Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in a vehicle transmission including a clutch comprising an input shaft to a gearbox, a clutch release lever including a pair of shank ends on one end thereof, a pulling throwout bearing including a pair of engagement surfaces cooperating with the shank ends of the clutch release lever, the clutch release lever being rotatably mounted so that it can rotate between an assembly position during mounting of the gearbox onto the clutch wherein the pair of shank ends are displaced from the pulling throwout bearing during axial displacement of the gearbox towards the clutch, a rest position in which the pair of shank ends cooperatively engage the pulling throwout bearing, and a clutch release position.

Abstract: Clutch-release bearing device of the type comprising a rolling-contact bearing 1 with a rotating race 11 and a non-rotating race 6 and mounted on a rigid operating element 2 equipped with a tubular part 3 and a radial flange 5 against which a radial portion 10 of the non-rotating race 6 bears, and with self-alignment between the non-rotating race and the operating element. The device comprises at least one damping member 21 placed between the radial portion 10 of the non-rotating race 6 and the radial flange 5 of the operating element 2, the damping member comprising at least one thin metal element 22 which has two opposed parallel radial faces, and an elastic coating 23 covering at least one of the faces and secured to the metal element 22.

Abstract: In an annular space between a pulley and a shaft body disposed coaxially with each other, a one-way clutch is interposed in an intermediate range in an axial direction and rolling bearings are disposed on both sides in the axial direction of the one-way clutch. A tightening distance for fitting between the one-way clutch and pulley is set to be smaller than that between the rolling bearing and pulley. Due to this structure, in a condition in which an excessive radial load acts upon the pulley, that radial load acts on not the one-way clutch but the rolling bearings on both sides thereof, so that a clutch operation of the one-way clutch can be carried out stably.

Abstract: A pulley unit comprising two inner and outer annular bodies disposed coaxially and a one-way clutch interposed in an annular space between both the annular bodies, both ends in the axial direction of the annular space being sealed by a seal and at least the sealed portion of at least one seal being hidden by an annular member mounted to the inner annular body. By this structure, the sealed portion by the seal is protected from a direct splash of water, so that invasion of water through the sealed portion becomes unlikely to occur.

Abstract: A clutch/bearing assembly includes an outer ring having an inner circumference which is formed with an annular groove and a plurality of juxtaposed inclined ramps. The assembly also include an inner ring having an outer circumference which is formed with an annular groove and a juxtaposed flat. An annular frame formed with a plurality of grips is positioned between the inner and outer rings to hold a plurality of ball bearings in the grooves for rotation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring. Also, an annular casing is positioned between the inner and outer rings to hold a plurality of roller bearings between the flat of the inner ring and a respective inclined ramp on the outer ring. Specifically, the casing allows each roller bearing to separate from its respective inclined ramp and thereby permit a unidirectional rotation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring.

Abstract: A one-way clutch has an outer race and an inner race radially spaced apart from each other and concentrically disposed for rotation relative to each other, the outer race having an inner peripheral raceway surface, the inner race being disposed within the outer race and having an annular outer peripheral raceway surface, a plurality of cam type sprags disposed between the outer race and the inner race for transmitting a torque between the outer peripheral raceway surface and the inner peripheral raceway surface, an annular retainer for retaining the sprags, and a spring member for sandwiching the sprags between itself and the retainer and biasing the sprags in a meshing direction. The one-way clutch is further provided with bearings disposed in a circumferential direction among the cam type sprags and frictionally sliding on the inner peripheral surface of the outer race and the outer peripheral surface of the inner race.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism employing a dynamic damper 10 is disengageably coupled to an input shaft 9 of a transmission to suppress increasing the size in the coupling mechanism. A dynamic damper 10 can operate in a coupling mechanism 1, which is coupled a crankshaft 8 of an engine and an input shaft 9 of a transmission. The dynamic damper 10 includes a mass member 11, a sub-clutch 13 and an elastic portion assembly 12. The dynamic damper 10 is rotatably attached to the crankshaft 6 via a bearing 6. The mass member 11 can rotate in accordance with the input shaft 9. The sub-clutch 13 releases an interlocked relationship between the input shaft 9 and the mass member 11 when the crankshaft 8 and the input shaft 9 are disengaged from each other. The elastic portion assembly 12 elastically couples the input shaft 9 and the mass member 11 together when the input shaft 9 is interlocked with the mass member 11.

Abstract: A drive device for a current-generating unit suitable for use in motor vehicles has a freewheel, between a driving part and a driven part, for the purpose of damping out rotational oscillations, as a result of which load peaks are reduced and service life is increased.

Abstract: An input shaft bearing retainer for use in a vehicle transmission assembly maintains an input bearing in a desired position without the use of external fasteners such as bolts. The bearing retainer includes an exterior portion having a radially extending flange that is engaged between a transmission case outer wall and a clutch housing outer wall. Since the clutch housing outer wall remains fixed relative to the outer wall of the transmission case, the input bearing retainer is also maintained in place. The interface between an opening through the transmission case and the bearing retainer includes a seal member in the form of an O-ring to maintain a fluid tight seal at the opening of the transmission case.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve for a disengagement mechanism for clutch actuation in motor vehicles has at least two pairs of cams with convexities of different heights from an actuation level on the sliding sleeve that is connectable to the clutch. Each of the pairs of cams selectively fits into a window of an oscillating link or clutch release fork, whereby the oscillating window and sliding sleeve have contours that fix the sliding sleeve at one position. By selecting which of the pair of cams engages the oscillating link or clutch release lever, different mounting heights of the actuation level on the sliding sleeve from the oscillating link or the clutch release fork may be realized.

Abstract: A shim for use in a clutch release bearing and housing assembly includes an annular base portion, a first pivot pad, a second pivot pad, a first contact leg and a second contact leg. The first pivot pad and the second pivot pad are both formed on a first side of the base portion. The second pivot pad is located opposite the first pivot pad. The first contact leg and the second contact leg both extend from the base portion substantially normal to the base portion. Both are circumferentially offset from both of the pivot pads.

Abstract: The invention describes a vehicle transmission (2) with helical toothing wherein a first shaft (4, 60, 100, 104, 160, 162, 220, 300) and one substantially coaxial second shaft (28, 62, 102, 180, 246, 302) have a mechanism (36-50, 76-84, 120-154, 226, 234, 244, 306) between them for the transmission of axial forces and simultaneously allow rotation movement and radial mobility of the shafts relative to one another. Axial forces, particularly resulting from the helical toothing, can also be transmitted in transmissions having several countershafts.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for controlling the transmission of rotational forces between first (14) and second (66) members through an axially shiftable friction element (56) that rotates in unison with the first member (14) and can be selectively brought into engagement with the second member (66) is provided with a forced air cooling system that functions to cool the interface between the friction element (56) and the second member (66), as well as a first bearing (54) allowing relative rotation between the friction element (56) and an actuation member (38). A flow of cooling air is developed during operation of the apparatus by fins (172,174) formed about an outer radial surface portion of the friction element (56) and the air is caused to flow through enlarged lobe cut-out sections (156) in the second member (66) along the interface and through holes (164) formed in the friction element (56) which are arranged opposite the first bearing (54).

Abstract: A mounting system for attaching a clutch assembly to a base structure includes a support member, a clutch assembly mounted on the support member, the clutch assembly having a clutch with an axis generally normal to the support member, a bearing assembly mounted on the support member, and a fastener attached to the base structure and extending through the bearing assembly to prevent rotation of the support member with respect to the axis of the clutch, where the bearing assembly enables relative movement of the support member away from the plane of the base structure.

Abstract: A bearing unit A comprises a main shaft gear 1 integrally having a tooth section 1a always meshed with a sub shaft gear 6 at the outer circumference, a pair of inner rings 2 fitted in the outer circumference of the main shaft 5, double-row tapered rollers 3 disposed between the raceway surface of the main shaft gear 1 and that of the inner ring 2, and a pair of cages 4 for respectively retaining each row of tapered rollers 3. The pockets 4a of the cage 4 are unequally pitched, wherein the tapered rollers 3 housed in the pockets 4a are unequally disposed at the circumference.

Abstract: A release device (3) is arranged around a main input shaft of a transmission, is provided for pulling an inner peripheral portion of a diaphragm spring (9) toward a transmission so as to disengage a clutch (2), and includes a second sleeve (12), a first lever plate (16) and a second lever plate (17). The second sleeve (12) is axially movably. The first lever plate (16) is an annular member, which is fixed to an outer periphery of the second sleeve (12) and has a spherical convex surface (16a) opposed to a transmission. The second lever plate (17) is an annular member, which has a spherical concave surface (17a) in slidable contact with the spherical convex surface (16a) and is in contact with an inner peripheral end of the diaphragm spring (9).

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes an annular retainer including sprag pockets formed in a plurality of portions of its side face in the circumferential direction, and spring mounting portions formed circumferentially adjacent to the sprag pockets; sprags to be fitted in the sprag pockets; and spring members mounted in the spring mounting portions for holding the sprags in predetermined positions in the sprag pockets. The one-way clutch is assembled by mounting the sprags and the spring members sideways of the retainer.

Abstract: A friction clutch with a mechanically-operated disengagement device that includes two elements that can be turned relative to one another, which are arranged concentric to the rotational axis and are supported on the clutch housing, on the one hand, and on the operating elements of the friction clutch on the other. These two elements are connected to the clutch pedal with a cable, on the one hand, and with a sheath, on the other.

Abstract: An assembly for rotatably mounting a shaft to a member includes a passage formed in the member within which the shaft is received, and a series of grooves formed in an internal wall which defines the passage. The grooves extend parallel to the axis of the passage and the shaft, and a pin member is received within each groove. Each pin member has a diameter greater than the depth of the groove, so that a portion of the pin member extends beyond the internal wall. The shaft is engaged by the pin members, which function to maintain the shaft out of engagement with the internal wall. The groove and pin member construction provides a bearing between the shaft and the member, without the need and space requirements of a cage typically associated with a conventional preassembled needle bearing package. The invention can be used in any application in which a shaft is to be rotatably mounted to a member, and illustratively may be used in a centrifugal clutch assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a one-way clutch capable of preventing the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring of the one-way clutch from being deformed even when the outer ring of the one-way clutch for a stator constituting a torque converter is integrally formed with the stator made of plastic.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated clutch includes a pair of hydraulic cylinder housings formed as blocks bolted to the clutch housing. In a most Preferred embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder housing extends into an opening in tie side wall of the outer clutch housing and is bolted at an outer location to the transmission bell housing. A fluid connection is made at an outer surface such that an assembler need not reach into the transmission bell housing to make the fluid connections. The hydraulic cylinder housing preferably has a machined piston bore, and fluid passages communicating the piston bore to the connection at the outer location on the hydraulic cylinder housing. In a second embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder housing also includes a block having a machined piston bore and fluid passage, however the block is bolted to an internal surface in the outer clutch housing.

Abstract: A wet clutch assembly comprises an input shaft and a stack comprising interleaved first and second sets of clutch members. A hydraulic actuator piston is located concentrically around the input shaft, but is static. A member rotationally fast with one of the sets of clutch members is journalled to the actuator piston by means of a bearing whose inner race is integral with the piston.

Abstract: A vehicular automatic transmission, for establishing a plurality of forward gear stages, includes: a transmission case; an input shaft; a transmission mechanism connected to the input shaft and including a plurality of transmission elements; an output shaft connected to the transmission mechanism; a clutch drivably connecting any one of the input shaft and the transmission elements individually; and a hydraulic servo for applying the clutch responsive to an oil pressure. The transmission case encloses the transmission mechanism, the clutch and the hydraulic servo, and includes axial end walls, on one of which is formed a stationary cylinder for the hydraulic servo. A piston is slidably mounted in the cylinder and together with the cylinder, defines an oil chamber for receipt of the actuating oil pressure. A bearing is arranged between the piston and the clutch for transmitting the thrust force from the piston to the clutch, while allowing relative rotation between the piston and the clutch.

Abstract: The damped flywheel comprises two coaxial masses (1, 2) which are mounted for rotation of one with respect to the other against a torsion damper device (3), with one of the masses comprising a central nose (4, 40) projecting axially and penetrating into a central aperture (5, 50, 51) of the other mass, With support member(s) (6) being interposed between the said nose and the said aperture. These member(s) (6) comprise at least one plain bearing (70, 62 to 66) in the form of a hard, semi-crystalline polyetheretherketone material such as ARLON, for the rotary mounting of the mass having the central aperture (5, 50, 51) on the mass having the central nose (4, 40).

Abstract: A reversing transmission for marine propulsion units or the like. The reversing transmission includes a multiple disc clutch assembly that is cooperative with a pair of bevel gear and clutch assemblies. These bevel gear and clutch assemblies are made up of a two-part construction each comprised of a bevel gear and a tubular sleeve that is affixed to the bevel gear and which carries a series of clutch plates. A clutch actuating piston is also incorporated that has a tapered end face so as to improve and make smoother the clutch engagement.

Abstract: A bearing unit for linearly moving selector shafts in a toothed-wheel gearbox with rows of beating balls in a cage rolling on the one hand on an inner surface of a sleeve permanently fitted to the gearbox housing and on the other hand on the gear change shaft. The sleeve has a flange at one end by which the sleeve can be secured to a gearbox housing in such a way that it extends freely into the gearbox housing over its entire length.

Abstract: There is provided in combination a first member and a second member movable in a reciprocal angular movement, and an articulation between the first member and the second member. The articulation comprises a shaft and a mechanism to convert the angular reciprocal movements of both members into an intermittent unidirectional rotary movement of the shaft. The mechanism of the articulation comprises a pair of ball bearings having each an outer race mounted in a fixed relationship with a respective first or second member, and also having each an inner race mounted in a fixed and coaxial relationship with the shaft. The mechanism further has a pair of flanges, being each mounted adjacent and coaxially a respective bearing, and also in a fixed relationship with a respective first or second member.

Abstract: A sprag and roller one-way clutch assembly (10) including an outer cage (12), an inner cage (14) and a ribbon spring (16) for use with a clutch having outer and inner races (70, 72). The outer and inner cages (12, 14) each defines a plurality of corresponding sprag and roller openings (20, 30, 22, 32). The ribbon spring (16) defines a plurality of corresponding sprag and roller windows (40, 42). A plurality of spaced sprags (50) extends between and through the corresponding sprag openings (20, 30) defined by the outer and inner cages (12, 14) and through the corresponding sprag windows (40, 42) defined by the ribbon spring (16). A plurality of spaced rollers (60) extends between the corresponding roller openings (22, 32) defined by the outer and inner cages (12, 14) and through the corresponding roller windows (42) defined by the ribbon spring (16). Each of the rollers (60) has a substantially cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bushing for a one-way clutch which is to be assembled in a stator of a torque converter. The bushing is useful for centering outer and inner rings of the one-way clutch and for backing up an associated thrust needle bearing. The bushing has a thrust surface to be positioned facing the thrust needle bearing and defines a center hole, an inner periphery and an outer periphery. The bushing is provided with a plurality of grooves formed in the thrust surface of the bushing and extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. An inward extension of a longitudinal center line of each of the grooves does not intersect a center of the bushing. The grooves may be arranged, for example, in the form of a whorl.

Abstract: A friction clutch between an engine and a transmission in a motor vehicle has a diaphragm spring with prongs which are moved axially by a bearing in order to disengage the clutch. The bearing is mounted on an actuating device including a driven part carried by a support on the transmission case and a driving part which can be rotated by a clutch pedal. The actuating device can be moved axially by a first ramp assembly having complementary ramps on the support and the driven part. A second ramp assembly forms part of a wear compensating unit which automatically changes the axial position and/or the orientation of the diaphragm spring to compensate for wear at least upon the friction linings of the clutch disc forming part of the clutch. The second ramp assembly can include mating internal and external threads. A third ramp assembly is defined or carried by the driving and driven parts of the actuating device.

Abstract: A tapered roller one-way clutch for use with vertical shafts having an outside surface comprising a clutch housing having a bore extending through the housing and the vertical shaft rotatably inserted into the bore, a plurality of roller pockets are formed on the inside surface of the bore, the roller pockets extend axially along the inside surface of the bore from near the top of the bore to near the bottom of the bore and are spaced equally around a circumference of the bore, each roller pocket further comprises a roller landing tapering away from the axis of the bore to a roller shoulder formed along a diameter of the bore, a tapered roller having an outer surface is rotatably held in each roller pocket by the shaft outside surface, the roller landing is inclined to the axis of the bore to allow the outer roller surface to roll along the shaft outside surface and hold the tapered roller at an angle to maximize surface contact, the roller landing having an arcuate or helical shape from the roller shoulder t

Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly with an internal bearing assembly. An internal bearing assembly is positioned on the transmission shaft of a vehicle. The internal bearing assembly is a tubular sleeve and has perforations in it for holding ball bearings. A tubular collar rides over the internal bearing assembly. A conventional clutch release bearing assembly rides over the inner collar. The conventional clutch release bearing and the inner collar slide up and down the transmission shaft on the internal bearing assembly. The internal bearing keeps the conventional bearing assembly centered on the transmission shaft and provides free movement with only minimal clearance therebetween.

Abstract: A friction clutch of the pull to release type, includes a clutch casing (10) within which there is arranged a declutching control device (20), which comprises a clutch release bearing and a hydraulic actuating device (26, 34) that comprises at least one actuating piston (34), which is arranged to urge the clutch release bearing (20) axially in a first direction (F1) so as to disengage the clutch when the hydraulic actuating device is supplied with fluid under pressure, together with a lever (44) having a body (46), a first end portion (50) and a second end portion (60). The body (46) of the lever (44 extends through an oblong aperture formed in the wall of the casing (10), while the second end portion of the lever (44) projects outside the casing (10) so as to enable the clutch release bearing (20) to be urged, through the piston (26, 34), axially in a second direction (F2) opposite to the first direction (F1).

Abstract: A bearing housing (6) for receiving a rolling contact bearing (3) is formed to be integral with the main frame (4), the outer flange portion (5b) of a clutch housing (5) for receiving the roller clutch (2) and the inner flange portion (6b) of the bearing housing (6) axially engage each other through an annular member (7) of resin or rubber, notch portions (5d) and tooth portions (6c) circumferentially engageable with each other are distributively provided in the clutch housing (5) and the bearing housing (6), and radial and axial clearances (S1) and (S2) are formed for floating the clutch housing (5) relative to the bearing housing (6).

Abstract: A declutching mechanism having firstly, a hydraulic actuator comprising at least one fixed member and a movable member defining a first control chamber, and secondly, a clutch release bearing attached to the movable member and manoeuvrable by the latter in a first axial direction, referred to as the declutching direction, in order to transmit a declutching force to a connecting piece. The actuator includes a second control chamber which is independent of the first control chamber, and which is delimited at least partly by the fixed member and the movable member for the manoeuvre of the movable member in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A radial bearing which can be pressurized by a pressure medium and is arranged between two elements of a load-switchable transmission which rotate at different speeds, a hydraulic pressure medium flowing through the radial bearing causing engagement of a multiplate clutch, and radial sealing rings (10,11) being arranged between the two elements of said transmission in a region of the radial bearing on each side of a pressure medium passage, characterized in that the radial bearing is configured as a rolling bearing whose rolling elements (7,8) are bearing needles guided in a cage (9) which comprises several preferably circumferentially uniformly spaced radial through-apertures (20).

Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly inserted between a rotary driving element and a rotary driven element and comprising a locking element overrunning clutch and a radial rolling bearing arranged adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween, an axial securing arrangement provided for the two components of the overrunning clutch assembly comprising rims extending laterally from respective cages of the overrunning clutch assembly and the radial rolling bearing, characterized in that the axial securing (3, 3a to 3f) of the locking element overrunning clutch (2,20) and the radial rolling bearing (15,25) is effected in the gap (14, 14a to 14f).

Abstract: Hydrokinetic torque converter, including a housing driven by an internal combustion engine with a housing wall near the drive which is provided with a concentric guide hub, a pump wheel integrated into the housing wall away from the drive, a turbine wheel located between the pump wheel and the housing wall near the drive, which turbine wheel is non-rotationally connected by means of a turbine wheel hub to the output, possibly a stator located between the two, whereby the turbine wheel and/or the pump wheel are provided with axial bearings opposite the stator, and whereby the walls of the pump wheel and/or of the turbine wheel pressurized with axial pressure are provided on their radially inside diameter with mountings for fastening the axial bearings.

Abstract: The flying wedge clutch assembly is a speed actuated coupling device that provides low speed axial load and torque transmission and disengages for increased shaft motion at higher speeds. The flying wedge clutch assembly is a compact and lightweight design, roughly equivalent to a conventional ball bearing assembly in a typical turbopump application. Advantageously, the flying wedge clutch assembly can be used in high speed rotating machines with radial hydrostatic bearings eliminating the speed and life limitations normally attributed to rolling element bearings.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved automotive clutch in which the clutch diaphragm is supported by a subassembly of a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart spherical balls which includes a center locator to orient the subassembly on the center line of the clutch. In some applications the subassembly of balls and retainer ring can also be provided as the fulcrum support for the diaphragm. In the pull-off type of clutch, the base of the diaphragm is supported by a subassembly of balls and retainer ring which is carried on the undersurface of the clutch housing cover, and an additional subassembly of balls and retainer ring can be provided on the upper surface of the pressure plate. The subassembly of the balls and retainer ring greatly facilitates, and enhances the precision of an installation in an automotive clutch.

Abstract: An aircraft brake (11) typically includes a torque tube (16) supported by a pedestal (24) upon an axle (18). The torque tube (16) is connected with the plurality of stators (20) which interface with a plurality of rotors (22) connected with a surrounding wheel (10). In order to improve the configuration stability of torque tube (16) during operation of the brake (11), a spacer member (40) is located between the inner diameter surface (17) of the torque tube (16) and the outer diameter surface (15) of the axle (14). The spacer member (40) has an outer diameter surface (42) which supports the inner diameter surface (17) of the torque tube (16) and an inner diameter surface (46) which is supported by the axle (14). A splined support ring (50) engage splines (47) at the inner diameter surface (46) of the spacer member (40) and is press fitted to the axle (14).

Abstract: A declutching device, especially for a motor vehicle clutch of the pull-off type, comprises an hydraulic actuator. The latter comprises a fixed member and a movable member in piston and cylinder relationship, defining a control chamber between them, together with preloading force for biassing the movable member of the hydraulic actuator permanently towards one of its end positions with respect to the fixed member of the actuator. The supply of hydraulic fluid to the control chamber is under the control of a valve, which is for example incorporated in a boss which is part of the fixed member of the hydraulic actuator. The valve has a movable valve member which is in communication with the control chamber on one side, and which is biassed by a spring on the opposite side of the valve member.

Abstract: An assembly includes an overrunning clutch, a rolling bearing and a casing supporting them. An overrunning clutch-supporting portion of the casing has inwardly protruding portions that inter-engage with raised portions on an outer ring of the overrunning clutch in the direction of rotation of the outer ring. As a result, a clearance is defined between the inwardly protruding portions of the overrunning clutch-supporting portion and the raised portions of the outer ring. The overrunning clutch is automatically centered to a rotation shaft when used. An elastic ring is interposed in a predetermined compressed state between the outer ring and the overrunning clutch-supporting portion. Frictional resistance is produced between the outer ring and the overrunning clutch-supporting portion preventing the overrunning clutch from becoming shaky in the casing. The overrunning clutch is pressed against the casing by a spacer to produce the same frictional resistance between the overrunning clutch and the casing.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing device includes a first member for being connected to a clutch release fork, a second member slidably disposed on the first member for retaining a clutch spring, a sleeve member which is mounted on the first member, and a detent member which engages the first member and the second member. The first member includes a bearing mechanism and a groove portion while the sleeve member includes a restrict portion. The detent member engages the groove portion and contacts the restrict portion to maintain the first and second members in engagement with one another.

Abstract: A cone-type clutch is provided having a cone-shaped housing coupled to a drive shaft for engaging a cone-shaped friction cone coupled to a driven shaft to establish a driving connection between the shafts. The clutch is activated by rotating two actuating levers relative to each other to engage opposing ramp surfaces and separate the actuating levers axially in order to force contact between the cone-shaped housing and friction cone.

Abstract: A declutching device comprises an hydraulic actuator, a preloading spring which permanently bias the movable member of the hydraulic actuator towards its retracted position with respect to the fixed member of the actuator, and a retaining element for retaining the movable member in its extended position with respect to the fixed member. The retaining element comprises a locking ring which is held under precompression in a groove formed in the movable member of the actuator, while another groove, with a stepped base, is formed in the fixed member of the actuator. The base of this latter groove comprises at least two steps, offset axially from each other and having different diameters, namely a first step for holding the locking ring at least partially engaged in the groove of the movable member, and a step which is adapted to enable it to escape automatically from this groove.

Abstract: A declutching device for a clutch of the pull-off type, especially for a motor vehicle, comprises an hydraulic actuator, a preloading coil spring which permanently biasses the movable member of the hydraulic actuator towards its retracted position into the fixed member of the actuator with which the movable member is in piston and cylinder relationship, and a retaining element for holding the movable member in its extended position with respect to the fixed member until the declutching device has been properly snap-fitted on to the clutch. The preloading spring is indexed angularly on the fixed member and on the movable member, and the retaining element comprise a lug, which is fixed to one of the two actuator members and engages with an angle element fixed to the other actuator element, so as to provide axial and circumferential abutment between the two actuator members in a predetermined relative angular position of these latter, and such as to put the spring into torsional prestress.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved automotive clutch in which the clutch diaphragm is supported by rotational bearings, preferably spherical balls which are carried in a circular groove on the upper surface of a raised rim on the pressure plate. In some applications the rotational bearings can also be provided at the fulcrum support for the diaphragm. In the pull-off type of clutch, the base of the diaphragm is supported by rotational bearings carried on the undersurface of the clutch housing cover, and additional rotational bearings are provided on a raised rim on the pressure plate. In either application, the rotational bearings can be spherical balls, or elongated rollers.

Abstract: A overrunning clutch having a lateral rolling bearing, wherein clamping elements (21) and rolling elements (23) are carried in respective separate cages (22 and 24) between an inner ring (15) and an outer ring (16). The rings are provided with tracks (17, 19 and 20) adapted to the clamping and rolling elements. The breadth of the rings exceeds the length of the clamping elements (21), the cages (22 and 24) adjoin one another, and at least one of the cages (22) is snap-fitted and axially secured by means of radial projections (27) in an annular groove (28) in one of the rings. The clamping element cage (22) has, adjacent the rolling bearing, an axial shoulder (25) and a radial flange part (26). The rolling bearing cage (24) has axially projecting annular beads (29 and 30), one of which merges into a radial guide flange (31), which is guided axially between the annular shoulder (18) and the adjacent flange part (26) of the free-wheel cage (22) and radially by the shoulder (25).

Abstract: A release apparatus for a pull-type friction clutch wherein the coupling between the parts on the engine and the parts on the power train of a motor vehicle is automatically deactivated in response to separation of the engine from the power train, and is automatically reestablished during reassembly of the engine with the power train. The coupling employs a detent in the form of a resilient split wire ring which is carried by the parts on the engine or by the parts on the power train, and a complementary undercut member which is carried by the parts on the power train or by the parts on the engine and form-lockingly engages the detent when the two sets of parts assume predetermined axial positions relative to each other. A releasing device is provided on one set of parts to depress the detent into a socket in response to movement of the engine and the power train away from each other to thus deactivate the coupling.