Patent ID: 8113329
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A friction clutch for transmitting torque from a crankshaft of an engine to a transmission, the clutch comprising: a drive side rotating body which has a first plate and an axis of rotation, and which is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the crankshaft; a driven side rotating body arranged coaxially with the drive side rotating body and having a second plate opposite to the first plate in a predetermined direction along the axis of rotation, the driven side rotating body receiving torque from the drive side rotating body causing it to rotate when the clutch is engaged; a pressure plate supported on the drive side rotating body so as to be movable in an axial direction with respect to the drive side rotating body and so as to rotate together with the drive side rotating body, wherein a slide arm is formed in the pressure plate; an elastic member urging the pressure plate in the predetermined direction to press the first plate and the second plate into frictional contact with each other when the clutch is engaged; a power-assist mechanism configured to receive torque of the pressure plate and convert the received torque into a force for moving the pressure plate in a direction for separating the first plate and the second plate from each other when the clutch is disengaged; and a sub clutch configured to transmit torque from the pressure plate to the power-assist mechanism, the sub clutch comprising: