Abstract: The diaphragm spring of a clutch is connected in traction to the release bearing thereof by means of a gripping device comprising a collar held against the diaphragm spring by means of an annular resilient washer. By virtue of the contorted cross-sectional shape of the washer it provides the necessary elastic action whilst allowing a reduction in bulk.

Abstract: A maintained self-centering clutch release bearing comprises an operating sleeve moved axially by clutch release control means. There is radial clearance between the sleeve and a bearing comprising a non-turning race, a turning race and rolling members between the races. A clutch cover assembly operating boss is fastened to the turning race. There are respective and adjacently disposed rims on the non-turning race and the operating sleeve, both perpendicular to the axial direction. An elastic clamping ring bears against bearing means on the operating sleeve and acts axially on the rim of the non-turning race to urge its rim axially towards the rim of the operating sleeve, so that the rims are clamped axially together, with friction. This assembles together the bearing and the operating sleeve and provides for maintained self-cerntering of the clutch release bearing relative to the clutch cover assembly.

Abstract: A self-centering clutch release bearing for sustained alignment is disclosed comprising an operating member having a transverse flange, an annular bearing plate bearing axially against the flange and cooperating with a throw-out fork, a drive member (e.g. a ball bearing) coacting with clutch release members (e.g. diaphragm spring fingers) mounted for limited radial movement relative to the operating member. Resilient portions alternate with bearing portions on the bearing plate and axial tabs extend from the resilient portions for coupling the drive member to the operating member, the resilient portions biasing the drive member toward a flange on the operating member.

Abstract: The gripping piece (16) used, which allows the clutch release bearing (10) to be coupled to the diaphragm (11), comprises, in one piece, an annular collar (16), by means of which it bears on the diaphragm (11), and retaining lugs (20) which pass axially through the diaphragm (11) and which, to retain it axially on the said diaphragm (11), each carry circumferentially, beyond the latter, a retaining finger (21).According to the invention, the retaining finger (21) which a retaining lug (20) carries extends directly, starting from the axial end of such a retaining lug (20), so that the unit as a whole possesses only one bending elbow (42).The invention is used, in particular, for diaphragm clutches of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A friction clutch, particularly suitable for automotive vehicles, comprises a clutch release bearing disposed in axial face-to-face relationship with a diaphragm spring. The spring is mounted inside a clutch cover assembly and has a plurality of centripetal radial fingers around a central hole. The release bearing is adapted to act in traction on these fingers by means of a transverse annular flange disposed inside the cover assembly. The fingers of the diaphragm spring are formed so as to provide a penetration passage through the diaphragm spring for the transverse annular flange, along a penetration direction which is at an acute angle to the median plane of the fingers of the diaphragm spring. A pull type release bearing is obtained by adding a bush forming the transverse annular flange to the drive member of a push type release bearing.

Abstract: For the operation of a diaphragm by a clutch release bearing, there is attached on the diaphragm an operating member comprising in the form of a single piece, an annular collar intended to act by means of a support face on the ends of the fingers of the diaphragm and at least two retaining shoulders adapted to secure it axially on the diaphragm. The retaining shoulders are turned axially in the direction of the support face of the collar. The support face, being curved, accommodates the bending of the fingers of the diaphragm. Advantageously the operating member is fitted onto the diaphragm without stressing any of the fingers thereof.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing mounting assembly attaches a release bearing to the diaphragm spring of a pull-type clutch. An actuating component has a radial engagement flange which coacts with a disengaging member such as a diaphragm spring on the side of the diaphragm spring remote from the release bearing. A resilient coupling member axially connects the actuating member to the release bearing in the clutch release direction, that is, away from the clutch. Retaining fingers are arranged on the other side of the diaphragm spring, adjacent the release bearing, and cooperate with the engagement flange for axially maintaining the actuating component on the diaphragm spring. An annular biasing spring is also located on the other side of the diaphragm spring for urging the engagement flange against the diaphragm spring. The annular biasing spring is separate from the retaining fingers and bears against the clutch release bearing and against the diaphragm spring radially outwardly of the retaining fingers.