Patent ID: 6405846
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
An engageable and disengageable diaphragm spring clutch, comprising a flywheel arranged to be connected to a crankshaft of a combustion engine for rotation about a predetermined axis; a clutch housing affixed to said flywheel; a pressure plate connected for rotation with and being movable axially of at least one of said flywheel and said housing; a deformable mobile diaphragm spring reacting against said housing and arranged to carry out a movement during engagement and disengagement of the clutch and to urge said pressure plate toward said flywheel in the engaged condition of the clutch; a clutch disc having friction linings disposed between and being contacted by said flywheel and said pressure plate in the engaged condition of the clutch; means for influencing a characteristic curve of said diaphragm spring as a function of the extent of movement of said diaphragm spring; clutch actuating means including means for deforming said diaphragm spring, said characteristic curve having a portion with a transition through a zero value to a portion with negative value; said influencing means comprising means for assisting a clutch engaging force of said diaphragm spring, said means for assisting being disposed in said clutch and being operative at least when the clutch is disengaged and at least in the region of said portion with negative value of said characteristic curve.