Clutch assembly
US4210233A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B2200/69
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A friction clutch assembly comprising a resilient annular member adapted to be engaged by a clutch release bearing to control axial movement of a pressure plate relative to a cover is disclosed. The resilient annular member comprises tabs which extend axially through apertures in the cover to provide said annular member with a fulcrum. Each tab defines a free end which is bent before assembly and resiliently deformable in an axial direction, whereby the cover is axially prestressed by the tabs after assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apertures comprise a first portion permitting axial introduction of the tabs and a second portion permitting rotation of the annular member in a given direction relative to the cover, bent portions of the cover preventing the annular member from rotating in the reverse direction. In another embodiment, a locking ring is inserted between the free ends of the tabs and the cover to prevent the tabs from escaping through the apertures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.