Clutch release bearing and method of assembly

• US 20050011718A1
• Filed: 06/17/2004
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ABet SKF
• Original Assignee: ABet SKF
• Inventors: Arnault, Benoit
• Granted Patent: US 7,228,951 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 192/98
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 19/163 with angular contact
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 2361/43 Clutches, e.g. disengaging bearing
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 23/14 Clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings; Actuating members directly connected to clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 25/082 the line of action of the fluid-actuated members co-inciding with the axis of rotation
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 25/083 Actuators therefor F16D25/085 - F16D25/087 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 384/903 Retaining ring
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49696 Mounting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4987 Elastic joining of parts

Abstract

Clutch release bearing device that includes: an operating element; a rolling-contact bearing fitted with a non-rotating ring and a rotating ring and connected axially to the operating element; and an annular fixing ring provided with an axial portion mounted inside the operating element and also with an axially elastic portion whose axially opposite side from the operating element is pressed axially against the non-rotating ring, the fixing ring being able to keep the non-rotating ring axially connected to the operating element and yet allow radial movement.

Claims

1. A clutch release bearing device comprising:

an operating element;

a rolling-contact bearing fitted with a non-rotating ring and a rotating ring;

a means of axial connection between the operating element and the rolling-contact bearing; and

a fixing ring mounted on the operating element and provided with a plurality of radially elastic tabs for the axial retention of an elastic element which is placed between the elastic tabs and the non-rotating ring in order to apply axial pressure on the non-rotating ring.

2. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the fixing ring is made in one piece.

3. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the fixing ring further comprises tabs for coupling the fixing ring to the operating element.

4. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the fixing ring comprises a first axial portion is coupled to the operating element, a radial portion, and a second axial portion supporting said elastic tabs.

5. The clutch release bearing device of claim 4, wherein the radial portion is coupled to the non-rotating ring.

6. The clutch release bearing device of claim 4, wherein the second axial portion passes through the area of least diameter of the non-rotating ring.

7. The clutch release bearing device of claim 4, wherein the elastic tabs extend from the second axial portion and are directed obliquely outward from the second axial portion towards the radial portion of the fixing ring.

8. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the elastic element comprises an axially elastic washer.

9. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the elastic tabs are coupled to a small-diameter area of said elastic element.

10. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the non-rotating ring comprises an inwardly directed radial portion situated axially between a radial portion of the fixing ring and the elastic element.

11. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the non-rotating ring is coupled to the elastic element.

12. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, further comprising a sealing element coupled to the non-rotating ring and to the elastic element.

13. The clutch release bearing device of claim 1, wherein the operating element comprises a hydraulic push member.

14. A clutch release bearing device comprising:

an operating element;

a rolling-contact bearing fitted with a non-rotating ring and a rotating ring;

a fixing ring mounted on the operating element and provided with a plurality of radially elastic tabs for the axial retention of an elastic element which is placed between the elastic tabs and the non-rotating ring in order to apply axial pressure on the non-rotating ring and to connect axially the operating element and the rolling-contact bearing.

15. A clutch control system comprising a cylinder and a clutch release bearing device, the clutch release bearing device comprising:

an operating element disposed in the cylinder;

a rolling-contact bearing fitted with a non-rotating ring and a rotating ring;

a fixing ring mounted on the operating element and provided with a plurality of radially elastic tabs for the axial retention of an elastic element which is placed between the said elastic tabs and the said non-rotating ring in order to apply axial pressure on the non-rotating ring and to connect axially the operating element and the rolling-contact bearing.

16. A method for assembling a clutch release bearing comprising:

bringing an elastic element into contact with a non-rotating ring of a rolling-contact bearing; and

advancing a fixing ring from the axially opposite side of the non-rotating ring, wherein the fixing ring comprises a plurality of radially elastic tabs, and wherein advancing the fixing ring causes the elastic tabs to retract radially as they pass through the elastic element, after which they resume their initial shape, preventing separation of the non-rotating ring and the elastic element and allowing the elastic element placed between the elastic tabs and the non-rotating ring to apply axial pressure to the non-rotating ring.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising fitting the fixing ring onto an operating element.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising applying axial pressure to the elastic element to help the elastic tabs click into place.