Patent ID: 8087504
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A friction clutch, comprising: a drive side rotating body having a first plate and an axis of rotation; 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; a pressure plate which rotates together with the drive side rotating body and adapted to move in the predetermined direction to press the first plate and the second plate into frictional contact with each other; a power-assist mechanism which receives torque from the pressure plate when the clutch is disengaged, and converts the torque into force for moving the pressure plate in a direction which separates the first plate from the second plate; and a centrifugal weight which moves outward in a radial direction by a movement amount according to the magnitude of a centrifugal force and presses the pressure plate toward the first plate and the second plate with a force according to the movement amount.