Gerda Erna Rudolph

US Patent:

54049792, Apr 11, 1995

Filed:

May 27, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/250508

Inventors:

Barrie G. Craft - Washington MI
Joseph L. Bair - Royal Oak MI
Michael B. Grosse Erdmann - Rochester Hills MI
Edwin R. Murray - Macomb MI
George S. Traub - Ortonville MI
Gerda Rudolph - Rochester Hills MI
Peter Doll - Troy MI
Heiko Schulz-Andres - Poppenhausen, DE
David G. Buckingham - Berkley MI
Richard G. Reed - Royal Oak MI

Assignee:

Chrysler Corporation - Auburn Hills MI
Sachs Automotive of America - Troy MI

International Classification:

F16D 1375

US Classification:

192 7025

Abstract:

A manual transmission modular clutch assembly has a flywheel, pressure plate and interposed clutch plate mounted in a cover that is adapted to be connected to an engine crankshaft and wherein separate spring-torque straps connect the pressure plate and the flywheel to the cover for rotation therewith. At assembly the flywheel is positioned against the force of its spring-torque straps by travel limit pins that are retained on the cover, press fitted in the flywheel and contact with the pressure plate when in its clutch engaging position. A diaphragm spring normally clamps the pressure plate, clutch plate and flywheel together and is adapted to be connected to a clutch pedal to release the clutch. As wear occurs, the pressure plate is allowed to move further in the direction of the flywheel and forces the flywheel travel limit pins to move in their press fit by the same amount. This relocates the limit pins relative to the cover by the same amount so that when the clutch is released the flywheel is allowed to be moved by its spring-torque straps toward the pressure plate by a corresponding amount.