Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a spring-retaining clutch housing including a housing wall and at least one opening in the wall. The opening is arranged to accept at least a portion of a lever spring for a clutch assembly. The lever spring includes at least one protrusion, extending from an outer circumference of the spring, with top and bottom sides. The opening defines edges in the housing wall axially displaced one to the other. The edges are arranged to be contacted by the top and bottom sides, respectively. In some aspects, contact with edges is arranged to provide forces in two, opposite axial directions. In some aspects, the housing is arranged for installation in a clutch assembly with a bearing and a clutch and the forces are for a pre-load force for the assembly bearing or with respect to an axial force generated during operation of the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch device includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a diaphragm spring and an intermediate spring. The diaphragm spring transmits a pressing force to the first clutch and the second clutch. The intermediate spring applies a coupling maintaining force to the first clutch and the second clutch so that minimally power transmitted states of the first clutch and the second clutch are maintained while a pressing force is not being applied to the first clutch and the second clutch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lever actuator rear pull dry clutch to connect an engine with a vehicle transmission. A spring retainer and/or pressure plate of the clutch assembly has a dry lubricant for sliding in pivotal engagement with the levers to maintain the efficiency of the actuation of the clutch over an extended life cycle of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism has rotational driving force outputting members connected to a rotational driving force input system, rotational driving force receiving members connected to a rotational driving force output system, and a pressing mechanism for pressing the rotational driving force outputting members against the rotational driving force receiving members to keep the rotational driving force outputting members and the rotational driving force receiving members in contact with each other. The pressing mechanism has a constant load applying means and a variable load applying means for together generating the pressing force which brings and keeps the rotational driving force outputting members and the rotational driving force receiving members in contact with each other. A value of a load generated by the constant load applying means being set to be less than the maximum non-slide limit, i.e.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism has rotational driving force outputting members connected to a rotational driving force input system, rotational driving force receiving members connected to a rotational driving force output system, and a pressing mechanism for pressing the rotational driving force outputting members against the rotational driving force receiving members to keep the rotational driving force outputting members and the rotational driving force receiving members in contact with each other. The pressing mechanism has a constant load applying means and a variable load applying means for together generating the pressing force which brings and keeps the rotational driving force outputting members and the rotational driving force receiving members in contact with each other. A value of a load generated by the constant load applying means being set to be less than the maximum non-slide limit, i.e.

Abstract: A heavy duty clutch release mechanism including a driveline master clutch release yoke where a bearing support shaft is used to minimize bearing end loading. The clutch release yoke is rotatably fixed to the clutch release shaft for rotation and having first and second forks extending adjacent to the release bearing assembly. The yoke includes a number of bearing support shafts having a first end attached to an inboard side of the first and second forks and a second end having a retention flange. The bearing elements are rotatably mounted on the bearing support shafts and engaging the surface of the clutch release bearing.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. A cover is mounted on the flywheel and a spring is mounted on the cover. The spring urges the pressure plate into the engaged position and compression of the spring allows for movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one lever assembly has a housing mounted on the cover, a lever pivotable in the housing to apply an axial force urging the pressure plate to the engaged position. A lever assembly spring is associated with the cartridge to bias against the pivoting movement of the lever and delay the pivoting movement of the lever until the clutch assembly reaches a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: An improved clutch has a distinct force ratio for holding than it does for release. A distinct ratio is achieved by having an abutment surface between a retainer and a diaphragm spring be positioned radially outward from a contact location between a release sleeve and the diaphragm spring for releasing the clutch. The retainer is separately axially movable relative to the release sleeve, and surrounds the release sleeve. In this way, the holding force is applied at a lever distance from an axial center line of the clutch which is greater than the distance to the point of contact for release of the diaphragm spring. This provides both a higher holding force and yet a lower release force.

Abstract: A pivot point release load adjuster assembly for use in a pull type angle spring clutch pressure plate assembly having a pair of pins connected to the housing end, a cradle swivelingly disposed on the pins, a pressure spring seat swivelingly disposed on release sleeve retainer pins and a pressure spring located between the cradle on the housing end and the pressure spring seat on the release sleeve retainer end. The cradle is operatively positioned on the pins thereby enabling the cradle to swivel about a pivot axis at a distance, between the pressure spring seat and the pivot axis. The assembly is adapted to operatively adjust the pivot axis away from the seat of the pressure spring towards the sleeve retainer end of the pressure spring whereby a desired lever ratio is achieved.

Abstract: A plurality of specially shaped clutch levers transmit rotation between an engine and a transmission in a clutch. The clutch levers are shaped such that the center of mass is on opposing sides of an axis of the clutch levers when the clutch levers are in the engaged and disengaged positions. The axis is the radial line passing through the pivot point of the clutch lever and is substantially perpendicular to the rotation of the clutch. In the engaged position, the center of mass is positioned on the pressure plate side of the axis, the moment rotating the clutch levers against the pressure plate to increase the clamp load. In the disengaged position, the center of mass is positioned on the transmission side of the axis, the moment rotating the clutch levers against the retainer to increase clutch lift. These conditions are satisfied during the entire life of the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch is provided that includes a sleeve having a retainer movable along a rotational axis. A clutch member, such as an adjusting ring, is movable along the rotational axis. The clutch member includes a perch spaced from the rotational axis protruding from a surface on the clutch member. The perch includes first and second opposing outer walls with the second outer wall extending from the surface on an angle toward the first outer wall. A lever including a portion having a slot is supported on the perch by the slot. The slot includes first and second opposing inner walls proximate to the first and second outer walls, respectively, with the first inner wall forming an apex with a first face of the lever adjacent to the surface. The apex defines a lever fulcrum about which the lever pivots. A connector secured to the clutch member with a portion of the second end portion arranged between the connector and the clutch member for retaining the second portion against the surface.

Abstract: An improved clutch has a distinct force ratio for holding than it does for release. A distinct ratio is achieved by having an abutment surface between a retainer and a diaphragm spring be positioned radially outward from a contact location between a release sleeve and the diaphragm spring for releasing the clutch. The retainer is separately axially movable relative to the release sleeve, and surrounds the release sleeve. In this way, the holding force is applied at a lever distance from an axial center line of the clutch which is greater than the distance to the point of contact for release of the diaphragm spring. This provides both a higher holding force and yet a lower release force.

Abstract: A friction clutch for connecting driving and driven shafts. The clutch includes a pressure plate adapted for operative attachment to the driven shaft for rotation therewith and for selectively clamping a friction disk in engagement against a flywheel of the driving shaft. An axially moveable retainer is operatively connected to a foot pedal and to the pressure plate by levers. At least one spring urges the retainer to move the pressure plate to the engaged position. Each lever has a pivot fulcrum, a first bearing surface engaging the retainer and a second bearing surface engaging a face on the pressure plate. The pivot fulcrum, first bearing surface, and second bearing surface are formed into the lever and arranged relative to each other such that a lever ratio of a first distance from the pivot fulcrum to the first bearing surface to a second distance from the pivot fulcrum to the second bearing surface is at least about 7.

Abstract: A clutch having narrow housing and including a disengagement unit for a clutch pressure plate with a device for applying an essentially radially directed force onto the pressure plate, and wherein the device is driven in a radial direction.