Patent ID: 6039161
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A twin-clutch device for transmitting and intercepting power between a flywheel of an engine and a transmission shaft, comprising:a first clutch disk assembly having a first friction member adapted to be positioned to face the flywheel;a second clutch disk assembly having a second friction member in a position corresponding to said first friction member;an intermediate plate located between said first and second clutch disk assemblies and adapted to be non-rotatably and axially movably coupled to the flywheel, said intermediate plate having friction surfaces on both sides for abutting against said first and second friction members;a pushing device adapted to be fixedly coupled to the flywheel, said pushing device having a pressure plate and a pushing member, said pressure plate having a friction surface facing said second friction member, said pushing member operatively applying a biasing force on said pressure plate toward said second friction member in a clutch engaged position;a first biasing member operatively coupled to said pressure plate to bias said pressure plate in a first direction away from the flywheel and said intermediate plate when said biasing force from said pushing device is released during a release operation; andcontrol assembly operatively coupled to said intermediate plate, said control assembly operating in a clutch switching operation during movement between a clutch released position and said clutch engaged position, said control assembly operatively moves said intermediate plate in response to movement of said pressure plate at least during said releasing operation, such that said intermediate plate initially moves relative to the flywheel at a speed greater than zero and slower than a moving speed of said pressure plate and after said pressure plate has moved a distance corresponding to a predetermined stroke, said intermediate plate and said pressure plate move at identical speeds.