Starting clutch

A method for using a starting clutch in which input side elements and output side elements are frictionally engaged with each other by receiving an axial load, wherein:

• in a neutral condition of a vehicle, power transmission from said starting clutch to an output position is interrupted and said starting clutch is tightened.

A method for using a starting clutch in which input side elements and output side elements are frictionally engaged with each other by receiving an axial load, wherein:

• said starting clutch is shifted from a sliding condition wherein said input side elements and said output side elements are weakly engaged under a predetermined axial load to a tightened condition by increasing the axial load acting on said elements, thereby starting a vehicle.

A starting clutch comprising a multi-plate clutch having a hub and drive side elements including a damper device and a housing covering said multi-plate clutch and said damper device, wherein:

• an outer peripheral side of said hub of said multi-plate clutch is connected to at least one of said drive side elements when said multi-plate clutch is in a non-tightened condition.

A starting clutch having input side elements and output side elements frictionally engaged with each other by receiving an axial load, comprising:

• an urging device constructed and disposed to urge the input side elements and the output side elements together to generate creep torque.

A starting clutch comprising:

• an input side element and an output side element, and having a tightened state in which the input side element and the output side element are tightly frictionally engaged with each other to transmit torque and a released state in which the input side and output side elements are released from the tightened state, and further comprising an urging device operative to urge the input side and the output side elements into weak frictional engagement with each other to generate creep torque in the released state.