Abstract: A clutch lever for a centrifugal clutch applies axial pressure on one or more clutch disc assemblies as a function of the rotational speed of the engine. The clutch levers are formed with two pieces when joined together form a joint that opposes the shear force exerted on the contact surface when the clutch lever is applying axial forces against the clutch disc assemblies. One piece is formed as a replaceable nose piece or contact surface portion which obviates the need to replace the entire clutch lever when one becomes damaged. The other piece is complementary and is configured to be pivotably mounted with respect to the pressure plate, When the nose piece portion breaks, only one piece of the clutch lever needs to be replaced.

Abstract: An estimating method for transmitting torque of a dry type clutch in a vehicle, may include a slip determining step of determining by a processor whether only one clutch slips between an engine and a transmission, a transmitting torque estimating step of estimating a current transmitting torque of the dry type clutch by using a torque observer when the only one clutch slips as a result of performing the slip determining step, and an updating step of reflecting the current transmitting torque of the dry type clutch estimated in the transmitting torque estimating step and an actuator torque in the transmitting torque estimating step to a T-S (Torque-Stroke) curve.

Abstract: A transfer case for vehicles comprises: a first output shaft; a second output shaft; a clutch assembly disposed at the second output shaft, the clutch assembly including inner and outer drum members, one of the inner and outer drum members rotatable in association with rotation of the first output shaft and the other one of the inner and outer drum members coupled with the second output shaft, the clutch assembly further including a plurality of frictional clutch plates, the frictional clutch plates formed of at least one frictional clutch plate coupled with the inner drum member and at least one frictional clutch plate coupled with the outer drum member; an actuator shaft rotatably coupled with an actuator; and a clutch actuator means coupled with the actuator for applying axial force to the frictional clutch plates to transmit a drive torque of the first output shaft to the second output shaft.

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 dual clutch assembly includes a housing, an actuation member rotationally coupled with the housing, a first member coaxial with the housing, and a second member coaxial with the first member. A first clutch includes a first plate connected with the actuation member and a second plate connected for common rotation with the first member. A second clutch includes a first plate connected with the housing and a second plate connected for common rotation with the second member. At least one first lever is pivotally coupled to the housing. The first lever is pivotable to contact the actuation member thereby translating the actuation member and the first plate towards the second plate in order to engage the first clutch. The second lever is pivotable to contact the first plate of the second clutch and translate the first plate towards the second plate in order to engage the second clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle clutch includes a clutch disc, a moveable pressure plate, a plurality of clutch levers, and an actuator to cause pressure plate to move by pivoting the clutch levers. Each of the clutch levers are pivotable around a first fulcrum, which is part of a clutch housing, a second fulcrum, which is part of the pressure plate, and a third fulcrum, which is part of the actuator. A pivot surface of each of the fulcrums around which the clutch levers pivot with a rolling action over the pivot surface is defined by a radius, which measures from a geometrical centre in each of the fulcrums and out to the pivot surface. A magnitude of the radius varies along the pivot surface in order to have a lever ratio of the clutch levers that varies as the clutch levers pivot.

Abstract: A torque transfer device, in particular in the drive train of a motor vehicle for torque transfer between a drive unit, in particular a combustion engine, and a transmission with at least one multi-disk clutch, in particular, a twin multi-disk clutch, comprising at least one disk packet, comprising outer disks, connected torque proof with an outer disk carrier, and inner disks, connected torque proof with an inner disk carrier (17, 27), and with at least one operating lever device for operating the multi-disk clutch, wherein a pressure transfer device extends between the disk packet and the operating lever device through at least one pass-through opening, which is cut out in a carrier device. The seal device is disposed between the inner disk carrier and the pass-through opening.

Abstract: A disk friction clutch apparatus using a self-energizing effect is disclosed. The clutch apparatus includes a drive friction disk connected to a drive shaft, a driven friction disk connected to a driven shaft, a push member configured to press the driven friction disk against the drive friction disk at an engagement position of a clutch, and an operation unit configured to shift the push member from the release position of the clutch to the engagement position. The operation unit is operated to increase a force of the push member to press the driven friction disk when the push member located at the engagement position of the clutch receives a force of rotating the drive shaft. Since the clutch apparatus employs a self-energizing effect, it is possible to fasten the clutch with a small force.

Abstract: A clutch unit including a housing fixed to a flywheel, in which two axially displaceable pressure plates are housed fixed to the housing to form a first and a second clutch, each provided with a clutch disk, whereby the clutches may be independently operated by means of lever arrangements, mounted to pivot on the housing, whereby each lever arrangement is connected to a pressure plate for opening and closing the corresponding clutch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switchable clutch which requires control power merely for switching from one operating state to another. The clutch is particularly suitable for connecting and disconnecting auxiliary units in internal combustion engines and motor vehicles. The clutch according to the invention has a driving element (9), which is rotationally fixed to a shaft (3) and a clutch disk (5) which is operatively connected to the auxiliary unit, at least one toggle lever (23) being rotatably mounted on the driving element (9), axial displacement of a control sleeve (33) causing it to engage with a first end (29) of the toggle lever (23) so that a second end (29) of the toggle lever (23), as a function of the position of the control sleeve (33), becomes operatively connected to the clutch disk (5), thereby closing or opening the clutch.

Abstract: A drive train having a clutch assembly for transmitting torque between an engine and a transmission. The clutch assembly is selectable for transmitting torque between the engine and the transmission and includes at least one friction clutch, the clutch assembly being supported on the transmission housing so that the clutch assembly is radially fixed and displaceable in an axially limited manner.

Abstract: A torque transfer device, in particular in the drive train of a motor vehicle for torque transfer between a drive unit, in particular a combustion engine, and a transmission with at least one multi-disk clutch, in particular, a twin multi-disk clutch, comprising at least one disk packet, comprising outer disks, connected torque proof with an outer disk carrier, and inner disks, connected torque proof with an inner disk carrier (17, 27), and with at least one operating lever device for operating the multi-disk clutch, wherein a pressure transfer device extends between the disk packet and the operating lever device through at least one pass-through opening, which is cut out in a carrier device. The seal device is disposed between the inner disk carrier and the pass-through opening.

Abstract: A clutch lockout includes posts to receive bolts to retain the lockout to a clutch boss and retaining screw holes to retain lockout fingers mounted on the lockout. At least one indent in each post accommodates the retaining screw holes.

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: A clutch assembly includes a clutch cover which can be secured to a flywheel; an intermediate plate spaced from the flywheel; a pressure plate arranged between the clutch cover and the intermediate plate and secured to the clutch cover by resilient straps which urge the pressure plate from an engaged position to a disengaged position; a first friction disk arranged between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate; and a second friction disk arranged between the intermediate plate and the flywheel. Linkage urges the intermediate plate toward the pressure plate so that the second friction disk can be fully disengaged from the flywheel when the pressure plate is retracted during disengagement.

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: The differential includes a differential casing configured to be rotatably driven by a motor under a driving force. The differential includes a differential mechanism which includes a pair of first and second side-gears for distributing a torque of the differential casing to first and second output shafts. The differential includes a frictional clutch for interconnecting the first and second output shafts. The frictional clutch includes first and second power-transmitting members connected to first and second output shafts respectively and first and second clutch plates. The first and second clutch plates are connected to the first and second power-transmitting members respectively. The differential includes an actuator for operating the frictional clutch. One output shaft of the first and second output shafts is axially displacable by the actuator under an engagement force to engage the frictional clutch.

Abstract: A plurality of clutch levers transmit force to a pressure plate of a clutch. The lever ratio of the clutch lever is variable as the clutch lever moves from an engaged to a disengaged state. When the clutch is engaged, the clutch lever presses the pressure plate to engage clutch discs. The lever ratio of the clutch lever is relatively large, allowing for an acceptable clamp load. When the clutch is disengaged, the clutch lever lifts from the pressure plate, disengaging the pressure plate from the clutch discs. When the clutch is disengaged, the lever ratio is relatively small, allowing for more clearance between the pressure plate and the flywheel and an increase in pressure plate lift. By using a clutch lever having a variable lever ratio, both clamp load and clutch lift can be maximized. The conditions exist during the entire lift of the clutch.

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 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 plurality of clutch levers transmit force to a pressure plate of a clutch. The lever ratio of the clutch lever is variable as the clutch lever moves from an engaged to a disengaged state. When the clutch is engaged, the clutch lever presses the pressure plate to engage clutch discs. The lever ratio of the clutch lever is relatively large, allowing for an acceptable clamp load. When the clutch is disengaged, the clutch lever lifts from the pressure plate, disengaging the pressure plate from the clutch discs. When the clutch is disengaged, the lever ratio is relatively small, allowing for more clearance between the pressure plate and the flywheel and an increase in pressure plate lift. By using a clutch lever having a variable lever ratio, both clamp load and clutch lift can be maximized. The conditions exist during the entire lift of the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus 1 includes a clutch cover assembly 8 and a damper mechanism 24. The clutch cover assembly 8 includes a pressure plate 51, a clutch cover 28, and a cone spring 52. The damper mechanism 24 includes elastic members 30 that are retained by a crankshaft 2 or the clutch cover assembly 8 and axially releasably engages the other. A release mechanism 10 includes a cover member 57, a release member 60, and a lever member 59. The inner peripheral end of the cover member 57 is supported by a member disposed on a transmission side. The release mechanism 10 moves the plate 51 away from the clutch disk 82 by applying a load to the assembly 8. The relative rotation limiting mechanism connects the assembly 8 to a member disposed on the crankshaft side by the load applied from the release mechanism 10 to the assembly 8.

Abstract: 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 said pins, a pressure spring seat swivelingly disposed on the release sleeve retainer pins and a pressure spring located between the cradle on said housing end and the pressure spring seat on said release sleeve retainer end. The cradle is operatively positioned on the said pins thereby enabling the cradle to swivel about a pivot point at a distance, between the said pressure spring seat and the said pivot point. The assembly is adapted to operatively adjust such pivot point away from the seat of the pressure spring towards the sleeve retainer end of the pressure spring whereby the desired lever ratio is achieved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aluminum-based composite plate is disclosed. The method comprises the step of producing an aluminum-based composite billet. The billet production step includes reducing, by magnesium nitride, an oxide-based ceramic as a porous molded body. The reduced oxide-based ceramic has improved wettability. An aluminum alloy is then caused to infiltrate into porous sections of the reduced oxide-based ceramic to thereby provide the aluminum-based composite billet. The billet is extrusion molded into a flat plate form by using an extrusion press. Plates of desired shapes are punched from the molded flat plate by using a press.

Abstract: A friction clutch for motor vehicles has a casing which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a driven flywheel mass. A pressure plate is arranged inside the casing with a pressure spring supported between the clutch casing and the pressure plate so that the pressure plate presses a clutch disk, which is provided with friction linings, onto the flywheel mass. The pressure spring, during engagement of the clutch, exerts a varying pressure force on the pressure plate. The friction clutch also having a device which acts on the pressure plate and varies essentially proportionally to the force of the pressure spring to force of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle clutch assembly with an outer ring which is rotationally driven by the engine. An inner ring of the clutch assembly is seated, with a clutch element, on the transmission input shaft of a speed-change gear. The clutch element locks during engaged conditions of the engine and opens during overrun conditions of the engine.