Abstract:
A clutch assembly for transferring torque between a flywheel of an engine and a transmission, the clutch assembly comprising a housing, a pressure plate fixedly secured to the housing, the pressure plate operatively arranged to cause a friction clutch disc to rotate the flywheel, wherein the pressure plate is arranged for rotation about an axis of rotation, wherein the pressure plate is axially movable relative to the axis of rotation, and including actuation means for engaging and disengaging the clutch, an adjustment means operatively arranged to adjust travel of the pressure plate and the friction clutch disc, and a plurality of lever arms, operatively arranged to amplify force within the clutch assembly, the adjustment means comprising a clamp spring having a first end operatively arranged to prevent an uncontrolled movement of the adjustment means and a second end operatively arranged to center the adjustment means within the clutch assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/943,083, filed Feb. 21, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a clutch assembly and, more specifically, to a clamp spring of a clutch assembly. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Clutch assemblies are used in some forms of drivetrains of motor vehicles between an engine and a transmission. A motor vehicle typically includes a single clutch or a dual clutch. In a motor vehicle with a single clutch, the clutch is coupled between the crankshaft and the input shaft of the transmission, thereby transferring torque from the crankshaft to the transmission. In a motor vehicle with a dual clutch, torque is transferred to two transmission input shafts coaxially in relation to one another. Over time, the friction disc in the clutch assembly becomes increasingly worn. In order to compensate for the wear of the friction disc, some clutch assemblies include a means for adjusting the clutch assembly in relation to the amount of wear endured by the friction disc. However, prior to the installation of a clutch assembly in an automobile, an uncontrolled movement of the adjustment means can occur. In order to prevent this uncontrolled movement of the adjustment means (which includes the adjuster ring and sensor ring), a transport lock has been used. 
         [0004]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of transport lock  200  of typical clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In  FIG. 2 , transport lock  200  is formed as a ring which is fixedly secured to housing  130  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Transport lock  200  includes first set of teeth  201 , second set of teeth  202 , and third set of teeth  203 . First set of teeth  201  is fixedly connected to second set of teeth  202  by bar  204 . Second set of teeth  202  is fixedly connected to third set of teeth  203  by bar  205 . Third set of teeth  203  is fixedly connected to first set of teeth  201  by bar  206 . First set of teeth  201  includes four teeth members  208 ,  209 ,  210  and  211 . Second set of teeth  202  includes four teeth members  212 ,  213 ,  214  and  215 . Third set of teeth  203  includes four teeth members  216 ,  218 ,  219  and  220 . Teeth members  208 ,  211 ,  212 ,  215 ,  216  and  220  further include notches  208   n,    211   n,    212   n,    215   n,    216   n  and  220   n,  respectively. 
         [0005]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  having at least one clutch, of which the adjustment means compensates for the wear of at least one friction disc. In order to compensate for the wear of the friction disc, clutch assembly  100  comprises a preloaded adjuster ring  140  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and a preloaded sensor ring  150  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) with ramps being provided between the clutch housing  130  and the lever plate  101 . The adjuster ring and the sensor ring are preloaded in a circumferential direction with pressure springs such that when the friction disc becomes increasingly worn, adjuster ring  140  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and sensor ring  150  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) move in order to compensate the gap created between the pressure plate and the friction disc. The activation of the adjustment process is determined by sensor devices which measure a travel or actuating force of plurality of lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  108 . The sensor devices comprise clamp spring  300  and adjustment tab  160  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Clamp spring  300 , which is arranged to engage adjustment tab  160  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), is fixedly secured to housing  130  of clutch assembly  100  by rivets  131  and  132 , whereby rivets  131  and  132  pass through notches  211   n  and  212   n  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and washers  221  and  222  (not shown), respectively. 
         [0006]    To prevent an uncontrolled movement of adjuster ring  140  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) prior to the installation of clutch assembly  100  in an automobile, transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) prevents a complete relaxation of lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106  and  108 . Transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is positioned between clamp spring  300  and lever plate  101 , which is fixedly connected to lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  106 , and  108 . Lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106  and  108  further include apertures  102   a,    103   a,    104   a,    105   a,    106   a  and  108   a,  respectively, which allow teeth  210 ,  211 ,  212  and  213  of transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to protrude perpendicularly to the plane of axis of lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  108 , through apertures  102   a,    103   a,    106   a  and  108   a,  respectively. Bar  204  of transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is arranged to engage lever arms  104  and  105 . Washers  221  and  222  (not shown) are positioned between transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and clamp spring  300 , and washers  221  and  222  (not shown) are positioned over notches  211   n  and  212   n  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), respectively, to create a gap between transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and clamp spring  300 . It should be appreciated that washers  221  and  222  (not shown) are used to ensure the proper function of transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0007]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100 , taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 4 , transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) places a predetermined load on lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) which prevents a complete relaxation of lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) are oriented radially and fixedly connected to lever plate  101 . As transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) applies a predetermined load onto lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), lever plate  101  in turn applies a load to adjuster ring  140 , thereby preventing an uncontrolled movement of adjuster ring  140 . Once clutch assembly  100  is connected to the transmission of an automobile, a load is placed on lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106  and  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) greater than the load applied by transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), such that lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) no longer engage transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), thereby allowing the actuation means necessary to engage the pressure plate with the friction disc. 
         [0008]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of typical clamp spring  300  of clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In  FIG. 5 , clamp spring  300  is formed as a tripartite member fixedly secured to housing  130  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Clamp spring  300  includes body  301 , first end  302 , second end  303  and third end  304 . First end  302  of body  301  is formed by first flat member  305 , second flat member  306  and arcuate member  308 , and the first and second flat members  305  and  306  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  308 . Second end  303  of body  301  is formed by flat member  309 . Third end  304  of body  301  is formed by first flat member  310 , second flat member  311  and arcuate member  312 , and the first and second flat members  310  and  311  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  312 . Body  301 , first end  302  and second end  303  further contain apertures  301   a,    302   a  and  303   a,  respectively. 
         [0009]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  having clamp spring  300 , taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 6 , clamp spring  300  is positioned between transport lock  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and housing  130  of clutch assembly  100 . First end  302  of clamp spring  300  includes first flat member  305 , second flat member  306  and arcuate member  308 , and the first and second flat members  305  and  306  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  308 . The adjustment tab  160  is fixedly secured to second flat member  306  of first end  302  of body  301  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of clamp spring  300  by bolt  133 , which passes from adjustment tab  160  through aperture  302   a  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of second flat member  306  of first end  302 . The adjustment tab  160 , which is fixedly secured to clamp spring  300 , also engages lever plate  101 . Clamp spring  300  and adjustment tab  160  measure the travel or actuating force of lever arms  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  108  and prevent an uncontrolled movement of the sensor ring (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0010]    During the lifetime of clutch assembly  100 , the distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc should remain constant. However, as the friction disc becomes increasingly worn, the distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc increases, which in turn results in an increase of the travel necessary to engage the pressure plate with the friction disc. The adjustment tab  160 , which is fixedly secured to clamp spring  300  and places a predefined load on sensor ring  150 , senses the amount of wear or distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc. The adjustment tab  160  is further placed over the lever plate  101 , whereby an increase in the travel necessary to engage the pressure plate with the friction disc (larger than the gap between adjustment tab  160  and lever plate  101 ) produces a higher axial movement of lever plate  101 , engaging adjustment tab  160 . Since adjustment tab  160  is also fixedly secured to clamp spring  300 , the axial movement of lever plate  101  causes adjustment tab  160  and clamp spring  300  to undergo a travel or distance equal to the increase in distance between the pressure plate and the worn friction disc. 
         [0011]    To compensate for the increased travel or distance between adjustment tab  160  and sensor ring  150 , and thus an increase in the distance necessary for the pressure plate to engage with the friction disc, sensor ring  150  moves axially along the axis of rotation to reengage with adjustment tab  160 . As sensor ring  150  reengages with adjustment tab  160 , adjuster ring  140  simultaneously moves axially along the axis of rotation a distance equal to the distance traveled by sensor ring  150 . As adjuster ring  140  moves axially, adjustment means (comprising adjuster ring  140 , sensor ring  150 , clamp spring  300 , adjustment tab  160  and lever plate  101 ) is moved axially along the axis of rotation a distance equivalent to that traveled by adjuster ring  140  and sensor ring  150 , such that the distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc remains constant. 
         [0012]    Clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is installed in an automobile, centering pin  400  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) further prevents an uncontrolled movement of sensor ring  150  (shown in  FIG. 6 ).  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of typical centering pin  400  of clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). The centering pin  400  engages sensor ring  150  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) of clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) to center sensor ring  150  as sensor ring  150  moves axially within clutch assembly  100  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). The centering pin  400  is formed as an “L” shaped bracket, having first flat member  401  and second flat member  402 . First flat member  401  of centering pin  400  lies perpendicularly to the plane of axis of second flat member  402  of centering pin  400 . First flat member  401  further contains aperture  401   a.    
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  having centering pin  400 . In  FIG. 8 , clamp spring  300  and centering pin  400  are both independently operable and spatially oriented within clutch assembly  100 . With housing  130  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) removed, aperture  401   a  of centering pin  400  and aperture  303   a  of clamp spring  300  can be seen. Centering pin  400  and second end  303  of clamp spring  300  are fixedly secured to housing  130  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) by rivets  403  (shown in  FIG. 9) and 131  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), respectively, which pass through apertures  401   a  and  303   a,  respectively. It should be appreciated that clamp spring  300  and centering pin  400  are two distinct structures. First flat member  401  of centering pin  400  is fixedly secured to housing  130  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) by rivet  403  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). First flat member  401  of centering pin  400  lies parallel to the plane of axis of housing  130  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). Second flat member  402  of centering pin  400  lies perpendicular to the plane of axis of housing  130  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). As clutch assembly  100  rotates about an axis of rotation, second flat member  402  of centering pin  400  is engaged with sensor ring  150  to center sensor ring  150  and thereby prevent sensor ring  150  from moving within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of clutch assembly  100 . 
         [0014]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary partial cross sectional view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  having centering pin  400 , taken generally along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 9 , centering pin  400  is fixedly secured to housing  130  of clutch assembly  100  by rivet  403 . First flat member  401  of centering pin  400  lies parallel to the plane of axis of housing  130 . Second flat member  402  of centering pin  400  lies perpendicularly to the plane of axis of housing  130 . As clutch assembly  100  rotates about an axis of rotation, second flat member  402  of centering pin  400  is engaged with sensor ring  150  to center sensor ring  150  and thereby prevents sensor ring  150  from moving within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of clutch assembly  100 . 
         [0015]    Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a clamp spring for a clutch assembly which prevents an uncontrolled movement of the adjustment means within the clutch assembly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    The present invention broadly comprises a clutch assembly for transferring a torque between a flywheel of an engine and a transmission in a motor vehicle, the clutch assembly comprising a housing, a pressure plate fixedly secured to the housing, the pressure plate operatively arranged to cause a friction clutch disc to rotate the flywheel, wherein the pressure plate is arranged for rotation about an axis of rotation, wherein the pressure plate is axially movable relative to the axis of rotation, and including actuation means for engaging and disengaging the clutch, an adjustment means operatively arranged to adjust travel of the pressure plate and the friction clutch disc, and a plurality of lever arms, operatively arranged to amplify force within the clutch assembly, the adjustment means comprising a clamp spring having a first end operatively arranged to prevent an uncontrolled movement of the adjustment means and a second end operatively arranged to center the adjustment means within the clutch assembly. 
         [0017]    A general object of the invention is to provide a clamp spring that prevents an unwanted movement of the adjustment means of a clutch assembly. 
         [0018]    Another object of the invention is to provide a clamp spring that prevents an unwanted movement of the adjuster ring of a clutch assembly. 
         [0019]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a clamp spring that prevents an unwanted movement of the sensor ring of a clutch assembly. 
         [0020]    A further object of the invention is to provide a cost savings for the manufacturing and production of a transport lock for an adjustment device within a clutch assembly. 
         [0021]    A further object of the invention is to provide a cost savings for the manufacturing and production of a centering pin for an adjustment device within a clutch assembly. 
         [0022]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawings and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate system demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an object in the cylindrical coordinate system of  FIG. 1A  demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of transport lock  200  of typical clutch assembly  100 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of typical clamp spring  300  of typical clutch assembly  100 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  having clamp spring  300  taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of typical centering pin  400  of typical clutch assembly  100 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  having centering pin  400 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary partial cross sectional view of the adjustment means of typical clutch assembly  100  having centering pin  400  taken generally along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of clamp spring  600  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  600  which includes nose  602 B and tab  603 B; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of clamp spring  700 , illustrating clamp spring  700  which includes nose  702 B and tab  703 B; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of another embodiment of clamp spring  800 , illustrating clamp spring  800  which includes nose  802 B and tab  803 B; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  600  which includes nose  602 B taken generally along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  600  which includes tab  603 B; 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is a fragmentary partial cross sectional view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  600  which includes tab  603 B taken generally along line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  700  which includes tab  703 B; 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary partial cross sectional view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  700  which includes tab  703 B taken generally along line  16 - 16 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  800  which includes tab  803 B; and, 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary partial cross sectional view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  800  which includes tab  803 B taken generally along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. It is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, it is understood that this patent is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as claimed. 
         [0047]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention. 
         [0048]    By “non-rotatably connected” first and second components we mean that the first component is connected to the second component so that any time the first component rotates, the second component rotates with the first component, and any time the second component rotates, the first component rotates with the second component. Axial displacement between the first and second components is possible. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of cylindrical coordinate system  10  demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present patent. The present invention is at least partially described within the context of cylindrical coordinate system  10 . System  10  has a longitudinal axis  1 , used as the reference for the directional and spatial terms that follow. Axial direction AD is parallel to axis  1 . Radial direction RD is orthogonal to axis  1 . Circumferential direction CD is defined by an endpoint of radius R (orthogonal to axis  1 ) rotated about axis  1 . 
         [0050]    To clarify the spatial terminology, objects  4 ,  5 , and  6  are used. Surface  7  of object  4  forms an axial plane. For example, axis  1  is congruent with surface  7 . Surface  8  of object  5  forms a radial plane. For example, radius  2  is congruent with surface  8 . Surface  9  of object  6  forms a circumferential surface. For example, circumference  3  is congruent with surface  9 . As a further example, axial movement or disposition is parallel to axis  1 ; radial movement or disposition is orthogonal to axis  2 , and circumferential movement or disposition is parallel to circumference  3 . Rotation is described herein with respect to axis  1 . 
         [0051]    The adverbs “axially,” “radially,” and “circumferentially” are used with respect to an orientation parallel to axis  1 , radius  2 , or circumference  3 , respectively. The adverbs “axially,” “radially,” and “circumferentially” are also used regarding orientation parallel to respective planes. 
         [0052]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of object  15  in cylindrical coordinate system  10  of  FIG. 1A  demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present patent. Cylindrical object  15  is representative of a cylindrical object in a cylindrical coordinate system and is not intended to limit the claims of the present invention in any manner. Object  15  includes axial surface  11 , radial surface  12 , and circumferential surface  13 . Surface  11  is part of an axial plane; surface  12  is part of a radial plane, and surface  13  is part of a circumferential plane. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention having at least one clutch, of which the adjustment means compensates for the wear of at least one friction disc. In order to compensate for the wear of the friction disc, clutch assembly  500  comprises a preloaded adjuster ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) and a preloaded sensor ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) with ramps being provided between clutch housing  530  and lever plate  501 . The adjuster ring  540  and sensor ring  550  are preloaded in a circumferential direction with pressure springs such that when the friction disc becomes increasingly worn, the adjuster ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) and sensor ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) move in order to compensate the gap created between the pressure plate and the friction disc. 
         [0054]    The activation of the adjustment process is determined by sensor devices which measure a travel or actuating force of lever arms  502 ,  503 ,  504 ,  505 ,  506 , and  508 . Lever arms  502 ,  503 ,  504 ,  505 ,  506 , and  508  further include apertures  502   a,    503   a,    504   a,    505   a,    506   a  and  508   a,  respectively. The sensor devices comprise clamp spring  600  and adjustment tab  560  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). Clamp spring  600 , which is operably engaged with adjustment tab  560  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), is fixedly secured to housing  530  of clutch assembly  500  by rivets  531  and  532 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 11A-11C  are perspective views of various embodiments of clamp spring  600 ,  700  and  800 , respectively, of the present invention. It should be noted that clamp spring  600 ,  700  and  800  all perform identical functions.  FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of clamp spring  600  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  600  which includes nose  602 B and tab  603 B. In  FIG. 11A , clamp spring  600  is formed as a tripartite member fixedly secured to housing  530  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). Clamp spring  600  includes body  601 , first end  602 , second end  603  and third end  604 . First end  602  of body  601  includes first end  602 A and nose  602 B. First end  602 A is formed by first flat member  605 , second flat member  606  and arcuate member  608 , whereby the first and second flat members  605  and  606  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  608 . Nose  602 B is formed by first flat member  609 , second flat member  610  and arcuate member  611 , whereby the first and second flat members  609  and  610  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  611 . First end  602 A and nose  602 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage with adjuster ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). It should be appreciated that nose  602 B of clamp spring  600  prevents an uncontrolled movement of adjuster ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) prior to installation of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) within an automobile. 
         [0056]    Second end  603  of body  601  includes second end  603 A and tab  603 B. Second end  603 A is formed by flat member  612 . Tab  603 B is formed by first flat member  613 , second flat member  614  and arcuate member  615 , whereby the first and second flat members  613  and  614  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  615 . Second end  603 A and nose  603 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage with sensor ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). It should be appreciated that tab  603 B of clamp spring  600  prevents an uncontrolled movement of sensor ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) after installation of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) within an automobile. 
         [0057]    Third end  604  of body  601  is formed by first flat member  616 , second flat member  618  and arcuate member  619 , whereby the first and second flat members  616  and  618  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  619 . Body  601 , first end  602 A and second end  603 A of clamp spring  600  further include apertures  601   a,    602   a  and  603   a,  respectively. 
         [0058]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of clamp spring  700  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  700  which includes nose  702 B and tab  703 B. In  FIG. 11B , clamp spring  700  is formed as a tripartite member fixedly secured to housing  530  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). Clamp spring  700  includes body  701 , first end  702 , second end  703  and third end  704 . First end  702  of body  701  is comprised of first end  702 A and nose  702 B. First end  702 A is formed by first flat member  705 , second flat member  706  and arcuate member  708 , whereby the first and second flat members  705  and  706  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  708 . Nose  702 B is formed by first flat member  709 , second flat member  710  and arcuate member  711 , whereby the first and second flat members  709  and  710  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  711 . First end  702 A and nose  702 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage with adjuster ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). It should be appreciated that nose  702 B of clamp spring  700  prevents an uncontrolled movement of adjuster ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) prior to installation of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) in an automobile. 
         [0059]    Second end  703  of body  701  includes second end  703 A and tab  703 B. Second end  703 A is formed by flat member  712 . Tab  703 B is formed by first flat member  713 , second flat member  714  and arcuate member  715 , whereby the first and second flat members  713  and  714  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  715 . Second end  703 A and tab  703 B are fixedly connected by arcuate member  716  and operably arranged to engage with sensor ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). It should be appreciated that tab  703 B of clamp spring  700  prevents an uncontrolled movement of sensor ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) after installation of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) in an automobile. 
         [0060]    Third end  704  of body  701  is formed by first flat member  718 , second flat member  719  and arcuate member  720 , whereby the first and second flat members  718  and  719  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  720 . Body  701 , first end  702 A and second end  703 A of clamp spring  700  further include apertures  701   a,    702   a  and  703   a,  respectively. 
         [0061]      FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of clamp spring  800 , illustrating clamp spring  800  which includes  802 B and tab  803 B. In  FIG. 11C , clamp spring  800  is formed as a tripartite member fixedly secured to housing  530  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). Clamp spring  800  includes body  801 , first end  802 , second end  803  and third end  804 . First end  802  of body  801  includes first end  802 A and nose  802 B. First end  802 A is formed by first flat member  805 , second flat member  806  and arcuate member  808 , whereby the first and second flat members  805  and  806  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  808 . Nose  802 B is formed by first flat member  809 , second flat member  810  and arcuate member  811 , whereby the first and second flat members  809  and  810  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  811 . First end  802 A and nose  802 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage adjuster ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). It should be appreciated that nose  802 B of clamp spring  800  prevents an uncontrolled movement of adjuster ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) prior to installation of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) in an automobile. 
         [0062]    Second end  803  of body  801  includes second end  803 A and tab  803 B. Second end  803 A is formed by flat member  812 . Tab  803 B is formed by flat member  813 . Second end  803 A and tab  803 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage sensor ring  540  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). It should be appreciated that tab  803 B of clamp spring  800  prevents an uncontrolled movement of sensor ring  550  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) after installation of clutch assembly  500  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) in an automobile. 
         [0063]    Third end  804  of body  801  is formed by first flat member  814 , second flat member  815  and arcuate member  816 , whereby the first and second flat members  814  and  815  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  816 . Body  801 , first end  802 A and second end  803 A of clamp spring  800  further include apertures  801   a,    802   a  and  803   a,  respectively. 
         [0064]      FIG. 12  is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention having clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) with nose  602 B taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 12 , clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) which includes nose  602 B (shown in  FIG. 11A ) prevents an uncontrolled movement of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  when in an uninstalled state by operatively applying a load to adjuster ring  540  and thereby preventing an axial movement of adjuster ring  540 . The nose  602 B of clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) includes first flat member  809 , second flat member  610  and arcuate member  611 , and the first and second flat members  809  and  810  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  611 . Second flat member  610  of nose  602 B of clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) engages with adjuster ring  540  of clutch assembly  500 . Clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) is positioned between lever plate  501  and housing  530  of clutch assembly  500 . Clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) is fixedly secured to housing  530  of clutch assembly  500  by rivets  531  and  532  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). It should be appreciated that nose  602 B of clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) prevents an uncontrolled movement of adjuster ring  540  prior to installation of clutch assembly  500  in an automobile. 
         [0065]    The Adjustment tab  560  is fixedly secured to second flat member  606  of first end  602 A of first end  602  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) of body  601  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) of clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) by bolt  533 , which passes from adjustment tab  560  through aperture  602   a  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) of second flat member  606  of first end  602 A. The first end  602 A further includes first flat member  605 , second flat member  606  and arcuate member  608 , whereby the first and second flat members  605  and  606  are fixedly secured by arcuate member  608 . The adjustment tab  560 , which is fixedly secured to clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ), is also engaged with lever plate  501 . Clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) and adjustment tab  560  measure the travel of lever arms  502 ,  503 ,  504 ,  505 ,  506 , and  508  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0066]    Throughout the lifetime of clutch assembly  500 , the distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc should remain constant. However, as the clutch disc becomes increasingly worn, the distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc increases which in turn results in an increase in the load or actuating force placed on lever arms  502 ,  503 ,  504 ,  505 ,  506  and  508  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) necessary to engage the pressure plate with the friction disc. The adjustment tab  560 , which is fixedly secured to clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) and places a predefined load on sensor ring  550 , senses the amount of wear or distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc. The adjustment tab  560  is further placed over lever plate  501 , whereby an increase in the travel necessary to engage the pressure plate with the friction disc (larger than the gap between adjustment tab  560  and lever plate  501 ) produces a higher axial movement of lever plate  501 , engaging adjustment tab  560 . Since adjustment tab  560  is also fixedly secured to clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ), the axial movement of lever plate  501  causes adjustment tab  560  and clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) to undergo a travel or distance equal to the increase in distance between the pressure plate and the worn friction disc. 
         [0067]    To compensate for the increased travel or distance between adjustment tab  560  and sensor ring  550 , and thus an increase in the distance necessary for the pressure plate to engage with the friction disc, sensor ring  550  moves axially to reengage with adjustment tab  560 . As sensor ring  550  reengages with adjustment tab  560 , adjuster ring  540  simultaneously moves axially a distance equal to the distance traveled by sensor ring  550 . As adjuster ring  550  moves axially, adjustment means (comprising adjuster ring  540 , sensor ring  550 , clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 11A ), adjustment tab  560  and lever plate  501 ) is moved axially a distance equivalent to that traveled by adjuster ring  540  and sensor ring  550 , such that the distance between the pressure plate and the friction disc remains constant. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 13-18  show clutch assembly  500  with various embodiments of a clamp spring  600 ,  700  and  800  having tab  603 B,  703 B and  803 B, (shown in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C) respectively.  FIG. 13  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  600  which includes tab  603 B. It should be appreciated that clamp spring  600  and tab  603 B are a single, unified structure. In  FIG. 13 , tab  603 B further prevents an uncontrolled movement of sensor ring  550 . With housing  530  removed, aperture  603   a  of clamp spring  600  can be seen. Second end  603 A of second end  603  of clamp spring  600  is fixedly secured to housing  530  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) by rivet  531  (shown in  FIG. 10 ), which passes through aperture  603   a.  Flat member  612  of second end  603 A and first flat member  613  of tab  603 B lie perpendicular to the plane of axis of second flat member  614  of tab  603 B. As clutch assembly  500  rotates about an axis of rotation, second flat member  614  of clamp spring  600  engages sensor ring  550  to center the sensor ring and prevent an uncontrolled movement within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of clutch assembly  500 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 14  is a fragmentary partial cross section of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) which includes tab  603 B taken generally along line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13 . It should be appreciated that clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) and tab  603 B form a single, unified structure. In  FIG. 14 , tab  603 B of clamp spring  600  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) engages with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500 . Tab  603 B engages sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500  to center sensor ring  550  as sensor ring  150  moves within the axis of rotation clutch assembly  500 . Tab  603 B is formed by first flat member  613 , second flat member  614  and arcuate member  615 , whereby the first and second flat members  613  and  614  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  615 . Second end  603 A (shown in  FIG. 11A ), comprising first flat member  612  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) and tab  603 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500 . Flat member  612  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) of second end  603 A (shown in  FIG. 11A ) and first flat member  613  of tab  603 B lie perpendicular to the plane of axis of second flat member  614  of tab  603 B. 
         [0070]      FIG. 15  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  700  which includes tab  703 B. It should be appreciated that clamp spring  700  and tab  703 B are a single, unified structure. Tab  703 B further prevents an uncontrolled movement of sensor ring  550 . With housing  530  removed, aperture  703   a  of clamp spring  700  can be seen. Second end  703 A of second end  703  of clamp spring  700  is fixedly secured to housing  530  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) by rivet  531  (shown in  FIG. 10 ), which passes through aperture  703   a.  Flat member  712  of second end  703 A and first flat member  713  of tab  703 B lie perpendicular to the plane of axis of second flat member  714  of tab  703 B. As clutch assembly  500  rotates about an axis of rotation, second flat member  714  of clamp spring  700  engages sensor ring  550  to center the sensor ring and prevent it from moving within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of clutch assembly  500 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary partial cross section of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  700  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) which includes tab  703 B taken generally along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . It should be appreciated that clamp spring  700  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) and tab  703 B are a single, unified structure. In  FIG. 16 , tab  703 B of clamp spring  700  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) is engaged with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500 . Tab  703 B engages with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500  to center sensor ring  550  as sensor ring  550  moves within the axis of rotation of clutch assembly  500 . Tab  703 B is formed by first flat member  713 , second flat member  714  and first arcuate member  715 , whereby the first and second flat members  713  and  714  are fixedly connected by arcuate member  715 . Second end  703 A, comprising flat member  712  and tab  703 B are fixedly connected by arcuate member  716  and operably arranged to engage with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500 . Flat member  712  of second end  703 A and first flat member  713  of tab  703 B lie perpendicular to the plane of axis of second flat member  714  of tab  703 B. 
         [0072]      FIG. 17  is a fragmentary top view of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  800  which includes tab  803 B. It should be appreciated that clamp spring  800  and tab  803 B are a single, unified structure. Tab  803 B further prevents an uncontrolled movement of sensor ring  550 . Tab  803 B engages with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500  to center sensor ring  550  as sensor ring  550  moves within the axis of rotation of clutch assembly  500 . Tab  803 B is formed by flat member  813 . Second end  803 A, comprising flat member  812 , and tab  803 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary partial cross section of the adjustment means of clutch assembly  500  of the present invention, illustrating clamp spring  800  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) which includes tab  803 B taken generally along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 17 . It should be appreciated that clamp spring  800  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) and tab  803 B are a single, unified structure. In  FIG. 18 , tab  803 B of clamp spring  800  is engaged with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500 . Tab  803 B engages with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500  to center sensor ring  550  as sensor ring  150  moves within the axis of rotation of clutch assembly  500 . Tab  803 B is formed by flat member  813 . Second end  803 A, comprising flat member  812  and tab  803 B are fixedly connected and operably arranged to engage with sensor ring  550  of clutch assembly  500 . Flat member  811  of second end  803 A and first flat member  812  of tab  803 B lie perpendicular to the plane of axis of second flat member  813  of tab  803 B. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  longitudinal axis 
           2  radius 
           3  circumference 
           4  object 
           5  object 
           6  object 
           7  surface 
           8  surface 
           9  surface 
           10  system 
           11  surface 
           12  surface 
           13  surface 
           15  object 
           100  clutch assembly 
           101  lever plate 
           102  lever arm 
           102   a  aperture 
           103  lever arm 
           103   a  aperture 
           104  lever arm 
           104   a  aperture 
           105  lever arm 
           105   a  aperture 
           106  lever arm 
           106   a  aperture 
           108  lever arm 
           108   a  aperture 
           130  housing 
           131  rivet 
           132  rivet 
           133  bolt 
           140  adjuster ring 
           150  sensor ring 
           160  adjustment tab 
           200  transport lock 
           201  first set of teeth 
           202  second set of teeth 
           203  third set of teeth 
           204  bar 
           205  bar 
           206  bar 
           208  tooth 
           208   n  notch 
           209  tooth 
           210  tooth 
           211  tooth 
           211   n  notch 
           212  tooth 
           212   n  notch 
           213  tooth 
           214  tooth 
           215  tooth 
           215   n  notch 
           216  tooth 
           216   n  notch 
           218  tooth 
           219  tooth 
           220  tooth 
           220   n  notch 
           221  washer 
           222  washer 
           300  clamp spring 
           301  body 
           301   a  aperture 
           302  first end 
           302   a  aperture 
           303  second end 
           303   a  aperture 
           304  third end 
           305  first flat member 
           306  second flat member 
           308  arcuate member 
           309  flat member 
           310  first flat member 
           311  second flat member 
           312  arcuate member 
           400  centering pin 
           401  first flat member 
           401   a  aperture 
           402  second flat member 
           403  rivet 
           500  clutch assembly 
           501  lever plate 
           502  lever arm 
           503  lever arm 
           504  lever arm 
           505  lever arm 
           506  lever arm 
           508  lever arm 
           530  housing 
           531  rivet 
           532  rivet 
           533  bolt 
           540  adjuster ring 
           550  sensor ring 
           560  adjustment tab 
           600  damp spring 
           601  body 
           602  first end 
           602 A first end 
           602 B nose 
           603  second end 
           603 A second end 
           603 B tab 
           603 B tab 
           604  third end 
           605  first flat member 
           606  second flat member 
           608  arcuate member 
           609  first flat member 
           610  second flat member 
           611  arcuate member 
           612  flat member 
           613  first flat member 
           614  second flat member 
           615  arcuate member 
           616  first flat member 
           618  second flat member 
           619  arcuate member 
           700  clamp spring 
           701  body 
           701   a  aperture 
           702  first end 
           702   a  aperture 
           702 A first end 
           702 B nose 
           703  second end 
           703   a  aperture 
           703 A second end 
           703 B tab 
           704  third end 
           705  first flat member 
           706  second flat member 
           708  arcuate member 
           709  first flat member 
           710  second flat member 
           711  arcuate member 
           712  flat member 
           713  first flat member 
           714  second flat member 
           715  arcuate member 
           716  arcuate member 
           718  first flat member 
           719  second flat member 
           720  arcuate member 
           800  clamp spring 
           801  body 
           801   a  aperture 
           802  first end 
           802   a  aperture 
           802 A first end 
           802 B nose 
           803  second end 
           803   a  aperture 
           803 A second end 
           803 B tab 
           804  third end 
           805  first flat member 
           806  second flat member 
           808  arcuate member 
           809  first flat member 
           810  second flat member 
           811  arcuate member 
           812  flat member 
           813  flat member 
           814  first flat member 
           815  second flat member 
           816  arcuate member