Patent ID: 6325192
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A repeatedly engageable and disengageable friction clutch comprising:a rotary counterpressure plate;a rotary pressure plate coaxial and rotatable with said counterpressure plate;a clutch disc coaxial with and having friction linings disposed between said plates, said pressure plate having a side facing away from said friction linings, said pressure plate being movable axially and away from said counterpressure plate to and beyond a position in which the pressure plate ceases to bear upon said friction linings during disengagement of the clutch;a seat adjacent said side of said pressure plate;a diaphragm spring tiltably mounted in said seat and bearing against said pressure plate in the engaged condition of the clutch with a force to maintain said plates in frictional engagement with said friction linings whereby the linings undergo wear as a result of repeated engagement and disengagement of the clutch;means for compensating for wear at least upon said friction linings; andresilient means arranged to apply to said diaphragm spring a force during movement of said pressure plate beyond said position so that the force of the resilient means at least substantially matches the force of said diaphragm spring.