Patent · US Expired

Friction clutch having protective internal shield

US6098773A · kind A · utility

10Cited by
8References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 30, 1998
Grant dateAug 8, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 30, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16D13/757
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A frictional clutch for a motor vehicle includes a cover, a pressure plate, a biasing member, an adjustment mechanism and an annular shield. The cover has an axis of rotation. The pressure plate is coupled to the cover for rotation therewith about the axis. The pressure plate has a frictional engagement surface substantially normal to the axis. The biasing member is interposed between the cover the pressure plate, and biases the pressure plate toward an engaged pressure plate position. The adjustment mechanism is centered about the axis and is located at a first radial distance from the axis. The adjustment mechanism is operably disposed between the biasing member and one of the pressure plate and the cover. The annular shield is disposed radially within the adjustment mechanism. The annular shield is axially alignment with the adjustment mechanism. The shield is sized and oriented to protect the adjustment mechanism from debris radiating outward from a central area of the clutch.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.