Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle with a release bearing which is engaged by a clutch lever with an axially displaceable thrust ring connected in an axially locked manner with regard to pulling by locking elements spaced about its periphery with a rotatable inner ring of the release bearing, and with unlocking lugs corresponding with the locking elements and disengage the locking elements from the inner ring, characterized in that an unlocking slide (15) is guided for radial displacement between an idle position and an unlocking position on the clutch lever (3) and corresponds with the unlocking lugs (22) and the unlocking lugs (22) disengage the locking elements (12) from the inner ring (7) by the unlocking slide (15) which is shifted into the unlocking position.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly has a clutch cover adapted to be coupled to a flywheel of an engine, a pressure plate disposed inwardly of the clutch cover, a diaphragm spring having an outer edge engaged by the clutch cover for resiliently pressing the pressure plate, a bearing fixed to an inner edge of the diaphragm spring and having rotatable elements and an inner race supporting the rotatable elements, a bearing hub axially movably disposed in the bearing for being axially movably disposed on an input shaft of a transmission, a locking member disposed between the inner race and the bearing hub for locking the bearing hub against movement with respect to the bearing away from the engine, and a release fork engageable with the bearing hub for axially moving the bearing hub and the bearing away from the engine to release the pressure plate from the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly includes a tubular plastic carrier member for actuating a self-aligning clutch release bearing. The bearing is connected to the carrier with a rigid annular clip. The rigid clip is formed with recesses or tabs which receive or engage complimentary mating portions provided on the carrier. A radial flange is formed on the clip for axially restraining the bearing on the carrier. Bearing seals may be provided on the flange to prevent debris from entering the bearing assembly.

Abstract: For the snap connection of a clutch releaser with spring tongue ends of a diaphragm spring in a pulled-type diaphragm spring clutch, there is secured to the spring tongue ends a first ring part which comprises a radially inwardly protruding first stop ring shoulder directed axially away from the releaser. With the releaser there is connected a second ring part which comprises a radially outwardly protruding second stop ring shoulder directed axially to the releaser and is insertable, with the second stop ring shoulder leading, through beneath the first stop ring shoulder axially into the first ring part. On the side of the first ring shoulder axially remote from the releaser a radially elastic wire ring is arranged which snaps over the second ring shoulder in the insertion of the second ring part. A support ring is axially fixedly inserted into the first ring part and axially supports the wire ring on a ring shoulder in the insertion of the second ring part.

Abstract: The fluid friction clutch, suitable especially for the cooling fan of an internal combustion engine, has an aluminum housing mounted rotatably by means of a rolling bearing on a drive shaft. The outer race ring of the bearing is seated directly in a tubular bearing extension piece of the aluminum housing. A ring part, held on the bearing extension piece, of a material with lower coefficient of thermal expansion than aluminum, is secured on the bearing extension piece and prevents its widening with rising working temperature.

Abstract: An improved clutch release bearing assembly includes a sliding sleeve providing first and second sliding surfaces respectively facing the bore of a bearing and a guide element extending through the bore, both surfaces minimizing binding, wear or excessive friction between the bearing and the guide element during relative reciprocal motion therebetween. The sleeve, preferably fashioned from plastic, finds particular utility in a clutch release bearing surrounding a transmission shaft retainer or quill tube. The length of the sleeve is such that the bearing may slide on an outer sliding surface for a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A first member, such as a clutch release bearing can be releasably connected to a second member, such as a cup spring in a coupling device, in that the member has a cyclindrical portion, which is insertable in a hole in the second member, the hole being surrounded by radially inwardly directed tongues. The portion is provided with radially outwardly directed projections forming a rim and being of a number and a circumferential extension corresponding to the interspaces between the tongues and which can be displayed through these interspaces. Catch fingers are arranged to be inserted between the tongues and the projections respectively after assembly for preventing unintentional disconnection of the connection. The fingers may be removed from the lock position at dismounting.

Abstract: This is a "pull" type clutch release bearing. There are provided, on the one hand, abutment means adapted for circumferential bearing engagement, in a first direction, of the clutch release bearing on a member external thereto, on rotation of the clutch release bearing about its axis, and, on the other hand, a bracing member adapted to oppose any retrograde rotation of the clutch release bearing after such circumferential bearing engagement.

Abstract: A clutch/brake for alternatively connecting a rotatably driven shaft to a driving member and a stationary member has clutch plates operatively connecting the driven shaft and the driving member and brake plates operatively connecting the driven shaft and the stationary member. A clutch operator for urging the clutch plates together is connected to rotate with the driving member. A brake operator for urging the brake plates together is connected to rotate with the driven shaft. A linkage connects the clutch and brake operators to move axially together and includes a bearing which transmits axial thrust loads statically when the clutch is engaged. An annular pneumatic piston moves the clutch and brake operators in a first axial direction to engage the clutch, is connected to the outer bearing race and rotates with the driving member. Brake springs bias the clutch and brake operators in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction to engage the brake and are connected to the inner bearing race.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly comprises a clutch release bearing adapted to be coupled to a clutch release device of a clutch by a coupling part attached to the clutch release device. This coupling part comprises a radial bearing flange adapted to bear axially on the clutch release device and an axial bush passing axially through the clutch release device. The assembly further comprises a drive part on the clutch release bearing and a fastening device operative in traction between the coupling part and the drive part. This fastening device fastens the coupling part and the drive part together in the axial direction from the clutch release device to the clutch release bearing. It comprises an annular coupling member carried by either the coupling part or the drive part. This is elastically deformable in the radial direction. There is a transverse drive bearing surface on the other part and the annular coupling member bears axially on this drive bearing surface.

Abstract: A damping assembly which is interposed between two coaxial flywheels in the power train between the crankshaft of the engine and the transmission of an automobile has a friction generating device which is operative within a certain range of angular movability of the flywheels relative to each other to enhance the versatility and damping characteristics and to render it possible to more accurately conform such damping characteristics to the circumstances under which the flywheels are put to use.

Abstract: A bearing assembly having particular usefulness as a throw-out or release bearing for a motor vehicle mechanical clutch. The bearing assembly has a cylindrical housing provided with an annular end wall engaged with, or mounted on, the flange of a bearing carrier. The non-revolving race of the bearing is engaged against the housing end wall such as to permit lateral displacement of the race relative to the housing end wall. The revolving race of the bearing supports an annular adapter having an outwardly extending flange engaged with the release fingers of the clutch mechanism. The housing is closed by an annular end cap having a flange radially extending between the end face of the revolving race and the adapter flange and provided with a seal having its lip engaged with the revolving race end face or with the back surface of the adapter flange. A second annular seal is preferably provided between the end of the adapter opposite to the flange and the surface of the housing end wall.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing suitable for automobile vehicles comprises an operating element designed to be acted on directly or indirectly by a control member. In practice this is a clutch release yoke. It also comprises a drive member designed to operate on the clutch release device of a clutch. This bears axially on the operating element either directly or indirectly. Coupling means couple the drive element to the operating element in the axial direction. The coupling means are in one piece with a substantially plane plate and have a generally U-shaped configuration, with two parallel arms joined by an arch-shaped curve middle part. They consist of two clips disposed at diametrically opposite positions relative to each other. Each is formed from a respective arm of the aforementioned plate, the whole forming a single member.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus is shown in its most preferred form as a clutch-brake including an improved housing having a cylindrical body portion and first and second circular shaped ends removably secured thereto. The body portion includes an axially extending annular member intersecting with a radially extending annular member. The radially extending annular member forms an interface surface and a surface for reciprocal receipt of a piston inside the axially extending annular member and forms a mounting flange outside the axially extending annular member for securing axially extending studs threadably received in the second housing end. The first housing end includes an axially extending projection having surfaces for receipt in the axially extending annular member and for reciprocal receipt of the piston.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing and bearing carrier assembly comprising a bearing support flange at one end of a carrier member, the bearing support flange having elastically outwardly spreadable fingers or lugs with a retaining ledge or shoulder at their end for holding a clutch throw-out bearing against the flange by snap fit. The carrier member has a peripheral groove, preferably in the form of a pair of parallel flanges disposed at the other end of the carrier member, the opposite ends of the pins of a clutch control fork being engageable in the groove for abutment against a longitudinal wall in the groove and for snap fit between that longitudinal wall and at least one deflectable projection on an inner wall of the groove.

Abstract: A self-aligning clutch release bearing and carrier sleeve assembly includes a carrier sleeve which defines a first axis and a bearing having a generally annular thrust face adapted to be brought in engagement with rotating clutch fingers or the like of a clutch mechanism, which clutch fingers are rotating about a second axis which may or may not be coincidental with said first axis. The bearing and carrier sleeve assembly is adapted to adjust the rotational orientation of the bearing to coincide with the second axis of rotation, and comprises a bearing including a radially inwardly extending shoulder portion which terminates at a position radially spaced apart from the carrier sleeve.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly comprises a coupling part which is adapted to couple a clutch release bearing to a clutch release device of a clutch. The coupling part is attached to the clutch release device. Part of the clutch release bearing forms a drive part. There is an annular retaining groove on one of the coupling and drive parts. A fastening device operative in traction between the coupling part and the drive part is adapted to couple these parts together in the axial direction from the clutch release device to the clutch release bearing. The fastening device comprises an annular coupling member which is elastically deformable in the radial direction and at least partially engaged in the annular retaining groove. It further comprises a substantially transverse drive bearing surface on the other of the aforementioned coupling and drive parts on which this coupling member bears axially in the axial direction in question. There is a groove in the same part as this drive bearing surface.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly comprises a coupling part adapted to couple a clutch release bearing to a clutch release device of a clutch. The coupling part is attached to the clutch release device. A drive part forms part of the clutch release bearing and there is an annular retaining groove on the coupling part or the drive part. A fastening device operative in traction between the coupling part and the drive part couples these parts together in the axial direction from the clutch release device to the clutch release bearing. The fastening device comprises an annular coupling member which is elastically deformable in the radial direction and at least partly engaged in the annular retaining groove. It further comprises a substantially transverse drive bearing surface on the other (coupling or drive) part, on which the coupling member bears axially in the axial direction in question. There is a groove in the same part as the drive bearing surface.

Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly which can be installed between the engine and the change-speed transmission of a motor vehicle has a first flywheel which is driven by the crankshaft of the engine and a second flywheel which is movable axially of the first flywheel and can drive the transmission through the medium of a friction clutch. A damper is installed between the two flywheels to transmit torque while permitting some angular movement of the flywheel relative to each other. At least one antifriction bearing is installed between the two flywheels with some freedom of axial movement between its races. The races are stressed axially relative to each other in one direction in the engaged condition and in the opposite direction in response to a change in the condition of the clutch.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmission of torque between the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has a flywheel composed of two coaxial sections which are rotatable within limits relative to each other against the opposition of an interposed damper. One of the sections is bolted to the crankshaft and the other section is mounted on two antifriction bearings which surround a tubular support of the transmission housing. A friction clutch is interposed between the second section of the flywheel and the input shaft of the transmission. The mounting of the second section on the housing of the transmission, instead of customary mounting of one section on the other section, prolongs the useful life of the apparatus because the bearings are subjected to less pronounced and more uniformly distributed wear and each of their parts can be fully lubricated in response to engagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A self-aligning clutch release bearing and carrier sleeve assembly includes a carrier sleeve which defines a first axis and a bearing adapted to be brought into engagement with rotating clutch fingers or the like of a clutch mechanism, which clutch fingers rotate about a second axis which may not be exactly coincidental with the first axis. The bearing and carrier sleeve assembly is adapted to adjust the rotation orientation of the bearing to coincide with the second axis of rotation of the clutch fingers. This bearing and carrier sleeve assembly comprises: a bearing including a generally annular thrust face for engagement with the clutch fingers and first and second annular raceways having a plurality of bearing elements disposed therebetween, one of the raceways rotating in unison with the thrust face and the other of the raceways being coupled with the carrier sleeve. A mounting arrangement is provided for grippingly engaging the second raceway for mounting the same to the carrier sleeve.

Abstract: A traction-type clutch bearing device includes an engaging piece (1) maintained in permanent contact with the clutch diaphragm (13) by an elastic member (14), a thrust bearing (2) which can move axially relative to a guide tube (10) under the action of a control member (11), and an axial connecting device interacting with a retaining groove made either in the engaging piece or in a member of the thrust bearing to connect and/or disconnect the thrust bearing and the engaging piece. The connecting device includes a ball cage (3) and a plurality of balls (23) mounted between the engaging piece (1) and the thrust bearing (2) and which are capable, in the connection position, of interacting with a wedging zone (25) and the a retaining groove (24), to ensure axial locking, and, during removal, with a release zone (30). The wedging zone (25) and the release zone (30) are located either on an inner raceway (6) of the thrust bearing (2) or on the engaging piece (1).

Abstract: A clutch release bearing comprises a drive element through which it is adapted to apply traction to the clutch release device of a clutch and an operating element through which it is adapted to be operated on by a control member. It further comprises a cover with a radial lip for coupling the operating element axially to the driving element. A coupling part attached to the clutch release device has retaining fingers and is fastened to the drive element. Structure is provided for limiting insertion of the drive element into the coupling part fastened to the operating element, consisting of angularly separated axial bearing lands alternating with openings and adapted to serve as abutments facing the coupling part.

Abstract: The clutch comprises a clutch plate which can be retracted by a release mechanism to release a driven plate. The release mechanism includes first and second members and an intermediate detent. The detent is located between the members by urging the first member in one direction relative to the second member. To separate the first and second members, the first member is initially urged further in said one direction to release the detent.

Abstract: A friction clutch for a vehicle utilizes a snap connection and self indexing to insure accurate presentation during installation. The release mechanism of the clutch includes a first member for applying release forces to a second member which releases the clutch. A guide member is provided to constrain a projection on one of the members to follow a first path into a recess when assembling the first and second members and to follow a second path out of the recess when separating the first and second members.

Abstract: The inner race of a clutch release bearing is axially extended to act as an engagement element in a pull-type clutch release mechanism. The engagement element is coupled to the diaphragm of the clutch by means of a sub unit preassembled on the diaphragm and consisting of a piece for acting on the diaphragm and an elastic retention means. The engagement element is coupled to the sub unit by means of a fixing ring which is held in place by the elastic retention means.

Abstract: According to this assembly, the means of fixing in terms of traction, which are used between the engagement piece (25) of the clutch release bearing (10) and the gripping piece (13) attached to the disengaging device (11) to be controlled, comprise, on the one hand, a fixing ring (32) engaged in a retaining groove (33) provided in the engagement piece (25) and, on the other hand, a driving bearing surface (34) provided on the gripping piece (13).According to the invention, that flank of the retaining groove (33) which is axially located on the side opposite the driving bearing surface (34) in relation to the fixing ring (32) is oblique relative to the axis of the unit as a whole.The invention is used, in particular, for clutch release bearings of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with a clutch release bearing of a pull type clutch comprises an element on which there is a transverse circular groove, and locking members comprising a flexible ring coaxial with a diaphragm and bearing on the circumference of a central aperture therein, and a washer with flexible lugs applied against the face of the diaphragm and coaxial with this latter so that the flexible lugs engage around the ring to render it rigid with the diaphragm. The ring is adapted to snap into the groove in the actuating element at the moment of engagement.

Abstract: A self-centering releaser for a pressed-type motor vehicle friction clutch comprises a sliding sleeve (1) of synthetic plastics material with an integrally formed-on annular flange (3) protruding outwards radially of the sleeve axis and having a flat abutment face (31) on at least one axial side. The releaser further comprises a deep-groove ball bearing (5) radially movably enclosing the sliding sleeve (1) on the side of the abutment face (31), which bearing is fixed on the annular flange (3) by a retaining fitting (7) which radially externally grasps over the ball bearing (5). A spring (29) acting between the retaining fitting (7) and a non-rotating outer race ring (9) of the ball bearing (5) presses the outer race ring (9) through an annular disc (35) against the abutment face (31).

Abstract: In a clutch release bearing there is provided a groove for the coupling ring ensuring its coupling to the coupling member provided to this end on the side of the clutch release device to be operated opposite that facing the clutch release bearing. The flank of this groove disposed on the side of the clutch release bearing forms part of a decoupling member mounted to slide axially.

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 unitary alternator-compressor including a clutch assembly for the compressor. The clutch assembly continuously drives the alternator rotor and selectively drives the compressor crankshaft. A single bearing supports the alternator rotor. The clutch includes a drive pulley and a flange member which is rotatably secured to the rotor by means of a plurality of drive pins. The pins are retained in position by a locking nut which also engages with and clamps the outer race of the bearing. The inner race of the bearing is clamped by a second nut.

Abstract: In a clutch release bearing suitable for automotive vehicles a drive member is retained to a maneuvering member in the axial direction by an axially acting spring washer. This bears on a first shoulder on the maneuvering member and urges the drive member in the axial direction towards a second shoulder on the maneuvering member. The first shoulder is locally intersected by at least one axially extending groove which is accessible from the outside, for the purpose of inserting an assembly tool.

Abstract: A fail-safe device for preventing undesired rotation of the output as the result of bearing failure and seizure is shown according to the teachings of the present invention in its most preferred form for use with a clutch engagable in a single driving position. In its most preferred form, the output includes a hub portion which is rotatably mounted to the input of the clutch by a bearing. The output of the clutch further includes a collar portion for receipt upon the hub portion and forming a break away connection therebetween. The driven portion of selectively rotationally interrelating members of the clutch, i.e., teeth in the preferred embodiment shown, is located on the collar portion of the output. Under normal operation and without bearing failure, the collar and hub portions of the output have the same relative rotational position and rotate as a single unit.

Abstract: The hydraulically operable clutch release for a motor vehicle friction clutch comprises a housing part (3) of substantially ring form and an annular piston (9) guided displaceably in sealed manner in the direction of the ring axis on the housing part (3). The annular piston (9) together with the housing part (3) forms an annular hydraulic pressure chamber (15) and comprises a stop face (29) facing axially away from the pressure chamber (15). A release bearing (19) guided both axially and radially movably on the annular piston (9) has a non-rotating race ring (23) supportable radially movably on the stop face (29) of the annular piston and a rotating race ring (21) constantly abutting in radially movable manner on a release device (37) of the friction clutch. Between the housing part (3) and the annular piston (9) there is compressed an axially acting compression spring (31) for the permanent supporting of the rotating race ring (21) on the release device (37).

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: The operating member of a clutch release bearing suitable for an automotive vehicle is associated with a generally annular bush. This is constrained to move in the axial direction with the operating member, at least in the axial direction in which a corresponding control member is operative. The bush has at least one integral radial arm for the control member to act on. On the rear side of the or each arm relative to the direction in which the control member is operative, the bush comprises at least one integral reinforcing rib. On the front side of the or each arm there is disposed a protective member adapted to have the control member act on it.

Abstract: A torsion damping assembly which is installed in a motor vehicle between the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission has two coaxial flywheels one of which receives torque from the crankshaft and is rotatable, within limits, relative to the other flywheel which transmits torque to the input shaft of the transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable within limits relative to each other against the opposition of a damper and about the axis of a self-aligning or self-adjusting antifriction bearing one race of which is biased axially by a diaphragm spring reacting against the one or the other flywheel. The antifriction bearing surrounds a centrally located protuberance of the one flywheel and extends into a centrally located recess of the other flywheel. Such bearing can stand long periods of use because it holds the flywheels against wobbling and/or other stray movements relative to each other.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing suitable for automotive vehicles adapted to operate in traction on a clutch release device to be operated has radial arms for the corresponding clutch release yoke to operate on. With each arm there is associated an axial surface to prevent it rotating on the clutch release yoke. The axial surface thus associated with each radial arm is extended beyond the radial arm by means of a plate. The edge of the plate nearest the radial arm is formed with a chamfer in order to facilitate engagement of the clutch release yoke.

Abstract: In a clutch release bearing an axially acting annular spring bears on a maneuvering member and on a radial rim on a drive member, so as to urge the latter towards a flange on the maneuvering member. The annular spring is adapted to turn inside out during assembly of the clutch release bearing and due only to the drive member acting on it, changing from a first configuration in which it is generally concave to a second configuration in which it is generally convex.

Abstract: A clutch release, in particular for automobile clutches, comprises a sliding sleeve having a radially outwardly directed flange and an annular groove, a clutch release bearing having an outer ring with a flange that slidably abuts the sliding sleeve flange, and a generally oval-shaped spring ring having a pair of mutually parallel guiding surfaces. The spring ring is arranged between the outer ring and the annular groove at points mutually displaced in the axial direction. The bearing is arranged to rotate relative to the sliding sleeve in the circumferential direction within predetermined limits and to move in a radial direction along the guiding surfaces by overcoming a radially acting frictional force between the slidably abutting flanges. The spring ring has a substantially bow-shaped profile and is slotted. The inner ring of the bearing has a radially outwardly directed pressure flange for abutting with the diaphragm spring of a clutch.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly includes a noise suppression device for a constant running bearing fixed to the transmission input shaft of the clutch assembly. The friction clutch system includes a plurality of rotatable clutch release levers, and in a preferred form the noise suppression device is defined by cylindrical members affixed to drive pins extending axially of the release bearing for engagement with the inner end of the levers. The resilient nature of the cylindrical members operates to suppress the noise which otherwise normally occurs by virtue of direct contact of the metallic lever ends with the metallic drive pins.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an input member, an output member, and clutch plates connected to the input and output members which are driven into drive engagement with one another when the clutch is engaged to connect the output member for rotation with the input member. The clutch plates carried on the input member are mounted on a separate clutch plate carrying member, which is machined before installation on the input member to thereby facilitate manufacture and assembly of the device. A fluid pressure responsive piston operates the clutch plates, and has an outer diameter slidingly and sealingly engaged with the wall to bore of the housing of the input or driving member, and its inner diameter slidingly engaged with an annular retainer which is mounted for rotation with the input member.

Abstract: In a clutch release bearing assembly, coupling means operative in traction are disposed between a drive member of the clutch release bearing and a coupling member attached to the clutch release device. These coupling means comprise a coupling ring engaged in a retaining groove formed in one of the members and a driving bearing surface formed on the other member. The coupling member comprises at least one peg, and for preference two pegs, each having an oblique ejection surface.

Abstract: A temperature responsive coupling device for driving a cooling fan of an internal combustion engine includes a shaft rotatably mounted in an output coupling member coaxially with an input coupling member which is operatively coupled to the output coupling member by means of a coupling. A bimetal spring is operatively connected to one end of the shaft and a valve plate is connected to the opposite end of the shaft for controlling the flow of fluid within the fluid coupling. The shaft is supported in the output coupling member by means of a sealed bearing in order to decrease the sliding torque produced by the rotation of the shaft. A cover plate is positioned in front of the sealed bearing to protect the bearing from moisture and openings are operatively associated with the cover plate to allow any moisture which might have entered between the cover plate and the bearing to be expelled by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing comprises an operating member cooperating with a throw-out fork and a drive member coacting with the release members of an associated clutch. The operating member comprises a sleeve mounted on a guide member and having relatively rigid projections running along the bore of the sleeve for sliding engagement with the guide member. Channels for accommodating solid grease are provided between the projections and are open at one end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve for a clutch shifter particularly for automobile clutches comprising an elongated hub body made of a plastic material, a thrust collar which protrudes radially outwardly from the hub body and includes contact surfaces for the shift lever of the clutch and for the shift bearing, at least two lugs secured in the hub body and directed radially inwardly adjacent the bore of the thrust collar, each lug being of generally U-shaped cross section to define a groove for the shift lever extending in an axial direction and a thin plastic layer overlying the side surfaces of the groove receiving the projections of the shift lever in the hub body and the adjacent surfaces of the ends of the lugs directed radially outwardly and running parallel to the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A clutch drive mechanism (10) interconnects a vehicle engine (12) with a vehicle air compressor (14) to provide a driving connection therebetween when operation of the air compressor (14) is necessary to charge the vehicle reservoir (18) and to break the driving connection to the air compressor (14) when the reservoir (18) is fully charged. The drive mechanism (10) includes a clutch disc pack (82) which is controlled by a piston (52). Piston (52) responds to a pressure signal from a conventional unloader mechanism (20) to disengage the clutch mechanism (10) to disconnect the air compressor (14) from driving connection with the vehicle engine (12). A thrust bearing (68) provides a rotary connection between the piston (52) and the disc pack (82) and another thrust bearing (46) is provided between the output drive (36) and the clutch drive housing (26) so that axial forces or loads are transmitted to the housing (26) instead of to the compressor (14).

Abstract: In an antifriction-bearing throwout, particularly for automotive clutches, a clutch bearing with a non-rotating bearing-ring abuts in a radially slidable manner against a thrust plate of a sliding sleeve and is held in the centered position.To facilitate centering of the clutch bearing in relation to the tongue ends of the clutch diaphragm-spring, and to prevent slip-through of the clutch bearing in the case of shock as by hard road-bumps, the non-rotating bearing-ring is arranged in a manner such that, overcoming a radially-acting friction force in relation to sliding sleeve, it can tilt in a circumferential direction, within certain limits, and can slide in a radial direction along two guide-surfaces that run parallel to one another.