Patent ID: 6276504
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A twin clutch assembly, comprising:first and second coxial shafts;first and second clutch discs respectively carried on said first and second shafts;an annular clutch cage surrounding said clutch discs;first and second pressure plates rotationally fixed to said clutch cage and respectively axially movable between and against said clutch discs;first and second release members respectively engagable with said first and second pressure plates;first and second diaphragm springs arranged axially in series between said clutch discs and respectively pressing said pressure plates toward said clutch discs such that when said release members are unactivated and said clutch discs are free from wear, said springs are preloaded to a value near an upper limit of their range of constant force and,within said range, exert a pressure at which about half of a maximum clutch torque can be transmitted at each clutch disc when the release members are unactivated.