Patent ID: 6827193
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A friction torque device disposed between a driving member and an axially extended driven shaft comprising:a cover fixed to the driving member for unitary rotation therewith; a first ring rotatable relative to both a pressure plate and to the cover and axially fixed relative to the cover; a second ring engaging the first ring on a side of the first ring opposite the cover and rotatably fixed relative to the cover, wherein the first and second rings cooperatively control an axial displacement of the pressure plate relative to the cover as a function of relative rotative position; an adjustment limiting member selectively engagable with the first ring to inhibit rotation of the first ring relative to the pressure plate and the cover; the pressure plate rotatably coupled to the cover for rotation therewith; a retainer slidably disposed over the driven shaft for axial translation therealong; a radially extending lever pivotably engaging the retainer and slidably engaging the pressure plate; an apply spring functionally disposed between the cover and the retainer biasing the retainer and therefore the pressure plate toward the driving member and an engaged position; a bias spring of lower force than the apply spring functionally disposed between the cover and the pressure plate biasing the pressure plate toward the cover and a disengaged position; and a driven member having a friction surface and coupled to the driven shaft for rotation therewith, the friction surface interposed between the driving member and the pressure plate, the pressure plate responsive to the apply spring operably clamping the driven member between the pressure plate and the driving member for rotation therewith.