| 摘要 |
A friction clutch (10) using load springs (32) to force clutch plates (22, 24) together in driven engagement with a rotating friction plate (14) therebetween, the clutch plates (22, 24) being biased (84) out of clutched engagement. Previous clutches of this type require complex linkages to engage the clutch, and field servicing is difficult because the load springs must be individually disassembled and replaced. The present invention provides a preassembled pressure plate assembly (102) in which one of the clutch plates (24) and the load ring (30) are coupled together (88) for limited relative movement with the load springs (34) biasing the clutch plate (24) and load ring (30) apart with a predetermined pre-load force. Simple actuating linkage (50) acts on load ring (30) to move the whole assembly (102) so that clutch plate (24) is forced against the friction plate (14) by the force of the load springs (34). Clutch force is maintained within predetermined limits as the friction plate (14) wears and the assembly (102) can be removed as a whole for clutch servicing. The present clutch (10) is particularly useful as a power take-off clutch. |
