START CLUTCH DEVICE

摘要

A clutch assembly for starting a vehicle without using a torque converter has a simple structure yet providing high reliability. In the clutch assembly (11, 12, 13), a clutch (10) and a damper device (121, 122) are housed in a housing (2) connected to a crank shaft of an engine. A boss (30) serving as an output member is connected to an input shaft (28) of an automatic transmission. An output of the engine is connected/disconnected to/from the input shaft (28) upon engagement/disengagement of the clutch (10). The clutch (10) includes a friction member (14) and a piston (20) fit oil tightly with the housing (2) so as to apply pressure to the friction member (14). One end of the damper device (121, 122) is connected to a clutch hub (16), and the other end is connected to the output member (30). The clutch (10) and the damper device (121, 122) are aligned on the axis of the housing (2).