Zf Sachs Ag

Muneer Abu Samra

Ronald B Morford

David R DePiazza

An improved clutch has a distinct force ratio for holding than it does for release. A distinct ratio is achieved by having an abutment surface between a retainer and a diaphragm spring be positioned radially outward from a contact location between a release sleeve and the diaphragm spring for releasing the clutch. The retainer is separately axially movable relative to the release sleeve, and surrounds the release sleeve. In this way, the holding force is applied at a lever distance from an axial center line of the clutch which is greater than the distance to the point of contact for release of the diaphragm spring. This provides both a higher holding force and yet a lower release force.

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Southern Pines, NC, United States of America

Muneer Abu Samra