An analytical solution for deflection-load characteristics of a conical disk spring used especially in the automotive manual transmission clutch applications is proposed in order to take into account the effects of friction and large deformation. The conical disk spring, or the diaphragm spring, has a hinge support, an application point of release load at the tip of the fingers and an application point of clamp load near but inside the outer perimeter of the conical disk spring. The friction coefficient is assumed to be a constant regardless of the speed of deflection and the magnitude of loads. Comparison with experimental shows a good agreement with the analytical prediction. Also, the sensitivity of the clamp load due to variations in the geometrical parameters of the conical disk spring is calculated and discussed.