Patent ID: 6415899
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A friction clutch assembly for a motor vehicle comprising:a clutch cover configured for fastening to a flywheel for rotation therewith about an axis of rotation; a pressure plate disposed on the clutch cover and connected to the clutch cover for rotation therewith and being axially displaceable relative to the clutch housing and having a first side disposed toward the clutch cover and having a frictional engagement surface on a second side opposite the first side for engagement of a driven disc friction element; an apply spring disposed between the clutch housing and the pressure plate in a prestressed condition and the apply spring biasing the pressure plate away from the clutch housing; and the pressure plate friction engagement surface having an annular initial engagement region substantially normal to the axis of rotation extending between a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter and the first outer diameter being proximate to an outer periphery of the friction element and having an annular secondary engagement region radially within the initial engagement region defining a concave surface within the pressure plate, the annular secondary engagement region having a second outer diameter proximate to the first inner diameter and having a second inner diameter proximate to an inner periphery of the friction element.