192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Operators
Patent
1988-08-05
1990-11-06
Lorence, Richard
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Operators
192 89B, 192DIG1, F16D 2314
Patent
active
049678914
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a release mechanism of a friction clutch used in automobiles and others, and particularly, of a pull-type clutch, in which a diaphragm spring is pulled by the release mechanism for releasing the clutch.
The diaphragm spring is, as well known, a member for biasing a pressure plate toward a friction facing of a clutch disk. The clutch of the pull type is released when a release bearing pulls the inner periphery of the diaphragm spring axially outwardly, i.e., away from the clutch disk.
An example of the release bearing mechanism for the pull type clutch is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 59-197623 (French Patent Application No. 8305848). In this mechanism, a cylindrical connecting member is provided at an inner periphery of the diaphragm spring. An extension of an inner race of a release bearing is fitted into the connecting member. The connecting member and the extension are connected by means of a ring member similar to a snap ring.
In this structure, the release bearing and the diaphragm spring can be assembled and disassembled by removing and re-attaching the ring member.
In the above structure, because the connecting member and the inner race are connected only through the ring member, large load is applied to the ring member in the clutch engaging operation. Further, because the ring member can not be stably fitted to the inner periphery of the connection member and/or the outer periphery of the inner race without a radial gap, the ring member may radially move or deviate with respect to the inner race and/or the connection member, in which case, partially excessive load may be applied to the ring member, resulting in breakage thereof.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved structure, overcoming the above-noted disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a release bearing mechanism of a clutch comprises a release bearing connected to an operation mechanism for applying an operating force to the bearing in a direction axially outwardly of the clutch, and including an inner race which is provided with a cylindrical extension extending in a direction axially inwardly of the clutch; a cylindrical wedge collar disposed around said cylindrical extension; and, a lever plate disposed around said wedge collar.
The wedge collar and the lever plate are movable through a predetermined axial distance relative to each other, and are provided at an axially outer portion of the wedge collar and at an axially inner portion of the lever plate with radially outward projections located at opposite sides of the diaphragm spring, respectively.
The lever plate is axially immovably connected to the diaphragm spring.
The cylindrical extension is provided at its outer periphery with a groove.
The wedge collar includes an inner engagement portion adapted to axially immovably engage the groove and an outer engagement portion adapted to engage the lever plate from axially inner side.
The wedge collar includes an elastically and radially deflectable portion, so that the radially outward deflection of the deflectable portion causes the movement of the inner engagement portion to an disengaged position.
The lever plate is operable to prevent the radially outward deflection of the wedge collar when the lever plate occupies the axially inner or forward position in the axially movable distance and is operable to permit the radially outward deflection of the wedge collar when the lever plate occupies the axially outer or rearward position in the axially movable distance.
A slip collar is interposed between the wedge collar and the cylindrical extension and positioned axially outside the inner engagement portion when the inner engagement portion engages the groove.
The inner engagement portion is capable of moving to a position around the slip collar when the elastically deflectable portion deflects radially outwardly.
The slip collar is operable to be moved along the cylindrical extension of the release bear
REFERENCES:
patent: 4632237 (1986-12-01), Maycock et al.
patent: 4648499 (1987-03-01), Despres et al.
patent: 4691815 (1987-09-01), Maycock et al.
patent: 4702362 (1987-10-01), Banks et al.
patent: 4733762 (1988-03-01), Gay et al.
patent: 4733763 (1988-03-01), Gay et al.
patent: 4733764 (1988-03-01), Corral et al.
Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
Lorence Richard
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