US 4,538,718 AGranted

Clutch disc arrangement

AssigneeLuk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH

InventorPaul Maucher

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Abstract

A clutch disc arrangement for use in friction clutches of automotive vehicles has a hub with a flange which is riveted to two axially spaced annular disc-shaped guides flanking the radially innermost portion of a clutch disc which carries two friction coatings. First coil springs are interposed between the clutch disc and the guides to yieldably urge the clutch disc to a neutral angular position with reference to the hub. Once the clutch disc is moved through a preselected angle beyond such neutral position, its further angular movement relative to the hub is resisted by an axially resilient friction disc which is outwardly adjacent to one of the guides and bears against the one guide directly as well as through the medium of a friction pad. Additional coil springs are interposed between the friction disc and the one guide to yieldably oppose angular displacement of the clutch disc relative to the hub after the clutch disc has moved through a given angle beyond the neutral position. The clutch disc, or a reinforcing disc which is riveted to the clutch disc, has axially extending arms which overlie the one guide and extend, with at least some clearance as considered in the circumferential direction of the hub, into peripheral recesses of the friction disc.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A clutch disc arrangement, especially for the clutches of automotive vehicles, comprising a first component including a hub and first and second annular guides rotatable with said hub and defining between themselves an annular space surrounding said hub;

a second component including a clutch disc having portion in said space and being rotatable within limits relative to said first component;
first energy storing means interposed between said components to urge said second component to a neutral position and to yieldably resist at least some stages of rotation of said second component relative to said first component;
and means for yieldably opposing rotation of said second component relative to said first component after said second component completes a predetermined angular movement from said neutral position, comprising a washer disposed outside of said space and having a radially innermost portion, said washer being resilient as considered in the axial direction of said hub and bearing against said first component, means for maintaining said washer in prestressed condition including a stressing member rigid with said first component and bearing against said innermost portion of said washer, at least one friction pad interposed between said washer and said first component, and second energy storing means interposed between said washer and said first component and being operative to yieldably oppose certain stages of rotation of said washer relative to said first component.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.