Automatically adjustable friction clutch

摘要

A friction clutch wherein a pressure plate is axially movably but non-rotatably coupled to a cover and is biased by a diaphragm spring to urge the friction linings of a clutch disc against a flywheel which is driven by the engine of a motor vehicle. The diaphragm spring is tiltable relative to a seat which is carried by the cover, and a second spring is provided to bias a portion of the seat against the diaphragm spring. The latter can be moved axially of the flywheel to compensate for wear upon the friction linings, particularly when the flywheel is idle or is driven at a relatively low speed. The device which compensates for wear upon the friction linings is installed between the diaphragm spring and the cover, and its purpose is to ensure that the bias of the diaphragm spring upon the pressure plate in engaged condition of the friction clutch remains at least nearly constant regardless of the extent of wear upon the friction linings and certain other parts including the diaphragm spring, the pressure plate, springs which form part of the clutch disc to urge two sets of friction linings axially and away from each other against the flywheel and the pressure plate, respectively, and leaf springs which connect the pressure plate to the cover.