GB2196086A - A friction clutch for a vehicle - Google Patents

A friction clutch for a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2196086A
GB2196086A GB08713158A GB8713158A GB2196086A GB 2196086 A GB2196086 A GB 2196086A GB 08713158 A GB08713158 A GB 08713158A GB 8713158 A GB8713158 A GB 8713158A GB 2196086 A GB2196086 A GB 2196086A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
friction clutch
strip
handle
tab
release
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB08713158A
Other versions
GB2196086B (en
GB8713158D0 (en
Inventor
Charles Higginbottom
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Automotive Products PLC
Original Assignee
Automotive Products PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Automotive Products PLC filed Critical Automotive Products PLC
Publication of GB8713158D0 publication Critical patent/GB8713158D0/en
Publication of GB2196086A publication Critical patent/GB2196086A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2196086B publication Critical patent/GB2196086B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D23/00—Details of mechanically-actuated clutches not specific for one distinct type
    • F16D23/12—Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such
    • F16D23/14—Clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings; Actuating members directly connected to clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings
    • F16D23/143—Arrangements or details for the connection between the release bearing and the diaphragm
    • F16D23/144—With a disengaging thrust-ring distinct from the release bearing, and secured to the diaphragm
    • F16D23/146—Arrangements for the connection between the thrust-ring and the release bearing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D23/00—Details of mechanically-actuated clutches not specific for one distinct type
    • F16D23/12—Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D23/00—Details of mechanically-actuated clutches not specific for one distinct type
    • F16D23/12—Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such
    • F16D23/14—Clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings; Actuating members directly connected to clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings
    • F16D23/143—Arrangements or details for the connection between the release bearing and the diaphragm
    • F16D23/144—With a disengaging thrust-ring distinct from the release bearing, and secured to the diaphragm
    • F16D23/145—Arrangements for the connection between the thrust-ring and the diaphragm
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D23/00—Details of mechanically-actuated clutches not specific for one distinct type
    • F16D23/12—Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such
    • F16D23/14—Clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings; Actuating members directly connected to clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings
    • F16D2023/141—Clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings; Actuating members directly connected to clutch-actuating sleeves or bearings characterised by using a fork; Details of forks

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)

Abstract

The clutch includes a clutch release mechanism comprising a first member 15, a second member 13, a detent 20 arranged to locate the first member relative to the second member on assembly by moving the first member in one direction B relative to the second member whereby a clutch release force subsequently applied to said first member in an opposite direction A will be transmitted to said second member to release the clutch, and detent release means 25 which enables the detent 20 to be released by urging said first member 15 further in said one direction relative to said second member 13 so that the first and second members can thereafter be separated. A frangible element 30 in the form e.g. of a ring which may be fractured, is arranged between the first and second members to inhibit accidental release movement of the first member relative to said second member in said one direction and which can be fracture to permit release movement of the first member. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A friction clutch for a vehicle The invention relates to a friction clutch for a vehicle and is particularly concerned with a friction clutch of the pull type 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 detent release means 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 member can thereafter be separated.
With such a clutch there is the possibility of accidentally releasing the detent in certain circumstances when the vehicle in which the clutch is installed is being driven. Such accidental release would render the clutch disengageable.
An object of the present invention is to provide a clutch in which that particular problem is substantially avoided.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a friction clutch for a vehicle which 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 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, detent release means 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 and a frangible element arranged between the first and second members to inhibit accidental release movement of the first member relative to said second member in said one direction and which can be fractured to permit release movement of the first member.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a frangible element to be arranged between first and second members of a friction clutch according to said first aspect of the invention to inhibit accidental release movement of the first element.
The element may be in the form of a ring which may be of polygonal form in transverse cross-section. If desired the element member may be corrugated. The element may be formed with a weakened area, e.g. by forming an aperture in the ring or by forming a score line in the ring, to facilitate fracture. The score line may extend transversely or may extend circumferentially, preferabiy parallel with a second line of weakening to define a tear-away section. Once the section is torn away from the remaining sections of the element can be positioned, e.g. moved axially together to permit said release movement.
A handle or tab may be provided to enable the ring to be fractured by applying a force to the handle or tab.
The element may be formed from a strip of material.
The handle may be formed by bending a free end of the strip to form a loop and connecting overlapping sections of the loop to the other free end of the strip, e.g. by an overlapping joint which can be spot welded.
Alternatively, the tab may comprise a free end of the strip which extends from a section of the strip which is joined to the other free end of the strip. The handle or tab may be connected to or may be integral with the aforesaid tear away weakened section.
The element may be formed from suitable material, e.g. plastics.
A friction clutch and a frangible element therefor in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a cross-section of a friction clutch provided with a frangible stop element in accordance with the invention; Fig.2 is an end view of the stop element in Fig.1.
Fig.3 is a view to a larger scale of a handle formed on the stop element of Fig.2: Fig.4 is a view of part of the stop element of Figs.2 and 3 looking in the direction of arrow D in Fig.3 showing weakened areas; Fig.5 is a perspective view of a stop element similar to that of Fig.2 but having a tab; Fig.6 is an end view of a corrugated stop element; and Fig.7 is a view of the stop element of Fig.6 looking in the direction of arrow E in Fig.6.
In Fig.1 there is shown a friction clutch in which a clutch pressure plate 10 is retracted by a clutch release mechanism 11 to release a clutch driven plate 12. Clutch release is effected by applying a force in direction A to a release plate 13 of a clutch spring 14 through a short hollow shaft 15, clutch release bearing 16 and a pull member 17. The releasing force is applied by means of a release fork 18 which engages the pull member 17. The lower half of Fig.1 shows the position of shaft 15, release bearing 16, pull member 17 and fork 18 in the detent release position. The shaft 15 is connected to the release plate 13 through a split-ring detent 20.The shaft 15 carries an axially slidable sleeve 25 and the detent can be released by urging the shaft 15 in direction B to cause the ring 20 to ride on to the outer periphery of the sleeve.
The ring 20 is thereby disengaged from the shaft 15 so that the shaft can be withdrawn from the hub 13 in direction A. Such an ar rangement is described in our UK Patent Application No 2176262.
In order to prevent accidental release of the detent ring, a frangible stop element 30 is provided. As shown in Fig.1 the stop element 30 is located around a cylindrical outer portion of the shaft 15 between the release plate 13 and a shoulder 33 on the shaft 15.
If an attempt is made to release the detent 20 by moving the shaft 15 in direction B, the element 30 will abut the shoulder 33 and the right hand end of release plate 13 and limit movement in direction B to an amount which is insufficient to release the detent. Suitable frangible elements are shown in detail in Figures 2 to 7 and will now be described.
In Figs. 1 to 4 the frangible element 30 comprises a strip 60 of metal or other suitable material which is bent into polygonal form in end view as in Fig.3. One end of the strip 60 is bent back on itself to form a handle 62 as in Fig.3 and the other end extends beneath the handle to form an overlap. The overlapping strip sections are then joined together, e.g. by spot welding at 60a to form a ring.
The strip may be formed with a hole 63 as in Fig.4 and/or deep transverse score 64 to enable the ring to be fractured for removal by pulling the handle. As shown in Fig.5 the handle may consist of a free end section of the strip which forms a grippable tab 65. An eye 66 may be formed in the tab for gripping purposes or the tab may be bent into a loop.
When the element is in position on the shaft 15, the internal flats of the polygonal form engage cylindrical surface portion 32. The corners of the polygon serve to ensure engagement of the element against the adjacent end of release plate 13 if the shaft 15 is accidentally pushed in direction B.
In Fig.6 the element 30 is formed from a corrugated strip of material 67 which is joined so as to leave a pull tab 68. As in Fig.5 the pull-tab may be formed with an eye or a loop.
The strip is formed with a hole and/or transverse score as in Fig.4.
Instead of forming the strips of Figs. 2 to 6 with the weakening hole and/or transverse score line as in Fig A, the strips could be formed with two spaced apart circumferential score lines 69 (Fig.7) to form a tear-away strip 70 enabling the axiail length L of the element to be reduced sufficiently when the detent ring 20 is to be released. Marginal sections 71 could be spot welded at 70a to the underlying opposite end of the strip and the score lines may terminate at the edges of the strip at points 72. Once the strip section 70 is removed, the sections 71 can be moved axially together.
The stop elements in Figs.2 to 7 are particularly useful as they are more resistant to detachment due to centrifugal force when the clutch rotates than the spring clip type of stop described in our UK Patent Application No.
2176262.

Claims (29)

1. A friction clutch for a vehicle which 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 detent release means 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 and a frangible element arranged between the first and second members to inhibit accidental release movement of the first member relative to said second member in said one direction and which can be fractured to permit release movement of the first member.
2. A friction clutch according to Claim 1 in which the strip is formed into a ring.
3. A friction clutch according to Claim 2 in which the ring is of polygonal form in transverse cross-section.
4. A friction clutch according to Claim 2 or 3 in which the material forming the ring is corrugated.
5. A friction clutch according to any of Claims 1 to 4. in which the element is formed with a weakened area to facilitate fracture.
5. A friction clutch according to any of Claims 1 to 4 in which the element is formed with a weakened area to facilitate fracture.
6. A friction clutch according to Claim 5 in which the weakened area is made by forming an aperture and/or a score line in the element to facilitate fracture.
7. A friction clutch according to Claim 5 or 6 in which the weakened area comprises a score line extending circumferentially of the ring.
8. A friction clutch according to Claim 7 in which a second line of weakeneing is provided parallel with the first to define a tear-away section between the lines.
9. A friction clutch according to any of Claims 1 to 8 in which a handle or tab is provided on the element to enable it to be fractured by applying a force to the handle or tab means.
10. A friction clutch according to any preceding Claim in which the element is formed from a strip of material.
11. A friction clutch according to Claim 10 and where a handle or tab is provided, in which the handle is formed by bending a free end of the strip to form a loop and connecting overlapping sections of the loop to the other free end of the strip.
12. A friction clutch according to Claim 10 and where a handle or tab is provided, in which the handle or tab comprises a free end of the strip which extends from a section of the strip joined to the other free end of the strip.
13. A friction clutch according to any of Claims 9 to 12 in which the handle or tab is connected to or integral with said weakened section.
14. A friction clutch substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. A frangible element for use in a friction clutch according to any preceding claim.
16. For a friction clutch of a vehicle which 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 on 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 detent release means 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, there is provided a stop element comprising a frangible element arranged in use between the first and second members to inhibit accidental release movement of the first member relative to said second member in said one direction and which can be fractured to permit release movement of the first member.
17. A stop element according to Claim 16 in which the strip is formed into a ring.
18. A stop element according to Claim 17 in which the ring is of polygonal form in transverse cross-section.
19. A stop element according to Claim 17 or 18 in which the material forming the ring is corrugated
20. A stop element according to any of Claims 16 to 19 in which the element is formed with a weakened area to facilitate fracture.
21. A stop element according to Claim 20 in which the weakened area is made by forming an aperture and/or a score line in the element to facilitate fracture.
22. A stop element according to Claim 20 or 21 in which the weakened area comprises a score line extending circumferentially of the ring.
23. A stop element according to Claim 22 in which a second line of weakening is provided parallel with the first to define a tearaway section between the lines.
24. A stop element according to any of Clairns 16 to 23 in which a handle or tab is provided on the element to enable it to be fractured by applying a force to the handle or tab.
25. A stop element according to any of Claims 16 to 24 in which the elementis formed from a strip of material.
26. A stop element according to Claim 25 and where a handle or tab is provided, in which the handle is formed by bending a free end of the strip to form a loop and connecting overlapping sections of the loop to the other free end of the strip.
27. A stop element according to Claim 25 and where a handle or tab is provided, in which the handle or tab comprises a free end of the strip which extends from a section of the strip joined to the other free end of the strip.
28. A stop element according to any of Claims 24 to 27 in which the handle or tab is connected to or integral with said weakened section.
29. A stop element for a friction clutch substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB8713158A 1986-06-06 1987-06-05 A friction clutch for a vehicle Expired - Lifetime GB2196086B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB868613746A GB8613746D0 (en) 1986-06-06 1986-06-06 Friction clutch

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8713158D0 GB8713158D0 (en) 1987-07-08
GB2196086A true GB2196086A (en) 1988-04-20
GB2196086B GB2196086B (en) 1990-05-30

Family

ID=10599028

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB868613746A Pending GB8613746D0 (en) 1986-06-06 1986-06-06 Friction clutch
GB8713158A Expired - Lifetime GB2196086B (en) 1986-06-06 1987-06-05 A friction clutch for a vehicle

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB868613746A Pending GB8613746D0 (en) 1986-06-06 1986-06-06 Friction clutch

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB8613746D0 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2312722A (en) * 1996-05-02 1997-11-05 Automotive Prod Italia Diaphragm spring and release bearing assembly
FR2765286A1 (en) * 1997-06-30 1998-12-31 Mannesmann Sachs Ag CLUTCH DEVICE
ES2149098A1 (en) * 1997-03-11 2000-10-16 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Pre-assembled clutch withdrawal mechanism for vehicle
WO2007006394A1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2007-01-18 Schaeffler Kg Clutch release bearing in contact with a disk spring

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2176262A (en) * 1985-06-10 1986-12-17 Automotive Products Plc Detent assembly of a friction clutch release mechanism for a vehicle

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2176262A (en) * 1985-06-10 1986-12-17 Automotive Products Plc Detent assembly of a friction clutch release mechanism for a vehicle
EP0205320A1 (en) * 1985-06-10 1986-12-17 Automotive Products Public Limited Company A friction clutch for a vehicle

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2312722A (en) * 1996-05-02 1997-11-05 Automotive Prod Italia Diaphragm spring and release bearing assembly
GB2312722B (en) * 1996-05-02 2000-02-09 Automotive Prod Co Ltd Diaphragm spring assembly
ES2149098A1 (en) * 1997-03-11 2000-10-16 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Pre-assembled clutch withdrawal mechanism for vehicle
FR2765286A1 (en) * 1997-06-30 1998-12-31 Mannesmann Sachs Ag CLUTCH DEVICE
GB2326922A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-06 Mannesmann Sachs Ag A pre-assembled clutch withdrawal mechanism
US6105745A (en) * 1997-06-30 2000-08-22 Husse; Ulrich Disengagement mechanism for a friction clutch
GB2326922B (en) * 1997-06-30 2002-03-27 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Withdrawal mechanism for a friction clutch
WO2007006394A1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2007-01-18 Schaeffler Kg Clutch release bearing in contact with a disk spring
US8286775B2 (en) 2005-07-13 2012-10-16 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Clutch release bearing in contact with a disk spring

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2196086B (en) 1990-05-30
GB8613746D0 (en) 1986-07-09
GB8713158D0 (en) 1987-07-08

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee