192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Axially engaging
Patent
1995-06-05
1997-07-29
Lorence, Richard M.
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Axially engaging
192 7016, 403315, 403335, F16D 1370, F16D 1350
Patent
active
056514417
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to clutch modules, especially for motor vehicles.
As is known, a clutch module is a unit which comprises, considered in axial succession, a mechanism, a clutch friction wheel and a flywheel, the mechanism itself comprising a cover plate which is attached to the flywheel, a diaphragm which engages on the cover plate, and a pressure plate on which the diaphragm bears so as to clamp the friction liners of the friction disc between the pressure plate and the flywheel.
For the attachment of the cover plate to the flywheel, it is known to provide, at least locally on the cover plate, engagement means through which the said cover plate is in engagement with a groove which is provided accordingly, for that purpose, on the outer peripheral edge of the flywheel.
This is the case for example in at least some of the embodiments described in the documents FR-A-2 526 105 and FR-A-2 661 722.
In those documents, the engagement means of the cover plate are seaming means, with the cover plate having an extension through which it is engaged axially on the outer peripheral edge of the flywheel, and of which some portions at least are then upset radially into the groove of the latter.
Since it involves working in the radial direction, the necessary seaming operation inevitably complicates assembly, and in addition it calls for complex tooling.
In the document GB-A-2 248 476, these engagement means comprise at least one snap lug which extends generally axially and is elastically deformable in the radial direction, and which has a local deformation extending radially towards the axis of the assembly, through which it is in engagement with the groove of the flywheel.
This deformation comprises, integrally and considered in axial succession, a first portion which constitutes an inwardly extending portion, being directed generally towards the axis of the assembly, and a second portion which constitutes an engagement portion.
For the purpose of attaching the cover plate to the flywheel, it is then sufficient to engage the cover plate axially on the flywheel until the deformation of its snap lug or lugs comes into engagement with the groove of the latter.
In use, the said snap lug is subjected to centrifugal forces. This can result in the risk of the said snap lug escaping accidentally from the flywheel, with the mechanism becoming separated with respect to the flywheel.
An object of the present invention is to overcome this drawback. According to the invention, a crown being engaged on the outer peripheral edge of the flywheel, the said crown at least partially covers the groove of the flywheel, thus confining therein, at least partly, the free end of the snap lug.
The crown is thus engaged on the outer peripheral edge of the flywheel in order to retain the said snap lug or lugs. In addition, it is possible to reduce the snap fitting force by providing a radial clearance between the flywheel and the principal or main portion of the snap lug, since the crown then prevents movement of the said lug.
All centrifugation of the said snap lug or lugs is thus avoided, being prevented with the aid of the said crown.
Thus a module is obtained which runs no risk of coming apart in service.
Preferably, the first portion of the deformation extends obliquely with respect to the axis of the assembly, being convergent on the said axis as it extends away from the clutch friction wheel, and the same is true for the corresponding flank of the groove against which the said first portion bears.
Thanks to this arrangement, the clearances between the cover plate and the flywheel can be taken up, and the cover plate can be clamped.
To this end, a radial clearance preferably exists between the base of the groove and the second portion of the deformation of the snap lug or lugs received in the groove.
The features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the description which follows, by way of example only and with reference to the attached diagrammatic drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in axial cross section o
REFERENCES:
patent: 2201340 (1940-05-01), Hunt
patent: 3499512 (1970-03-01), Maurice
patent: 5143190 (1992-09-01), Westendorf et al.
patent: 5392888 (1995-02-01), Kajitani et al.
Sevennec Michelle
Viola Paolo
Lorence Richard M.
Valeo
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