Patent ID: 7137498

Claim:
A centrifugal clutch assembly, comprising: an input portion fixed for rotation with an input member and an output portion fixed for rotation with an output member, the output portion including at least one friction plate secured for rotation with the output member, the input portion including a cover module secured for rotation with the input member; and wherein the cover module includes a pressure plate for applying a clamping force against the at least one friction plate, a moveable plate adapted to rotate with the cover module but axially displaceable with respect thereto to apply an axial force on the pressure plate, a fixed plate secured for rotation with the cover module and a plurality of weights positioned between the moveable plate and the fixed plate that are adapted to move outward under the effects of centrifugal force to cause axial movement in the movable plate and the pressure plate to exert a clamping force on the friction plate, the cover module further including at least one return spring configured to apply a return force on the weights through the moveable plate, the return force being generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the cover module, one of the movable plate and the fixed plate includes a plurality of ramps that are engaged by the weights, the ramps include first and second ramp surfaces, and wherein the return spring selectively has a generally disc-shaped configuration.