Friction clutch unit

摘要

A friction clutch unit with two coaxial friction clutches the first of which has a first friction disc driven by the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and disposed between an axially fixed and an axially movable pressure plate. The second clutch has a second friction disc which drives the input shaft of a change-speed transmission in the vehicle which embodies the engine and is disposed between an axially movable pressure plate and an axially fixed pressure plate. The axially fixed pressure plates of the two clutches are connected to each other by a rotary housing which defines a fulcrum for a common dished spring having an outer region bearing against projections provided on the axially movable pressure plate of the first clutch and an inner region bearing against projections provided on the axially movable pressure plate of the second clutch in engaged condition of the clutches. The bias of the common spring upon the axially movable pressure plate of the first clutch is assisted by a dished second spring which bears against the outer region of the common spring and reacts against an abutment forming part of the housing. The second clutch is disengaged ahead of the first clutch and the first clutch is reengaged ahead of the second clutch by an axially movable shifting plate which is connected with the common spring radially inwardly of the inner region of the common spring. The outer region of the common spring pivots relative to the axially movable pressure plate of the first clutch during disengagement of the second clutch and the common spring pivots relative to the fulcrum during disengagement of the first clutch.