Friction clutch

摘要

The friction clutch (1) is for use in a motor vehicle in which an input member (3,5) receives torque from the engine of the vehicle and an output member (8) transmits torque to the input shaft (10) of a transmission, and is engaged by a device which generates a force that is proportional to the magnitude of the transmitted torque. The device has two relatively rotatable parts (13,15) between which are balls engaging ramp surfaces. The first part (13) rotates with the clutch input and the second part (15) is connectable to the shaft (10) through an electromagnetic or electrically-operated clutch (19). Engagement of the clutch (19) causes relative rotation between the two parts (13 and 15) and the ramp surfaces to move the first part (13) axially to engage the main clutch through resilient levers (12).