GB961405A - Improvements in and relating to diaphragm spring clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

961,405. Friction clutches. AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS CO. Ltd. April 11, 1962 [April 11, 1961], No. 13025/61. Heading F2C. In a diaphragm spring clutch, the spring 3 is connected and fulcrumed at an intermediate diameter to the clutch cover 2 by a ring 6 having axially extending lugs 7 which pass through closely fitting openings 8, 9 in the spring and cover respectively and are bent radially outwardly to secure the parts together. The spring and cover are spaced by a fulcrum ring 10 or, in Figs 8 and 9 (not shown), by a number of axially extending spaced projections or a continuous annular rib or spaced dimples, formed in the face of the cover. The ring 6 is rolled from flat strip (Fig. 5, not shown) with the ends welded together (Fig. 6, not shown), and may have a radiussed bead, produced by a double fold, forming a fulcrum edge 11, or, an additional fulcrum ring (Fig. 4, not shown) may be located between the spring 3 and the ring 6 the edge of which is turned over to retain the ring, the operation being effected simultaneously with the lug bending. The lugs 7 are formed with tapered ends to facilitate assembly. The usual thrust ring 4 is attached to the diaphragm spring 3 by a sheet metal carrier 5, as described in Specification 914,277.