, a housing connected to the casing, an input shaft journalled to the housing, a main shaft connected to the input shaft, a gearing member, a hydraulically operative clutch device which comprises a clutch drum connected to the main shaft and a clutch hub connected to the gearing member, a washer plate interposed between the gearing member and sleeve end of the clutch drum, the main shaft including a large diameter portion having a notch with a plain surface, and a small diameter portion, a gear member of the gearing member being rotatably supported on the large diameter portion, the clutch drum mounted on the small diameter portion, and the washer plate including a fasting portion which is engaged with the notch.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch mechanism couples a first driven element to a drive element for rotary torque transmission at a first speed range from a rotary drive source to a load when the rotation of the drive source is lower than a predetermined reference speed. The centrifugal clutch mechanism includes a double-arm coupling lever pivoted to the drive element, a clutch pad or shoe pivoted to one end of the coupling lever and having a surface engagable with an inner surface of the first driven element, and a pair of centrifugal weights carried on the other end of the coupling lever. At least one flat spring is yieldably fastened to the weight or to a stop rigid on the drive element to be frictionally engaged by the stop or the weight, thereby resisting frictional oscillation of the clutch shoe on the coupling lever during a transition range between completely coupled and completely uncoupled mode of operation of the centrifugal clutch.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly incorporates a pressed steel cover member 11 having an annular pressure plate 13 arranged within a recess 12 in the cover 11. Drive straps 21 connect lugs 17 of the pressure plate to the cover and allow relative axial movement between cover and pressure plate. A diaphragm spring 22 provides a clutch clamping load tending to urge the pressure plate out of the recess in the cover. Stops 23, integral with the cover and set back from the mounting flange 14 of the cover, are arranged to engage directly the lugs 17 of the pressure plate to prevent excess movement of the pressure plate which could deflect the drive straps 21 excessively.

Abstract: A wet friction clutch for automotive vehicles wherein the clutch plate between the flywheel and the pressure plate is assembled of two spaced-apart friction discs and a spacer disc therebetween. The friction discs are coupled to each other by leaf springs which prevent relative angular but allow relative axial movements of the two friction discs. Additional leaf springs connect the spacer disc and the pressure plate to the cover, and elastic lamellae are used to couple the two friction discs to the flywheel and the pressure plate, respectively. The clutch plate drives the input shaft of the transmission and carries a distributor for lubricating coolant which is supplied by a tubular guide for the disengaging unit and serves to cool the friction discs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clutch mechanism, having a cover which includes an annular lateral wall and a pressure plate adapted to engage at least one transverse bearing shoulder formed integrally with the cover. The bearing shoulder is intended to axially retain the pressure plate relative to the cover against the action of the clutch spring, e.g. during storage. The retaining shoulder is formed directly on the cover, for example on the peripheral radial rim thereof, by means of a recess formed in the lateral wall. This enables a bayonet-type mounting of the pressure plate within the cover.

Abstract: A disc caliper clutch, including a rotor slidable along a spline of a shaft so as to frictionally engage with two plates between which the rotor is sandwiched; each of the plates being fitted with friction pads on its side and against which the rotor abuts, the pads being made easily replaceable, and one of the plates being additionally fitted with stop blocks so as to limit the amount of wear on the friction pads before requiring replacement and thus prevent damage to the rotor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch is disclosed of the type having an armature member axially movable into frictional driving engagement with an inner body upon energization of an electromagnetic coil, and provided with a torque boosting arrangement consisting of a plurality of balls disposed in opposed corresponding conical pockets formed in ball seats mounted to the armature member and formed into an axially opposed ball plate element. This clutch design features a light weight construction in which most of the drive components are constructed of formed sheet metal, and in which a shock absorber is provided by a molded elastomeric ring located in the space between the ball plate element and a formed cup-shaped driven member enclosing the ball plate element. The shock absorbing material located between radial faces of the cup-shaped element and the ball plate acts to slow the development of the axial force generated by the torque boosting balls, while yielding to act as a torsional shock absorber.