A clutch assembly including a sealed clutch and a spacer. The clutch is connected to the spacer and the spacer is connectable to a flywheel along a common axis and the spacer facilitates connection of the clutch to the flywheel in at least two different axially spaced positions. A connection ring can connect the spacer connection to flywheel.

A clutch assembly including a sealed clutch and a spacer. The clutch is connected to the spacer and the spacer is connectable to a flywheel along a common axis and the spacer facilitates connection of the clutch to the flywheel in at least two different axially spaced positions. A connection ring can connect the spacer connection to flywheel.

A friction clutch mechanism includes a diaphragm spring, a pressure plate having a peripheral fulcrum acting against a first face of the diaphragm spring, and a pair of axially opposed intermediate fulcrums supported by a clutch cover and acting on the opposite faces of the diaphragm spring along a radially intermediate portion thereof. The friction clutch mechanism has an additional elastic element, operatively associated with a first intermediate fulcrum of the pair of axially opposed intermediate fulcrums, and axially and elastically compressible in response to a deflection of the diaphragm spring towards an open friction condition. The additional elastic element has a radially innermost annular portion resting on one or more bearing surfaces supported by the clutch cover, and a radially outermost annular portion that cantilevers and has a protrusion circumferentially extended and axially projecting towards the first face of the diaphragm spring to serve as the first intermediate fulcrum.

An improved pressure plate and clutch assembly allowing for use of a Bellevue (or diaphragm) spring and/or a series of coil springs in the clutch assembly. A Bellevue spring alone can be utilized with the pressure plate; a series of coil springs alone can be utilized with the pressure plate; or alternatively both a Bellevue spring and a series of coil springs can be utilized. The pressure plate has features that allow for either or both of the spring types to be utilized to bias the pressure plate. This allows for the selection of either spring type or both spring types. The pressure plate further preferably has features to allow for a spring or similar biasing mechanism to exert an opposing force to the Bellevue and/or series of coil springs.

An improved pressure plate and clutch assembly allowing for use of a Bellevue (or diaphragm) spring and/or a series of coil springs in the clutch assembly. A Bellevue spring alone can be utilized with the pressure plate; a series of coil springs alone can be utilized with the pressure plate; or alternatively both a Bellevue spring and a series of coil springs can be utilized. The pressure plate has features that allow for either or both of the spring types to be utilized to bias the pressure plate. This allows for the selection of either spring type or both spring types. The pressure plate further preferably has features to allow for a spring or similar biasing mechanism to exert an opposing force to the Bellevue and/or series of coil springs.

A cover assembly for a motor vehicle clutch is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover, a pressure plate, a leaf spring connecting the pressure plate to the cover such that the pressure plate is axially movable with respect to the cover, an actuator plate configured for axially moving the pressure plate away from the cover and a retainer fixed to the pressure plate. The retainer is arranged for limiting liftoff of the actuator plate from the pressure plate. The cover assembly also includes a washer sandwiched axially between the retainer and the leaf spring. A method of constructing a cover assembly for a motor vehicle clutch is also provided.

A cover assembly for a motor vehicle clutch is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover, a pressure plate, a leaf spring connecting the pressure plate to the cover such that the pressure plate is axially movable with respect to the cover, an actuator plate configured for axially moving the pressure plate away from the cover and a retainer fixed to the pressure plate. The retainer is arranged for limiting liftoff of the actuator plate from the pressure plate. The cover assembly also includes a washer sandwiched axially between the retainer and the leaf spring. A method of constructing a cover assembly for a motor vehicle clutch is also provided.

A dry friction clutch for connecting a transmission with a flywheel of an engine is provided. The clutch includes a bracket having a main body axially spaced from an engine flywheel. The bracket is torsionally connected to the flywheel. The bracket has a generally U-shaped cross section with a main body connected with generally axially extending side walls. An axially movable pressure plate is torsionally connected with the bracket. The pressure plate is axially movable within the bracket. A friction disc is provided having a connection with an input shaft of a transmission. The friction disc is axially positioned between the flywheel and the pressure plate. A release assembly is provided including a spring for urging the pressure plate toward the flywheel. The bracket side walls have inward positioned barbs to axially limit travel of the pressure plate.

A dry friction clutch for connecting a transmission with a flywheel of an engine is provided. The clutch includes a bracket having a main body axially spaced from an engine flywheel. The bracket is torsionally connected to the flywheel. The bracket has a generally U-shaped cross section with a main body connected with generally axially extending side walls. An axially movable pressure plate is torsionally connected with the bracket. The pressure plate is axially movable within the bracket. A friction disc is provided having a connection with an input shaft of a transmission. The friction disc is axially positioned between the flywheel and the pressure plate. A release assembly is provided including a spring for urging the pressure plate toward the flywheel. The bracket side walls have inward positioned barbs to axially limit travel of the pressure plate.

A dry-plate clutch (single or dual) of inverted construction for a vehicle transmission includes a clutch structure with a connecting device arranged to be connected to a prime mover; a pressure plate rotationally fixed and axially displaceable relative to the clutch structure, and a driven disc connected to a driven shaft and located between the clutch structure and the pressure plate. An actuator is arranged to displace the pressure plate between an engaged state, where the driven disc is clamped between the clutch structure and the pressure plate, and a disengaged state, where the disc is rotatable relative to the clutch structure. The connecting device has hollow sections at a number of angular locations extending into a radial surface facing the pressure plate. The pressure plate has corresponding axially extending protrusions in a radial surface facing the connecting device; and the protrusions at least partially extend axially into the hollow sections in the disengaged state.