The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 23, 1996
Filed:
Apr. 21, 1994
Alexander Zelikov, Farmington, MI (US);
Valeo Clutches and Transmissions, Inc., Hampton, VA (US);
Abstract
A diaphragm spring clutch assembly has a self adjusting mechanism operable in use to compensate for wear of the clutch friction lining. The mechanism comprises a pressure plate having a pressure plate body, a separate, generally annular, fulcrum member which is axially moveable with respect to the pressure plate body, and a control member adapted to control relative axial movement between the fulcrum member and the pressure plate body and being itself axially displaceable with respect to the pressure plate body and the fulcrum member on wear of the friction linings, thereby to permit a corresponding movement of the fulcrum member away from the friction surface. the fulcrum member is moved axially away from the friction surface during declutching, and a one way connection is provided between the fulcrum member and the pressure plate body operable to prevent return movement of the fulcrum member when the clutch is engaged. In this way, wear in the friction linings is automatically compensated by a corresponding movement of the pressure plate fulcrum. The orientation of the diaphragm spring remains constant, eliminating the need for adjustment during the service of the clutch. The invention is particularly applicable to clutches for automobiles.