Clutch internal shielding device

A frictional clutch for a motor vehicle comprising:

• a cover having an axis of rotation;
• a pressure plate coupled to the cover for rotation therewith about the axis and having a frictional engagement surface substantially normal to the axis;
• an adjusting ring adjustably mounted to the cover and defining a plurality of pivot points and centered about the axis;
• an adjustment mechanism axially disposed between the adjusting ring and the cover and having inclined surfaces engaging each other wherein relative rotation between the first and second inclined surfaces axially displaces the adjusting ring pivot points away from the cover and the adjustment mechanism being located at a first radial distance about the axis;
• a plurality of levers radially oriented about the axis and engaging the adjusting ring proximate to a radially outer end of the levers and engaging the pressure plate radially inwardly of the radially outer end;
• a retainer engaged by the radially inner tips of the levers and selectively axially moveable between engaged and disengaged positions;
• a plurality of springs disposed between the cover and the retainer wherein the springs bias the levers toward the pressure plate and the springs act on the levers to bias the pressure plate to an engaged position;
• and
• a substantially annular shield disposed radially within the adjustment mechanism and in axial alignment therewith, wherein the shield protects the adjustment mechanism by blocking debris radiating outward from a center area of the clutch, said shield including at least one retaining clip for attaching said shield to said cover.

A frictional clutch for a motor vehicle comprising:

• a cover having an axis of rotation;
• a pressure plate coupled to the cover for rotation therewith about the axis and having a frictional engagement surface substantially normal to the axis;
• means for biasing the pressure plate away from the cover disposed between the pressure plate and the cover;
• means for adjusting a load applied to the pressure plate by the biasing means, the adjusting means being disposed between the biasing means and one of the pressure plate and the cover;
• and
• a substantially annular shield disposed within the cover and radially within the adjusting means in axially alignment therewith, wherein the shield is sized and oriented to protect the adjusting means from debris radiating outward from a center area of the clutch.

An internal shielding device adaptable for use within a driveline clutch comprising:

• an annular ring;
• at least one clip attached to said annular ring;
• and
• a securing bracket attached to said annular ring.

An internal shielding device adaptable for use within a driveline clutch comprising:

• an annular ring;
• a plurality of clips attached to said annular ring;
• and
• a retaining clip engaging said annular ring.