Modification of the diaphragm spring fingers beginnings and its influence on the spring stress distribution and stiffness curve

Abstract

The diaphragm spring is often used as part of the vehicle clutch assembly. The main function of the spring is to engage and disengage the pressure plate and the driven plate (clutch disk). At the time when the clutch is disengaged, the pressure plate is released and the driver can change or shift the gear. The spring is pressed with the press/release bearing from the top. The analyzed spring consists of several spokes (called spring fingers) that are set in conical shape. The spring finger beginning is the most stressed part of the spring. It acts as a lever and is subjected to numerous cycles of exploitation. In this paper is analyzed the stress distribution of the spring finger beginning.