Torsion damping device for an automotive clutch plate assembly

A torsion damping device for an automotive clutch plate assembly, said torsion damping device comprising two coaxial parts mounted for rotation relative to each other within predetermined limits of relative angular displacement and for axial movement relative to each other within predetermined limits of axial spacing, elastic means circumferentially interposed between said coaxial parts for opposing relative angular displacement, said elastic means comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced blocks of elastically deformable material located in respective housings, each of said housings comprising one part fixed relative to one of said coaxial parts and another part fixed relative to said other of said coaxial parts, each of said housing parts having a circumferentially continuous zone running from one circumferential end to the other, said housing parts confining the respective blocks along said circumferentially continuous zones of said housing parts during at least a range of relative angular displacement of said coaxial parts for generating frictional torque during relative angular displacement of said coaxial parts, whereby said blocks of elastically deformable material expand axially in response to increased relative annular displacement of said coaxial parts in said range of relative angular displacement and urge said coaxial parts progressively axially away from each other thereby gradually increasing the frictional torque produced by said friction means.