Removable Members Patents (Class 192/DIG1)
  • Patent number: 6148983
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Tore Borjesson
  • Patent number: 6116399
    Abstract: An operation device for a friction clutch arranged in the drive train of a motor vehicle. The operation device includes a positioning servo arrangement with a pneumatic power cylinder arrangement. The pneumatic power cylinder arrangement acts on a clutch release sleeve arrangement. The positioning servo arrangement can be operated with a control valve that is connected to a pneumatic source depending on a command variable representing a desired position and an actual variable representing the axial position of the clutch release sleeve arrangement. The pneumatic power cylinder arrangement is arranged inside of the bell-shaped housing and the control valve is arranged outside of the bell-shaped housing or the bell-shaped housing is arranged at least partially inside of the bell-shaped housing, but is accessible from the outside and/or can be removed when the bell-shaped housing is attached to the combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Drexl, Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Manfred Wehner, Herbert Voit, Joachim Lindner, Thomas Otto, Jorg Willert
  • Patent number: 6062360
    Abstract: A synchronized gear shift mechanism is provided for a marine propulsion system. Using a hub and a sleeve that are axially movable relative to an output shaft but rotationally fixed to the shaft and to each other, the gear shift mechanism uses associated friction surfaces to bring the output shaft up to a speed that is synchronism with the selected forward or reverse gear prior to mating associated gear tooth surfaces together to transmit torque from an input shaft to an output shaft. The friction surfaces on the forward and reverse gears can be replaceable to facilitate repair after the friction surfaces experience wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Waylon D. Shields
  • Patent number: 5957256
    Abstract: A clutch brake assembly includes a clutch and a transmission shaft for transmitting rotational motion from the clutch to the transmission. A brake disc is rotatably driven by and slideably disposed on the transmission shaft. A clutch release member is also slideably disposed on the shaft. Brake pads are non-rotatably and removably attached to the release member and a bearing retainer on the transmission for dissipating braking energy. Each of the brake pads include a backing plate and friction material secured to the backing plate. During operation, the release member frictionally sandwiches the brake disc between the release member and the bearing retainer for reducing rotation of the shaft. The inventive brake pads are configured to facilitate replacement of the pads without disconnection of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Allen, Jr., Gerald J. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5836432
    Abstract: A friction clutch which has a release bearing and a release element with a snap connection, whereby a bias spring device is provided which is pre-installed in a separate groove in the encircling bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Husse, Karl Muller, Herbert Berwind
  • Patent number: 5799766
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the attachment of a centrifugal mass or a modular clutch to the output end of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. For this purpose, axially-oriented gear teeth can be introduced in both parts, e.g. a serration, and there can be a central screw element which can extend into a threaded portion in the crankshaft. The present invention teaches that an axially-oriented spring bias can be applied to both parts to create a reliable connection between the parts of the gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Achim Link, Heiko Schulz-Andres, Reinhold Weidinger, Klaus Gorzitzke, Gunther Esly, Andreas Krause, Thomas Stretz, Markus Wirbel, Reinhard Deppert
  • Patent number: 5794752
    Abstract: A clutch actuator includes an outer cylinder housing having a plurality of ramps formed on an inner cylindrical surface thereof. Each of the ramps has a radially inwardly facing surface which includes a forwardly facing tapered surface and a rearwardly facing tapered surface. A hollow cylindrical piston is disposed concentrically within the outer cylinder housing and has a plurality of axially extending protrusions formed thereon. Preferably, the number of such protrusions is equal to the number of the ramps formed on the outer cylinder housing, and the protrusions are circumferentially interleaved within the ramps formed on the outer cylinder housing. Each of the protrusions has a radially outwardly facing surface which includes a forwardly facing tapered surface and a circumferentially extending groove. An inner cylinder housing is disposed concentrically within the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt R. Baer, George A. Willford, Timothy R. Zuehlke
  • Patent number: 5782326
    Abstract: A kit and a method are provided for modifying an automatic transmission such as a turbo-400 hydromatic transmission. Before modification the automatic transmission couples an engine crankshaft 4 to a forward clutch drum assembly 3 through a fluid coupling such as a torque converter. This kit provides a lockup shaft 10 selectively coupleable between the engine crankshaft 4 and the forward clutch drum assembly 3. As modified, the forward clutch drum assembly 3 can be selectively driven either off of the torque converter turbine 32 or off of the lockup shaft 10 coupled mechanically to the engine crankshaft 4. The lockup shaft 10 extends through intervening structures from the crankshaft 4 out to the modified forward clutch drum assembly 3 where it connects to a lockup hub 20. A drive tube 30 of hollow cylindrical construction surrounds the lockup shaft 10 and is secured to the torque converter turbine 32 within the torque converter housing 8 which is driven by the torque converter pump 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald J. Souza
  • Patent number: 5758757
    Abstract: In a release device of a pull type clutch, a wedge collar 15 has an annular flange 15a, first and second claws 20 and 21, and a movement restricting portion. The annular flange 15a extends radially outward. The first claws 20 are integral with the flange 15a, extend through recesses 14a of the wire ring 14 to an axially inner side of a diaphragm spring 8, and is provided at its tip end with bent portions 20a for retaining the wire ring 14. The second claws 21 are formed integrally with the flange 15a for retaining the wiring 14 between the bent portions 20a and the second claws 21. The movement restricting portion is formed by the second claws 21 which have inclined configurations having tip ends pressed against the inner periphery of the lever plate 16, and thereby restricts movement of the wire ring 14 relative to the lever plate 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5655639
    Abstract: A friction clutch assembly, especially for a motor vehicle, of the pull to release type comprising a clutch casing (10), within which there is arranged a device (20) for controlling declutching, which comprises a clutch release bearing and a hydraulic actuating device (26, 34) comprising at least one actuating piston (34), which is arranged to urge the clutch release bearing axially in a first direction (F1) so as to cause the clutch to be disengaged when the hydraulic actuating device is supplied with fluid under pressure. The casing (10) has a window (54) to enable a removable tool (58) to be introduced for mechanical actuation of the release bearing (20), so as to urge the latter axially in a second direction (F2) opposite to the first direction (F1). The end portion (60) of the removable tool (58) lying within the casing (10) cooperates with a complementary portion (62) of the actuating piston (26, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Gino Villata
  • Patent number: 5598912
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing workability in attachment and detachment of a clutch release bearing from a clutch release mechanism. A release coupling device is provided on an outer circumference of a transmission input shaft extending toward a clutch for coupling a clutch release bearing and a bearing drive mechanism. The device includes an inner cover 19 and an inner cylinder 30. The inner cover 19 is provided in the outer circumference of the shaft so as to be fixed thereto close to a diaphragm spring and has first convex portions 19b in its inner circumferential surface. The inner cylinder 30 is inserted in the inner cover 19 and has second convex portions 30c in its outer circumferential surface so that they come in contact with the first convex portion s 19b in close proximity to the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventor: Norihisa Uenohara
  • Patent number: 5549186
    Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly for selectively connecting a source of rotational power to a driven device includes an input hub and a flange secured to the input hub for rotation therewith. An output hub is journalled within the clutch/brake assembly for rotation relative to the input hub. One or more outwardly extending bosses are formed on the outer surface of the output hub. A friction plate is disposed about the input hub between the lower surface of the flange and the upper surface of the output hub. A ring of friction material is secured to the upper surface of the friction plate adjacent to the lower surface of the flange. The friction plate is connected to the output hub for rotation therewith and for axial movement relative thereto. To accomplish this, the peripheral edge of the friction plate has one or more axially extending finger portions formed integrally therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Pardee
  • Patent number: 5531306
    Abstract: This invention is a spacer that has a plate portion with a U-shaped opening in one end and a foot portion attached to the opposite end. This spacer can be passed through the inspection opening or port of the bell housing of a transmission with the plate portion being inserted between the clutch brake and the transmission housing with the drive shaft disposed within the U-shaped opening in the plate. The foot portion is bolted to the bell housing to hold the spacer in place. The spacer has enough thickness that when the release bearing presses on the clutch brake, the clutch brake will engage the spacer and press the same against the transmission housing to make a worn clutch brake once again operate normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Ray Mason
  • Patent number: 5520591
    Abstract: A method of converting a three-speed transmission to a two-speed transmission comprises the step of replacing a plurality of steel drive discs and a plurality of friction driven discs of a multiple disc clutch with a clutch bypass. Each of the replaced plurality of steel drive discs have teeth on an outer perimeter. Similarly, each of the replaced plurality of friction driven discs have teeth on an inner perimeter. The clutch bypass, which replaces these discs, has outer teeth on an outer perimeter which match the teeth of the plurality of steel drive discs, and has inner teeth on an inner perimeter which match the teeth of the plurality of friction driven discs. The transmission is convened from a three speed transmission to a two speed transmission by eliminating first speed, so that the transmission upshifts directly from neutral to second speed. First speed is eliminated by making the transmission operate in first speed as if it were in second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Automatic Transmission Design
    Inventor: Michael J. Hohnstein
  • Patent number: 5480016
    Abstract: An input component (3) of a clutch is fastened to the output end (5) of the crankshaft (7) of an internal combustion engine by a force-fit coupling (11) in which a radial force fit is produced by axial forces which are applied to the coupling (11) by a tool inserted through the hub (21) of a clutch disc (23) or applied to the hub, which in turn applies the axial force on the coupling. The coupling enables the clutch (1), including the flywheel (3) and the clutch disc (23), to be installed on the crankshaft (7) as an assembled unit. The force-fit coupling (11) comprises an expanding conical, element (61), arranged in a central opening (59) of the output end (5) of the crankshaft (7), which expands the output end (5) of the crankshaft radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Walter Kurz, Wolfgang Baier, Uwe Meinig
  • Patent number: 5435425
    Abstract: A clutch brake having at least a first section and a second section, a central opening and a generally annular friction surface facing a braking mechanism and to selectively engage the braking mechanism for braking rotation of the shaft. Tabs and recesses selectively interconnect the first and second sections together. The first and second sections are selectively positionable in a disconnected configuration in which the annular friction surface is discontinuous and the sections are movable in a generally radial direction relative to the shaft, and an interconnected position in which the friction surface is substantially continuous and the first and second sections enclose the shaft in the central opening and are held from substantial radial motion relative to the shaft. Whereby, the clutch brake may be installed on the shaft without disconnecting the shaft from the transmission or the engine. A method of attaching the clutch brake to the shaft is further disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Ace Manufacturing and Parts Co.
    Inventor: Carl E. Ijames
  • Patent number: 5423405
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuki Fukaya
  • Patent number: 5415256
    Abstract: A torque-limiting clutch brake is provided that has an inner collar which splines to a transmission gearbox input shaft. An intermediate coupling member fits around and engages the inner collar. A friction generating resilient wave washer is disposed between the intermediate coupling member and an outer housing. The outer housing includes two covers, within which the components are contained and the resilient wave washer is partially compressed. Friction generated by the resilient wave washer conditionally couples the outer housing to the intermediate coupling member and inner collar until torque on the device exceeds a certain threshold, at which point the clutch brake slips to prevent damage. The components are made up of separable semicircular sections which can be split apart to facilitate removal and installation of the clutch brake without lowering and disassembling the vehicle transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Diebel Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Peter J. Weigand, William A. Smith, Thomas A. Kay, Jr., Hugh R. Harris
  • Patent number: 5407047
    Abstract: In order to secure the flywheel (5) of a motor vehicle friction clutch (3) to the output end of a crankshaft (23) of an internal combustion engine, it is proposed that the flywheel (5) is fastened to the output end of the crankshaft (23) by means of an axially detachable centric clamping arrangement (21). The flywheel (5) is hereby supported on a pipe end (37) of the crankshaft (23). Conical expansion elements (45), which may be axially displaced by means of a centric screw element (43) to generate radial clamping forces, are inserted into the centric cavity formed by the pipe end (37). The screw element (43) is structured in such a way that it may be screwed through the hub (27) of a clutch disc (9) of the friction clutch onto the crankshaft (23) by means of a screw attachment tool (51). The friction clutch (3) may thus be preassembled together with the flywheel (5) to form a structural unit before it is secured to the crankshaft (23) .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Weidinger, Reiner Weisenberger
  • Patent number: 5396975
    Abstract: A power transmission clutch for power tools having interacting interchangeable and reversing replaceable identical clutch elements which essentially double the clutch part life and permit ready repair without additional parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Michael A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5367921
    Abstract: A flywheel assembly comprises a first flywheel connectable to an engine crankshaft, a second flywheel on which a clutch mountable, rotatably supported by the first flywheel, and a replaceable inter-flywheel drive-driven plates/damper unit. The unit is composed of a drive plate sandwich detachably connected to the first flywheel, a composite driven plate disengageably engaged with the second flywheel, and a viscous damper. The viscous damper connects the drive and driven plates, and the compound damper/drive-driven plates unit is replaceable as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 5366056
    Abstract: A clutch friction wheel, especially for a motor vehicle clutch, comprises two coaxial parts which are mounted for rotation of one with respect to the other about a common axis, with an annular damper between them. The damper comprises two rings one of which is in contact with a surface of the first coaxial part, while the other is in contact with a surface of the other part. The two rings of the damper are joined together by elastic members. The rings of the damper are disposed in a groove formed in one of the two coaxial parts, and they are divided into at least two ring segments, each of which includes an equivalent element of each of the two rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Thomas Grabis
  • Patent number: 5285881
    Abstract: A clutch brake assembly is provided for operatively connecting to a rotatable shaft. The clutch brake comprises at least two arcuate members, each having first and second ends, and inwardly extending tabs for engaging standard grooves in the shaft. The clutch brake further includes a first fastener for pivotally coupling the first ends and a second fastener for connecting the second ends of the arcuate members to form an annular assembly about the shaft. The arcuate members may be preassembled such that they are pivotally coupled at their first ends prior to installation. During installation of the clutch brake around the shaft, the first arcuate member is installed around the shaft and the second arcuate member is then pivoted toward the shaft in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. The second fastener is then installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Midland Brake, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Lero, Bryan E. Simoncic
  • Patent number: 5271487
    Abstract: A driven disk assembly includes a hub assembly and a support plate assembly to which friction pads are attached. If the driven disk assembly includes a free travel feature wherein the hub assembly is free to rotate slightly with respect to the support plate assembly, it is difficult to align splines of the hub assembly with cooperating splines of a transmission input shaft upon installing a clutch including the driven disk assembly within a drive train. In order to negate free travel prior to installation, a small quantity of rupturable material is disposed within a slot that accommodates lost notion between the support plate assembly and hub assembly. Upon initially rotating the support plate assembly, the material ruptures, allowing relative motion between the support plate assembly and hub assembly so that the free travel feature and damping springs disposed between the assemblies function as intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Frank L. Bruno
  • Patent number: 5183141
    Abstract: A release mechanism for a pull-type clutch which is disengaged by pulling an inner peripheral part of a diaphragm spring (6) to an axial backside of the clutch. A release bearing assembly (10) is connected to the inner peripheral part of the diaphragm spring (6). A cylinder assembly (11) is mounted to a housing (12) of the clutch at an axial backside of the release bearing assembly (10). The release bearing assembly (10) is connected to the cylinder assembly (11) through means of a connecting ring (60) and a stopper (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventors: Minoru Abe, Tetsuji Takano
  • Patent number: 5135093
    Abstract: The present invention is an improvement over the existing art in that the plate or plates carrying the friction pads are formed in two equal tight-fitting semi-circular sections. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the rear plate encompassing the drive shaft may be similarly formed as two semi-circular portions. This is primarily because the rear plate has splines on the hub which interact with the splines on the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: James P. Sabolish
  • Patent number: 5133439
    Abstract: A fluid pressure operated friction clutch actuating system for releasing the clutch includes a pressure operator, an actuator mechanism, which mechanism is shown as including a housing having a pair of telescopic pistons acting on a force transmission member and reacting through the actuator housing on an end wall of the clutch housing. The force transmission member has a U-shaped recess through which the clutch output shaft and the bearing retainer pass so that the force transmission member is in force transmitting engagement with the clutch throw out bearing while the system is in its operative position in the clutch housing. The actuator pistons act on the force transmission member when pressurized to move the throw out bearing to release the friction clutch through its belleville spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: RMS Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Shellhause
  • Patent number: 5099970
    Abstract: A torque-limiting clutch brake having an inner collar which splines to a transmission gearbox input shaft and including a pair of depressions along its outer edge. A torque-limiting intermediate coupling detent member and spacer ring are disposed around the inner collar. Two resilient detents from the coupling member retainingly engage the depressions of the inner collar within a predetermined limit of torque. Two covers, each having a friction facing on their outer surfaces, house the inner collar, coupling member, and spacer ring, and positively engage the coupling member. An assembly clamp ring fits around the two housing covers and secures the assembly together. The inner collar, coupling member, spacer ring, housing covers, and assembly clamp ring each are made up of two separable semi-circular sections to facilitate removal and installation of the clutch brake without lowering and disassembling the vehicle transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Diebel Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Hugh R. Harris
  • Patent number: 5090541
    Abstract: A coupling device comprises a coupling member and a connecting piece extending within a sleeve portion of the coupling member. The connecting piece includes at least two toe portions, each of which extends individually and locally through the sleeve portion of the coupling member, via openings which are formed in the latter. A retaining member, carried on the coupling member, is provided for the retention of the connecting piece. The retaining member carries at least two centering and retaining fingers, each of which cooperates with one of the toe portions of the connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Aldo Marchisio, Massimo Guarise
  • Patent number: 5076406
    Abstract: An interlocking clutch brake provides first and second parts adapted to radially fit together to form a disc-shaped body having a central aperture for engaging a clutch shaft. Both first and second parts are U-shaped, and are interlocked together by means of mating tongue and groove members. The first and second parts employ bores which are adapted to become axially aligned for receiving the ends of a bowed spring. The bowed portion of the spring is adapted to become partially flattened as a bolt, secured through an aperture in the spring to a threaded aperture in the second part, is rotated by a hand-tool. Partial flattening of the bowed portion causes the spring ends to spread apart to engage respective sets of aligned bores for retaining the two parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Gregory, Richard A. Flotow
  • Patent number: 4991702
    Abstract: A motor vehicle clutch control for vehicles which are equipped with manual transmissions. The control has multiple hydraulic actuators which are mounted on a conventional stationary bell shaped housing which encloses a clutch. The actuators are positioned apart from the axis of the clutch and act directly on a member which is centered on the rotational axis of the clutch. The bell shaped housing has apertures which cooperate with the "off axis" mounting of the actuators to allow the inspection and the servicing of the actuators without the removal of the bell housing or other adjacent parts from a vehicle. In a first embodiment of the invention, the actuators are mounted on a detachable bracket in the interior of the housing and are accessible for installation and removal through an aperture in the side of the housing. In the second embodiment of the invention the actuators are mounted on the rear of the housing and have output members which extend through apertures in the rear of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Eli M. Ladin
  • Patent number: 4967891
    Abstract: A release bearing mechanism of a clutch of pull-type comprises a release bearing including an inner race provided with a cylindrical extension, a cylindrical wedge collar disposed around the cylindrical extension, a lever plate disposed around the wedge collar. The wedge collar and the lever plate being movable through a predetermined axial distance relative to each other. The lever plate being axially immovably connected to the diaphragm spring. The wedge collar includes engagement portions adapted to engage the cylindrical extension and the lever plate. The cylindrical extension, wedge collar and lever plate are formed to be assembled and disassembled by axially relatively shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4909370
    Abstract: A pulled-type motor vehicle clutch to be used between a combustion engine and a gear box comprises a clutch release ring, axial movement of which results in releasing or opening the clutch. A clutch release sleeve is insertable into the clutch release ring and is connectable to the clutch release ring by a wire clip. The wire clip has a circular basic wire ring and two end portions. The wire ring extends over nearly 360.degree.. A gap is defined between the ends of the circular basic wire ring. The end portions are adjoined to the ends of the circular basic wire ring. These end portions can be engaged by hand or by a tool for widening the circular basic wire ring. The end portions cross each other. The gripping faces are directed in opposite circumferential directions away from each other such that mutually approaching said gripping faces results in widening the circular basic wire ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Limbacher, Karl Muller, Nikolaus Rudolph, Herbert Voit
  • Patent number: 4877117
    Abstract: A rotational control apparatus in the preferred form of a fan clutch is disclosed including a friction disc portion slidably mounted and rotationally related by splines on a hub in turn rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft. The splines are formed on a radially outermost portion of the hub. A washer abuts with a shoulder formed in the hub at the intersection of a radially reduced portion with the radially outermost portion and with a retainer on the free end of the radially reduced portion sandwiches a spring in a compressed condition on the reduced portion. In an assembled relation, the friction disc portion abuts with the washer such that the spring biases the friction disc portion. The friction disc portion may be slid from the hub without removal of the hub from the shaft and with the spring retained on the hub by the washer. Both sides of the friction disc portion taper together such that the thickness therebetween decreases with the radial spacing from the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Horton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Kniebel, Virgil Schieffer, Robert C. Bredt
  • Patent number: 4860865
    Abstract: A brake or clutch has a pair of opposed, finned, heat dissipating discs between which are mounted back-to-back pistons for forcing generally kidney-shaped friction pads into engagement with inner surfaces of the discs. The friction pads are readily removable by loosening a thumbscrew which holds a torque post in locking position and rotating the torque post to an unlocked position. A fin arrangement for good heat dissipation and a novel hub arrangement are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: The Montalvo Corporation
    Inventors: William W. Montalvo, III, Philip R. Metcalf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4858741
    Abstract: The clutch is of the pull type having a detent ring between a first member and a second member, and having a detent release sleeve. On release of the detent ring, the members can be separated with the detent ring and sleeve carried on respective members. The sleeve has a peripheral surface engageable within the ring, the surface having a formation thereon whereby during separation of the members following release of the detent ring, relative movement will take place between the detent release sleeve and the member on which it is carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Automotive Products PLC
    Inventors: Ian C. Maycock, Robert J. Ball, Denzil J. W. Symonds
  • Patent number: 4832166
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Walter Parzefall
  • Patent number: 4815189
    Abstract: A method of converting from a first clutch of the type comprising a relatively wide-profile cover having an integral circular rim attached to one face of a flat rimless flywheel, to a second clutch of the type comprising a relatively thin-profile cover. The method comprises detaching the first clutch with the wide-profile cover from the flywheel, applying the second clutch including the thin-profile cover and an adaptor ring to one face of the flywheel with the adaptor ring disposed between the cover and the flywheel, and removably attaching the cover and adaptor ring to the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Ace Manufacturing and Parts Co.
    Inventors: Carl E. Ijames, Kevin M. Ijames
  • Patent number: 4809835
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Erwin Ziegler, Peter Huditz, Werner Fricke, Helmuth Weissenberger
  • Patent number: 4796743
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: AB SKF
    Inventor: Stig Hallerback
  • Patent number: 4782935
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Christian Gay, Philippe Lassiaz
  • Patent number: 4778039
    Abstract: In a friction clutch between an engine and a gearbox, a clutch release bearing is premounted in a clutch portion connected to the engine and an axially displaceable sleeve piston cooperating with the clutch release bearing is premounted in a release mechanism connected to the gearbox. The sleeve piston comprises a companion flange assembly which cooperates with a blocking element to assume a position for either displacing or not displacing the clutch release bearing. Such an arrangement is used in a so-called pull type clutch, which requires connection between the clutch release bearing and the release mechanism when the engine is connected to the gearbox. The present invention permits simple and secure assembly and disassembly of the engine to the gearbox and the clutch release bearing to the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Saab-Scania Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Thomas Eliasson
  • Patent number: 4778040
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes side plates connected to an output hub and being adapted to receive a torque through a friction facing from a flywheel of an engine, and a clutch cover supporting a control mechanism of the clutch. At least one of the clutch cover and the side plates is integrally provided at outer peripheral portions with small portions which are surrounded by a groove and a slot connected to the groove so that one or more of the small portions can be removed for balancing the clutch in an unbalance-correcting process. The side plates are rigidly connected together by stop pins and are connected to the hub through springs disposed in openings formed in the side plates and a radial flange of the hub. One of the side plate is provided at outer peripheral portions circumferentially between the openings and the stop pins with the small portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kabayama
  • Patent number: 4733764
    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. A substantially axial bush is attached to the clutch release device. There is an engagement bearing surface at the end of this bush. A drive part which is part of the clutch release bearing comprises an annular groove. A decoupling part is slidably mounted on the drive part. A fastening device operative in traction is disposed between the coupling part and the drive part. It couples these parts in the axial direction from the clutch release device to the clutch release bearing. It comprises an annular fastening ring which is disposed around the axis of the assembly. This ring is elastically deformable in the radial direction and at least partially interlocked on the clutch release bearing side with a bearing surface on the coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Fraymon S.A.
    Inventors: Cecilio Martinez Corral, Carlos Lopez Perez
  • Patent number: 4733762
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Christian Gay, Philippe Lassiaz
  • Patent number: 4733763
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Christian Gay, Philippe Lassiaz
  • Patent number: 4702362
    Abstract: A friction clutch for a vehicle includes a clutch release mechanism comprising a first member, a second member, a detent arranged to locate the first member relative to the second member on assembly by moving the first member in one direction relative to the second member whereby a clutch release force subsequently applied to said first member in an opposite direction will be transmitted to said second member to release the clutch, and a detent release sleeve which enables the detent to be released by urging said first member further in said one direction relative to said second member so that the first and second members can thereafter be separated. The detent is carried by one of the members and the detent release sleeve is carried by the other of the members whereby on separation of the members following release of the detent the detent and detent release sleeve disengage and remain on their respective members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventors: John D. Banks, Robert J. Ball, Denzil J. W. Symonds
  • Patent number: 4687084
    Abstract: A bearing carrier for a pull-type clutch, and which forms part of the clutch mechanism assembly, has a crenellated rim provided with longitudinally projecting tooth-like portions, cut-out portions being provided between consecutive projecting portions. A separate tubular member, forming part of the clutch control mechanism, has a correspondingly crenellated rim provided with longitudinally projecting portions and cut-out portions between consecutive projecting portions. One of the crenellated rims has a peripheral groove in which is disposed an expandable resilient ring, and the other crenellated rim has a corresponding peripheral groove and is provided at the leading edge of its projecting portion with a ramp for expanding the ring when the one of the crenellated rims is pushed into the other crenellated rim for coupling the bearing carrier with the tubular member during assembly of the bearing carrier with the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventors: Keith V. Leigh-Monstevens, David L. Wrobleski, Richard A. Nix, Mark W. Rei
  • Patent number: 4682680
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, John J. Winters
  • Patent number: 4667797
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball