Abstract: A clutch release device for a motor vehicle with a release flange (11) which is affixed to a housing and an axially slidably release bearing (9) guided on the release flange (11) between which, a bushing (10) is interposed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clutch release bearing comprising an axially mobile piston (14), and a ring (26I), integral with a raceway (C1), hooked on the piston (14) with axial-effect squeezing elastic means (38, 40). The ring (26I) is provided with a proximal surface (F1, 62) and a distal surface (F2, 70) arranged axially behind the proximal surface (F1, 62). The proximal surface (F1, 62) is supported on a first hooking surface (A1, 64) provided in the piston (14). The squeezing means (38, 40) are supported on the distal surface (F2, 70) of the ring (26I) and a second hooking surface (A2, 76) provided in the piston (14). The first (A1, 64) and second (A2, 76) hooking surfaces provided in the piston (14) are arranged axially in front of the distal surface (F2, 70) of the ring (26I) The invention also concerns a method for assembling the elements of said clutch release bearing.

Abstract: A friction clutch intended for a drive assembly of a motor vehicle, operates between an internal-combustion engine and a transmission. The clutch has a clutch release device arranged inside a transmission/clutch housing and has a clutch release bearing and a hydraulic operating device with a cylinder housing and an operating piston operating in the cylinder housing. For optimizing the clutch release device of the friction clutch, the cylinder housing of the hydraulic operating device of the clutch release device is mounted on a bearing structure arranged adjacent to the internal-combustion engine and the friction clutch, which bearing structure is constructed independently of the clutch housing.

Abstract: A release mechanism for actuating a friction clutch between an internal combustion engine and a transmission of a motor vehicle that is designed for concentric assembly on a guide sleeve mounted on a transmission shaft in order to bear against a release spring of the friction clutch where the guide sleeve and the friction clutch each having a respective center axis. The release mechanism includes a clutch release bearing. The release mechanism also includes a first device for compensating for at least one of a tilt between the center axes and wobbling eccentricity of the release spring where the first device includes a spherical surface between the release bearing and the guide sleeve, and a second device for compensating for offset between the center axes.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a mobile vehicle clutch includes a sleeve axially disposed on a shaft and engaged to actuate clutch springs or levers for disengaging a clutch. The sleeve is attached to a clutch release bearing that is moved axially along the input shaft by a clutch fork. A contact surface of the release fork engages a contact surface disposed on lugs of the clutch release bearing. At least one of the contact surfaces includes a self-lubricating material to reduce friction between the release for and the clutch release bearing during actuation of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the optional engaging and disengaging of a friction clutch for motor vehicles with a preferably hydraulic actuating mechanism, such as a central disengaging device, which, in order to apply an actuating force, is operatively connected with the friction clutch via at least one actuating force transmission member, such as a release bearing, which is pre-stressed in the disengaging direction by means of a spring. The device also has a sensor device with a sensor for sensing a variable representative of the engaging respectively disengaging state of and/or the state of wear on the friction clutch. According to the invention, the force of the spring for pre-stressing the actuating force transmission member or of a spring arranged in parallel with it can be sensed using the sensor, as a variable representative of the disengaging and engaging state of and/or the state of wear on the friction clutch.

Abstract: A start-up clutch assembly (10) for translating torque between a prime mover and a transmission includes a drive member (16) and a clutch pack (30) is supported between the drive (16) and driven members (24). The clutch pack (30) is operable to move between a closed pack mode and an open pack mode to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members (16, 24) to selectively transfer and interrupt torque translation therebetween. A torque apply piston assembly (54) is operable to move between a disengaged position to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members and to provide a constant biasing force so that the clutch pack (30) normally operates in the closed pack mode to translate torque between the drive and driven members (16, 24).

Abstract: A clutch release bearing includes a housing, a first bearing ring having a skirt for fixed rotative securement of the first bearing ring to the housing, a revolving second bearing ring connected to the separating clutch via a spring element, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Seals are provided on both sides of the rolling elements at a distance thereto and involve a sealing arrangement which is securely fixed to the housing and comprised of at least two components to establish two sealing zones for sealing an annular gap between the first and second bearing rings. The sealing arrangement cooperates with a planar surface of the revolving bearing ring and assumes a desired position, when the revolving bearing ring is installed with the assistance of a press-fit tool.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a motor vehicle includes a retainer assembly having an upper and lower portion separable by a separating member. The separable member causes the retainer assembly to contract in response to movement toward a released position. Contracting the retainer assembly in the release position provides for additional clearance between the friction discs and flywheel without a corresponding increase in the length of travel of the retainer assembly. The guide member is stationary relative to the retainer assembly and cooperates with the separating member to cause the retainer assembly to expand and contract during movement to engage and disengage the clutch. Additional movement of the retainer assembly increases clearance to between the flywheel and friction discs without corresponding increase in retainer assembly travel to minimize clutch drag.

Abstract: A release mechanism for actuating a friction clutch is concentric to a center axis of a guide sleeve mounted in turn on a transmission shaft. The release mechanism includes a clutch release bearing and a device for compensating for the tilt of the center axis of the friction clutch with respect to the center axis of the guide sleeve and/or for the wobbling eccentricity of the release spring. The clutch release bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and an adjusting sleeve. One of the inner ring or outer ring communicates with a release spring of the friction clutch. The device for compensating for the tilt of the center axis of the friction clutch with respect to the center axis of the guide sleeve and/or for the wobbling eccentricity of the release spring includes a release ring and a load ring. The release ring is in contact with a finger of the release spring of the friction clutch and includes a spherical surface having a center on the axis of the transmission shaft.

Abstract: A self-adjusting release bearing in the form of a tapered rolling bearing for a separating clutch disposed between an internal combustion engine and a gearbox of a motor vehicle, includes a non-rotating first bearing ring, a revolving second bearing ring, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Supported upon a calotte-shaped section of one of the first and second bearing rings in a contact zone is an adjustment ring having a complementary calotte-shaped section to thereby allow pivoting of the release bearing, whereby a sliding element made of thermoplastic material is disposed in the contact zone.

Abstract: A clutch device for a vehicle, comprising a spring device (4), which attempts to force a friction plate (3) in a first direction for engagement of the clutch, a pneumatic actuator (10) with a cylinder (11) and a piston (16), which divides the cylinder (11) into a main chamber (20) and an auxiliary chamber (21), and a compressed air source (31), which is arranged via a controllable valve device (32,33) for communication with the main chamber (20) for movement of the friction plate (3) in a second, opposite direction for disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: An actuation device for a shiftable clutch includes a pressure supply for providing a pressure of a pressure medium for actuating the clutch, and a first and a second workspace independently in communication with the pressure supply for receiving the pressure. A first piston surface is disposed in the first workspace and is operably displaceable in a first direction responsive to the pressure. A second piston surface is disposed in the second workspace and is operably displaceable in a second direction responsive to the pressure. The second direction is oriented opposite to the first direction. One of the first or second piston surfaces is responsive to an application of the pressure in the respective workspace displacing in the respective first or second direction to exert the actuation force.

Abstract: An actuating device for a friction clutch device installed in the drive train of a motor vehicle introduces actuating forces, especially clutch-engaging or clutch-releasing forces, to the friction clutch device to actuate at least one friction clutch of the friction clutch device in the engaging or releasing direction. At least one actuating element assigned to a friction clutch can be shifted axially relative to at least one support element, which is essentially fixed in the axial direction, to exert the actuating forces. The actuating element belongs to an actuator assigned to the clutch or can be shifted axially relative to the support element by the intermediate action of an actuator assigned to the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a mobile vehicle clutch includes a sleeve axially disposed on a shaft and engaged to actuate clutch springs or levers for opening of a clutch. The sleeve is attached to a clutch release bearing that is moved axially along the input shaft by a clutch fork. Engagement pads of the release fork engage rollers disposed on the clutch release bearing. The rollers on the clutch release bearing substantially eliminate transmission of non-axial force to the clutch release bearing and sleeve. The clutch release bearing includes an internal cavity in communication with a lubrication fitting. The rollers include hollow shafts in communication with the internal cavity of the clutch release bearing such that the lubricant injected into the internal cavity lubricates the rollers.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing includes a housing, a first bearing ring having a skirt for fixed rotative securement of the bearing ring to the housing, a revolving second bearing ring connected to the separating clutch via a spring element, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Seals are provided on both sides of the rolling elements at a distance thereto, wherein one seal is configured to seal an annular gap between the first and second bearing rings and includes a sealing arrangement which is securely fixed to the first bearing ring and comprised of at least two components to establish two sealing zones, wherein the second bearing ring and the sealing arrangement interact in such a way that a desired installation position of the sealing arrangement is automatically establishes as the second bearing ring is installed.

Abstract: A central release device (10) is disclosed having a cylinder housing (12), with a cylindrical wall (14), and a guide sleeve (16), which is arranged concentrically therewith and on which an annular piston (18), which can be operatively connected to a clutch and can be hydraulically actuated by way of a pressure chamber (20) defined by the cylindrical wall and the guide sleeve, is displaceably guided. At its end the guide sleeve has an annular flange (22) with an end face (24) facing away from the annular piston and a radially outer circumferential surface (26), by way of which flange the guide sleeve is fixed to an end face (28) of the cylinder housing.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus (10) includes multiple facings (274-276) rotatable with and axially slideable relative to a mount (124) and which sandwich multiple friction plates (252, 253) rotatable with and axially slideable relative to a hub (12). To create turbulent air flow, the friction plates (252, 253) include an undulating outer circumferential edge (258) and a plurality of passages (260) in the interface portion and overlapping the inner peripheries (282) of the facings (274-276). An automotive clutch release type bearing (290) directly abuts between a piston (40) and the friction facing (274) and is encapsulated in the piston cavity (36) and a cavity (277) formed in the friction facing (274), with the friction facing (274) engaging the axial end (34) of the air chamber (24) when the facings (274-276) and the friction plates (252, 253) are disengaged. In the preferred form, the air chamber (24) and the mount (124) are of the same geometry and are machined from identical castings.

Abstract: A start-up clutch assembly (10) for translating torque between a prime mover and a transmission includes a drive member (16) and a clutch pack (30) is supported between the drive (16) and driven members (24). The clutch pack (30) is operable to move between a closed pack mode and an open pack mode to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members (16, 24) to selectively transfer and interrupt torque translation therebetween. A torque apply piston assembly (54) is operable to move between a disengaged position to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members and to provide a constant biasing force so that the clutch pack (30) normally operates in the closed pack mode to translate torque between the drive and driven members (16, 24).

Abstract: The invention concerns a clutch release bearing comprising an axially mobile piston (14), and a ring (26I), integral with a raceway (C1), hooked on the piston (14) with axial-effect squeezing elastic means (38, 40). The ring (26I) is provided with a proximal surface (F1, 62) and a distal surface (F2, 70) arranged axially behind the proximal surface (F1, 62). The proximal surface (F1, 62) is supported on a first hooking surface (A1, 64) provided in the piston (14). The squeezing means (38, 40) are supported on the distal surface (F2, 70) of the ring (26I) and a second hooking surface (A2, 76) provided in the piston (14). The first (A1, 64) and second (A2, 76) hooking surfaces provided in the piston (14) are arranged axially in front of the distal surface (F2, 70) of the ring (26I) The invention also concerns a method for assembling the elements of said clutch release bearing.

Abstract: A heavy duty clutch release mechanism including a driveline master clutch release yoke where a bearing support shaft is used to minimize bearing end loading. The clutch release yoke is rotatably fixed to the clutch release shaft for rotation and having first and second forks extending adjacent to the release bearing assembly. The yoke includes a number of bearing support shafts having a first end attached to an inboard side of the first and second forks and a second end having a retention flange. The bearing elements are rotatably mounted on the bearing support shafts and engaging the surface of the clutch release bearing.

Abstract: A self-adjusting release bearing in the form of a tapered rolling bearing for a separating clutch disposed between an internal combustion engine and a gearbox of a motor vehicle, includes a non-rotating first bearing ring, a revolving second bearing ring, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Supported upon a calotte-shaped section of one of the first and second bearing rings in a contact zone is an adjustment ring having a complementary calotte-shaped section to thereby allow pivoting of the release bearing, whereby a sliding element made of thermoplastic material is disposed in the contact zone.

Abstract: An apparatus which can effect relative movements between first and second parts that are rotatable relative to each other between several positions utilizes a helix having a stack of convolutions and being non-rotatably associated with one of the parts, a follower (such as a pin or an eccentric or an annulus of rolling elements) which is arranged to extend between at least two convolutions of the helix and is affixed to the other part, an electric or fluid-operated or other suitable motor which serves to rotate at least one of the parts relative to the other part, a further part (such as the release bearing for a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle) which is movable axially with and relative to the first part, and a coupling device serving to separably connect the further part to the first part except in at least one selected position of the second part relative to the first part. Such arrangement facilitates convenient separation of the clutch from the means for operating the release bearing.

Abstract: A release bearing includes a rolling-contact bearing having a non-rotatable outer ring, a rotating inner ring, and plural rolling members located between the outer and inner rings. The inner ring is intended to interact with an adjustment ring which has a ring flange for abutment against a disk spring of a clutch mechanism. Disposed in a support zone between the inner ring and the adjustment ring is a sliding element whereby the support zone is configured in the form of complementary calotte-shaped portions so that the adjustment ring and the inner ring are movable relative to one another for effecting a self-adjustment of the release bearing.

Abstract: The friction clutch between the prime mover and the change-speed transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is actuatable by a slave cylinder cooperating with a master cylinder wherein the piston is movable by a clutch pedal or by an electric actuator. The casing of the slave cylinder is made, at least in part, of a plastic material and defines a plenum chamber arranged to receive pressurized fluid from the master cylinder by way of a conduit extending through a bell which contains the clutch and the slave cylinder. The annular piston of the slave cylinder surrounds the input shaft of the transmission. The plastic material of the casing of the slave cylinder can contain one or more additives which enhance its strength and/or influence its frictional engagement with the adjacent surfaces of the piston or of a lip seal which reciprocates with the piston.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clutch release bearing comprising an engaging element capable of co-operating with a clutch diaphragm (29), and designed to be mounted on a manoeuvring element (2) mobile in translation under the action of a control member (6). The engaging element comprises a roller bearing (1) provided with a rotating ring (13) and a non-rotating ring (9), said engaging element being radially mobile relative to the manoeuvring element to be self-aligned by means of a radially elastic self-aligning sleeve (19), arranged in the bore of the non-rotating ring to co-operate with the manoeuvring element. The roller bearing is of the standard type comprising an outer peripheral surface and a cylindrical bore axially defined by two parallel radial surfaces, and at least a seal joint (18) mounted on one of the rings and in friction contact with the other ring, the sleeve comprising sealing means co-operating with a rotating part of the engaging element.

Abstract: A clutch operator arrangement for introducing an actuating force into a friction clutch includes a ball screw arrangement.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the optional engaging and disengaging of a friction clutch for motor vehicles with a preferably hydraulic actuating mechanism, such as a central disengaging device, which, in order to apply an actuating force, is operatively connected with the friction clutch via at least one actuating force transmission member, such as a release bearing, which is pre-stressed in the disengaging direction by means of a spring. The device also has a sensor device with a sensor for sensing a variable representative of the engaging respectively disengaging state of and/or the state of wear on the friction clutch. According to the invention, the force of the spring for pre-stressing the actuating force transmission member or of a spring arranged in parallel with it can be sensed using the sensor, as a variable representative of the disengaging and engaging state of and/or the state of wear on the friction clutch.

Abstract: A process for adjusting a friction clutch system of the type including a housing arrangement; a pressure plate; a stored-energy device supported against the housing and the pressure plate; a wear-compensating device installed in the path of support between the stored-energy device and one of the housing arrangement and the pressure plate, this device having a detection element on the pressure plate, which in association with a stop element fixed with respect to the housing arrangement, detects the amount of wear which has occurred in the friction clutch; a clutch-release mechanism for exerting force on the stored-energy device in the direction opposite its relaxation direction in order to carry out release operations; and a transmission shaft braking arrangement which is activated when a brake-release position is reached during a clutch-release operation.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing includes a housing, a first bearing ring having a skirt for fixed rotative securement of the first bearing ring to the housing, a revolving second bearing ring connected to the separating clutch via a spring element, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Seals are provided on both sides of the rolling elements at a distance thereto and involve a sealing arrangement which is securely fixed to the housing and comprised of at least two components to establish two sealing zones for sealing an annular gap between the first and second bearing rings. The sealing arrangement cooperates with a planar surface of the revolving bearing ring and assumes a desired position, when the revolving bearing ring is installed with the assistance of a press-fit tool.

Abstract: A clutch system comprises a clutch arrangement, an adjusting device for actuating the clutch arrangement, a displacement sensor arrangement for detecting a first quantity relating to the movement of a component which displaces when an actuating process is carried out, and a torque sensor arrangement for detecting a second quantity relating to a clutch torque transmitted via the clutch arrangement. The control device controls the adjusting device for carrying out actuating processes at least occasionally depending on at least the second quantity.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing includes a housing, a first bearing ring having a skirt for fixed rotative securement of the bearing ring to the housing, a revolving second bearing ring connected to the separating clutch via a spring element, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Seals are provided on both sides of the rolling elements at a distance thereto, wherein one seal is configured to seal an annular gap between the first and second bearing rings and includes a sealing arrangement which is securely fixed to the first bearing ring and comprised of at least two components to establish two sealing zones, wherein the second bearing ring and the sealing arrangement interact in such a way that a desired installation position of the sealing arrangement is automatically establishes as the second bearing ring is installed.

Abstract: A release bearing includes a rolling-contact bearing having a non-rotatable inner ring, a rotating outer ring, and plural rolling members located between the inner and outer rings, An adjustment ring having a ring flange is provided for abutment against a disk spring of a clutch mechanism, and a sliding element made of bearing material is disposed in a support zone defined between complementary calotte-shaped portions of the outer ring and the adjustment ring so that the adjustment ring and the outer ring are movable relative to one another for effecting a self-adjustment of the release bearing.

Abstract: A release bearing for a separating clutch installed in a motor vehicle, includes a casing movable in an axial direction and operatively connected to an actuating mechanism, a non-rotatable bearing ring having a ring bottom supported by the casing; and a revolving bearing ring having a annular flange. Guided between the bearing rings is a plurality of rolling elements. An engagement disk made of a low-friction and wear-resistant material is securely fixed to the annular flange, and a spring member is operatively connected to the separating clutch and cooperates with the annular flange of the revolving bearing ring, wherein the spring member bears against the engagement disk.

Abstract: A release mechanism for actuating a friction clutch is concentric to a center axis of a guide sleeve mounted in turn on a transmission shaft. The release mechanism includes a clutch release bearing and a device for compensating for the tilt of the center axis of the friction clutch with respect to the center axis of the guide sleeve and/or for the wobbling eccentricity of the release spring. The clutch release bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and an adjusting sleeve. One of the inner ring or outer ring communicates with a release spring of the friction clutch. The device for compensating for the tilt of the center axis of the friction clutch with respect to the center axis of the guide sleeve and/or for the wobbling eccentricity of the release spring includes a release ring and a load ring. The release ring is in contact with a finger of the release spring of the friction clutch and includes a spherical surface having a center on the axis of the transmission shaft.

Abstract: A release mechanism for actuating a friction clutch between an internal combustion engine and a transmission of a motor vehicle that is designed for concentric assembly on a guide sleeve mounted on a transmission shaft in order to bear against a release spring of the friction clutch where the guide sleeve and the friction clutch each having a respective center axis, includes a clutch release bearing. The clutch release bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a sliding sleeve connected with one of the inner ring and outer ring for axial movement with respect to the guide sleeve. The release mechanism also includes a first device for compensating for at least one of a tilt between the center axes and wobbling eccentricity of the release spring where the first device includes a spherical surface between the release bearing and the guide sleeve, and a second device for compensating for offset between the center axes.

Abstract: The housing of the slave cylinder in an apparatus for actuating a friction clutch between the engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle has a one-piece metallic or plastic member which is non-rotatably affixed to the transmission case. The annular piston of the slave cylinder carries a clutch release bearing and is surrounded by a wall of the housing; this piston slidably surrounds a deep-drawn metallic guide sleeve which is centered in the transmission case and has a flange secured to a collar of the housing by two or more lugs having mutually inclined portions partially bent around and partially recessed into the collar.

Abstract: An actuation device for a shiftable clutch includes a pressure supply for providing a pressure of a pressure medium for actuating the clutch, and a first and a second workspace independently in communication with the pressure supply for receiving the pressure. A first piston surface is disposed in the first workspace and is operably displaceable in a first direction responsive to the pressure. A second piston surface is disposed in the second workspace and is operably displaceable in a second direction responsive to the pressure. The second direction is oriented opposite to the first direction. One of the first or second piston surfaces is responsive to an application of the pressure in the respective workspace displacing in the respective first or second direction to exert the actuation force.

Abstract: A bearing release assembly includes a release bearing housing actuated by a release fork to move axially along a rotating shaft. The release bearing housing moves a release sleeve axially along the rotating shaft to disengage clutch levers in response to pivotal movement of a release fork. The release sleeve includes an oil-impregnated powdered metal insert in sliding contact with the rotating shaft. The oil-impregnated powdered metal insert is self-lubricating to eliminate the need for periodic maintenance and lubrication of the release sleeve simplifying operation and maintenance of a clutch assembly.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a motor vehicle includes a retainer assembly having an upper and lower portion separable by a separating member. The separable member causes the retainer assembly to contract in response to movement toward a released position. Contracting the retainer assembly in the release position provides for additional clearance between the friction discs and flywheel without a corresponding increase in the length of travel of the retainer assembly. The guide member is stationary relative to the retainer assembly and cooperates with the separating member to cause the retainer assembly to expand and contract during movement to engage and disengage the clutch. Additional movement of the retainer assembly increases clearance to between the flywheel and friction discs without corresponding increase in retainer assembly travel to minimize clutch drag.

Abstract: A release bearing is provided for transmitting release force to a corresponding force accumulator of each of the first and second clutch regions of the double clutch assembly, the release bearings being arranged in succession in the direction of an axis of rotation. Each of the release bearings has an action region for a respective release-force transmission member to act on, the release-force transmission members interacting on the same axial side of the release bearings. The action region of one of the release bearings includes a sleeve-like action element which is surrounded by the other release bearing. The sleeve-like action element has a holding region, by means of which the other release bearing is secured so that it cannot be removed from the sleeve-like action element.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a mobile vehicle clutch includes a sleeve axially disposed on a shaft and engaged to actuate clutch springs or levers for disengaging a clutch. The sleeve is attached to a clutch release bearing that is moved axially along the input shaft by a clutch fork. A contact surface of the release fork engages a contact surface disposed on lugs of the clutch release bearing. At least one of the contact surfaces includes a self-lubricating material to reduce friction between the release for and the clutch release bearing during actuation of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: In an actuation device for a friction clutch which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, comprising a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement by means of which the friction clutch can be actuated via a release member, a measuring arrangement which detects an actual release, a control/regulating valve arrangement which is connected with a pressure medium source, with a pressure compensation opening or a pressure compensation reservoir and with the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement and which is controllable electrically, by means of which valve arrangement the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement can be actuated depending on the actual release and on a reference release which can be predetermined, the control/regulating valve arrangement can be actuated via control/regulating electronics depending on the actual release, on an electrically presettable command variable and on a characteristic line converting the command variable into the refere

Abstract: A release system for a clutch assembly comprises a release slide, which is or can be connected to a stored-energy element of the clutch assembly to execute release movements, and at least one brake element, which can move along with the release slide during the execution of release movements. This brake element can be brought into braking interaction with an opposing brake element which is or can be connected in an essentially nonrotatable manner to a clutch output shaft, where the release slide and the minimum of one brake element form a piston/cylinder unit with at least one fluid chamber. Pressure fluid is introduced into the minimum of one fluid chamber to produce a force which preloads or moves the minimum of one brake element relative to the release slide.

Abstract: A friction clutch, particularly for a motor vehicle, including a clutch disk which can be coupled in frictional engagement with the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and which is connected by a hub to a transmission input shaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it and can revolve with the latter around a common axis of rotation. The clutch further includes an actuation system for engaging or disengaging the frictional engagement of the clutch disk which is arranged concentric to the transmission input shaft, and a transmission brake for reducing the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft during determined shifting processes of the transmission. The transmission brake can be controlled independent from the actuation system of the friction clutch, and all component parts of the transmission brake are integrated in the actuation system of the friction clutch.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing having a fixed portion (5,6) including an inner support tube (6) and an outer body (5) concentric therewith which defines a control chamber (50) capable of being supplied with a fluid and housing an axially movable tubular piston (4) supporting a drive member (3) engageable with the diaphragm (13) of the clutch (1), wherein the support tube (6) axially projects beyond the outer body (5). The front end of the support tube (6) is surrounded by a guide sleeve (9) for the piston (4).

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a mobile vehicle clutch includes a sleeve axially disposed on a shaft and engaged to actuate clutch springs or levers for opening of a clutch. The sleeve is attached to a clutch release bearing that is moved axially along the input shaft by a clutch fork. Engagement pads of the release fork engage rollers disposed on the clutch release bearing. The rollers on the clutch release bearing substantially eliminate transmission of non-axial force to the clutch release bearing and sleeve. The clutch release bearing includes an internal cavity in communication with a lubrication fitting. The rollers include hollow shafts in communication with the internal cavity of the clutch release bearing such that the lubricant injected into the internal cavity lubricates the rollers.

Abstract: A release slide is or can be connected to a stored-energy element of the clutch assembly for executing a release movement, and at least one brake element can move along with the release slide during the execution of a release movement, which brake element can be brought into braking interaction with a counter-braking element, which is or can be connected in essentially nonrotatable fashion to a clutch output shaft, where the minimum of one brake element can shift position relative to the release slide at least to compensate for the wear which occurs in the area of the clutch assembly. A latching arrangement includes a set of latching teeth on either the release slide or on the brake element, and a latching element on the other of the brake element and the release slide.

Abstract: A seal for sealing between the inner ring and outer ring of the clutch release bearing comprising a labyrinth seal section extending from one of the inner ring and outer ring and kept in a non-contact state with reference to the other ring, and a contact seal section comprising a lip portion and provided on the internal side of the labyrinth seal and kept in a contact state with reference to the other ring, and the lip portion acting to obstruct semi-fluidized foreign matter which enters through the labyrinth seal.

Abstract: An actuating device for a friction clutch device installed in the drive train of a motor vehicle introduces actuating forces, especially clutch-engaging or clutch-releasing forces, to the friction clutch device to actuate at least one friction clutch of the friction clutch device in the engaging or releasing direction. At least one actuating element assigned to a friction clutch can be shifted axially relative to at least one support element, which is essentially fixed in the axial direction, to exert the actuating forces. The actuating element belongs to an actuator assigned to the clutch or can be shifted axially relative to the support element by the intermediate action of an actuator assigned to the clutch.