Clutch unit

A clutch unit comprising:

• at least one friction clutch having a pressure plate that is rotationally fixed and capable of limited axial movement in relation to an opposed pressure plate drivably connectable to the output shaft of an engine;
• wherein the pressure plate and the opposed pressure plate each have a friction surface between which friction linings of a clutch plate can be clamped;
• a lever system pivotable in an axial direction and positioned on an opposite side of the opposed pressure plate, wherein the lever system is acted upon by an actuating device to engage the clutch and is tiltable about an annular-shaped pivot bearing supported by the opposed pressure plate;
• wherein the lever system is connected radially outwardly to the opposed pressure plate via biasing means;
• an adjusting ring of an adjusting device supporting the pivot bearing to compensate for wear that occurs on the friction linings of the clutch plate, and which is rotatable relative to the pressure plate;
• wherein the lever system has axial spring properties which enable it to be forced into the shape of a truncated cone, which corresponds to the disengaged state of the friction clutch;
• wherein the lever system exhibits a declining force-deformation spring characteristic over a pivot angle to engage the friction clutch the lever system exhibits a declining force-deformation spring characteristic;
• in addition;
• spring means that act axially on the lever system and which include at least one diaphragm-spring-like element that is operatively clamped between the opposed pressure plate and the lever system, as well as at least one other spring element that is provided between the pressure plate and the opposed pressure plate, wherein the diaphragm-spring-like element produces an axial force on the lever system and is directed axially opposite to an actuating force for pivoting the lever system, and the other spring element introduces an axial force through the biasing means which is directed axially opposite to the force produced by the diaphragm-spring-like element through the biasing means to the lever system, while a resulting axial force exerted on the lever system by the spring means exhibits a declining force-deformation characteristic over the engagement travel distance of the friction clutch.