192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Operators
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-05
2002-04-30
Bonck, Rodney H. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Operators
C192S089250, C192S090000, C192S09300C, C192S09900A
Reexamination Certificate
active
06378680
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a disengagement unit for a clutch pressure plate, and an actuating mechanism for a disengagement unit.
2. The Prior Art
Disengagement units of this type for clutch pressure plates usually include a disk spring tensioned between the clutch pressure plate, and a clutch housing, which presses the clutch pressure plate against a friction plate of a clutch. In this situation, the disk spring is mounted on the clutch housing by means of a fixed bearing, and is disengaged by means of a disengagement device taking effect in an axial direction, by means of tongues pointing inwardly.
Because of the lever lengths involved, clutches of this type have relatively long constructional lengths. Added to this constructional length incurred by the levers because of lining wear, the disk spring has a considerable angular movement, which must likewise be accommodated by the clutch. In addition, the overall arrangement of the clutch has tolerance values between the clutch housing and the central disengagement device which must likewise be compensated for over the constructional length.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide for the narrowest possible constructional design for a clutch of the corresponding type.
The present invention provides a disengagement unit for a clutch pressure plate in which the force is essentially applied in an axial direction and are essentially driven in a radial direction.
The invention includes a force converter, capable of converting a force with a radial component into a force applied axially onto the pressure plate, and by a force generator which is capable of taking effect on the force converter by a force with a radial component.
Because the force which is applied in an axial direction has a radial drive unit, there is a radial displacement of the arrangement if a drive of this nature is applied. This arrangement according to the invention provides a shorter construction length than with known brake actuation mechanisms, since the space required for actuation is essentially in the radial direction.
In particular, correspondingly less housing space is required in the axial direction for readjustment due to wear.
In addition, a provision can be made at the transition point between the force converter and the force generator for an axial displacement or compensatory movement, which will make up for wear to the clutch linings. In this context, the arrangement according to the invention eliminates any idle movement in whole or in part, and therefore eliminates the need for any additional constructional length.
A displacement or compensatory movement can be provided, in that the radially driven device follows the displacement, for example, due to wear, with an axial component, while a corresponding radial drive remains essentially fixed in position.
As a further solution, the invention provides a method of actuation for a disengagement unit which can be used with two guide elements that can be displaced axially to one another, and with a converter connected to the guide elements so that a relative axial movement of the guide elements is converted into a radial movement of the converter. In this way, the disengagement unit has a corresponding radial drive element.
This arrangement, thus eliminates large lever paths, since the converter takes effect essentially in a radial direction. Because the guide elements can be displaced axially in relation to one another, guide elements can be designed to be almost free of forces from the outside. In addition, this arrangement is only minimally affected by centrifugal forces, since the guide elements need only carry out an axial movement, and centrifugal forces can only be applied to a disadvantage on the converter. By means of an appropriate arrangement of the converter, e.g. by means of rotational symmetry, the converter can be designed so that it can compensate for any centrifugal forces.
In addition, an actuation means is provided for a disengagement unit of a clutch pressure plate with a device for the application of a force axially onto the pressure plate, and with a central disengagement element, in which the device for providing an essentially axially directed force are combined with the central disengagement element by means of a disk spring. The disk spring can be arranged in a radial manner, to achieve the maximum possible reduction in constructional length of the housing.
This arrangement is of particular advantage if the device that provides for the application of an essentially axially directed force uses a disk spring. The force flow is then effected by two disk springs from the central disengagement element.
To facilitate installation, both the central disengagement element and the device for applying an essentially axially directed force may have a shoulder on which the disk spring can come in contact during installation. The disk spring can, for example, be disposed on the shoulder of the device that provides the axially directed force, and then positioned by means of the shoulder of the central disengagement element, while the central disengagement element is brought into its installation position.
In addition, actuating a means is provided for an axially effective clutch pressure plate, with a device for applying the force axially onto the pressure plate, and is mounted in a clutch housing, and connected with a disengagement element via a location provided for outside the bearing mount.
In this way, torque can be applied onto the device that applies the axial force so that the bearings need only work against a counter-pressure, if the torque is applied onto the device for applying an essentially axial force by the disengagement element.
The invention, has the advantage that the fixed bearings or counter-bearings can be done away with when the plate spring or disk is mounted since an essentially axially directed force, is applied when the disk spring takes effect on the clutch pressure plate. Since additional space is required for fixed bearings or counter-bearings of this type, this arrangement will further reduce the axial constructional length of the clutch according to the invention. In addition, eliminating fixed or counter-bearings will also result in a correspondingly simplified assembly, and a reduction in costs.
The invention, which has the advantage of eliminating a lever which had to be actuated axially, and which meets the axially applied forces on the clutch pressure plates, further serves as a vibration filter, so that the vibrations produced by the crankshaft, which could otherwise be transferred to the central disengagement element and to the clutch pedal, are absorbed in the transition between the device for applying the axially applied force, and the central release element.
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Heidingsfeld Dietmar
Rohs Hans
Rohs Ulrich
Bonck Rodney H.
Collard & Roe P.C.
Rodríguez Saúl
Rohs-Voigt Patentverwertungs-gesellschaft mbH
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