Centrifugal friction clutch for automatic transmission

A centrifugal friction clutch for an automatic transmission, comprising:

• friction elements supported on an input member so as to be axially movable and to be rotated together with the input member;
• a clutch cover supported on an output member so as to be axially movable relative to the output member and to rotate together with the output member;
• clutch elements supported on the clutch cover so as to be axially slidable;
• centrifugal weights disposed at predetermined positions on the clutch cover;
• spring members holding the centrifugal weights in place on the clutch cover;
• and
• first retaining means put in place on the clutch cover to press the friction members and the clutch members against each other so that power can be transmitted when the centrifugal weights are displaced by centrifugal force to move the clutch cover relative to the output member;
• wherein a first spring bearing member placed in contact with one end of each of the spring members urges the centrifugal weights toward their respective predetermined initial positions, and a second spring bearing member placed in contact with the other end of each of the spring members is held in place on the clutch cover by second retaining means engaging the clutch cover,
• wherein the first and second bearing members are axially movable relative to the input member.