GB2248476A - A friction clutch assembly - Google Patents

A friction clutch assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2248476A
GB2248476A GB9021691A GB9021691A GB2248476A GB 2248476 A GB2248476 A GB 2248476A GB 9021691 A GB9021691 A GB 9021691A GB 9021691 A GB9021691 A GB 9021691A GB 2248476 A GB2248476 A GB 2248476A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
flywheel
friction clutch
cover
assembly according
cover assembly
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
GB9021691A
Other versions
GB2248476B (en
GB9021691D0 (en
Inventor
Ian Commander Maycock
Richard David Cooke
Anthony John Curtis
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
Priority to GB9021691A priority Critical patent/GB2248476B/en
Publication of GB9021691D0 publication Critical patent/GB9021691D0/en
Publication of GB2248476A publication Critical patent/GB2248476A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2248476B publication Critical patent/GB2248476B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related 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
    • F16D13/00—Friction clutches
    • F16D13/58—Details
    • F16D13/70—Pressure members, e.g. pressure plates, for clutch-plates or lamellae; Guiding arrangements for pressure members
    • F16D13/71—Pressure members, e.g. pressure plates, for clutch-plates or lamellae; Guiding arrangements for pressure members in which the clutching pressure is produced by springs only

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

Abstract

A friction clutch assembly comprises a flywheel 10, a pressure plate 20, a cover 22 and a diaphragm spring 24. The cover 22 has flexible tabs 28 with cut-outs 34. The tabs snap fit onto the flywheel during assembly so that the cut-outs engage in a groove 40 in the flywheel, dowels 37 transmit drive between the cover 22 and the flywheel. The drive transmitting means may alternatively be formed integrally with the cover and may be formed by the cut-outs (Fig 9). A projection may alternatively engage a starter ring on the flywheel (Fig 10). <IMAGE>

Description

A FRICTION CLUTCH ASSEMBLY The present invention relates to friction clutch assemblies and in particular to friction clutch assemblies for use in motor vehicles.
The present invention provides a friction clutch cover assembly comprising a pressure plate, a cover mounte3 for rotation with the pressure plate, biasing means for urging the pressure plate towards a flywheel; and engaging means darted to form a sn3p fit connection between the flywheel and the cover to restrict movement of the cover assembly away from the flgwheel.
The present invention further provides a friction clutch assembly comprising a friction clutch cover assembly according to the nvention and a flywheel.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fin 1 is a section through a friction clutch assembly according to 3 first embodiment of the invention; Fig 2 is a view on line II of Fig 1 showing part of the cover of the assembly oE Fig 1.
wig 3 15 a sect ion through a friction clutch assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig 4 is a view on line IV - IV of fig 3.
via 5 is a vie on line V - V of fig 3.
Fig 6 is a section through a friction clutch assembly accorling to a third embodiment of the invention.
Figs 7 and 8 are sections on lines VII - VII and VIII VIII in Fig 6.
Figs 9 and Fig 10 are sections through a friction clutch assembly according to fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention.
Referring to Figs 1 and 2 a flywheel 18 is mounted on an engine crankshaft (not shown) . A driven plate 12 is mounted on a hub 14 which in turn is mounted on a driven shaft 16.
A cover assembly 18 comprises a pressure plate 2(3, a cover 22 and a diaphragm spring 24 acting between the cover and the pressure plate to clamp the driven plate 12 between the f)ywheel 18 and pressure plate 2(3. The diaphragm spring 24 has an outer annular portion 25 and inwardly extending sprint fingers 2G, and is supported by a pivot 27 on the cover 22. The cover 22 has a main cylindrical portion 29 with engagement means in the form of a plurality of flexible tabs 28. Each tab 28 comprises a radial portion 3(3 and an axial Portion 32. The axial portion 32 has cut-outs 34 pierced in it as shown in Fig 2.The cut-outs 34 are bent radially inwards so that each one has an end surface 35 which is inclined to the plane of the flywheel. One side of the radial portion 3(3 forms a locating surface 33. A hole 36 is defined through the radial portion 3, and the flywheel 1(3 has a plurality of bores 38 aligned with the holes 36. Dowels 37 located in the holes 3G and bores 38 act as drive means to transmit drive between the flywheel and cover 22. The flywheel 1(3 also has a circumferential groove 48 defined in its outer surface 42, and a bevelled corner 44.
To attach the cover assembly 18 to the flywheel 10 the cover 22 and the flywheel 10 are aligned so that the ends of the tabs 28 fit against the bevelled corner 44 of the flywheel. The cover assembly 18 is then forced towards the Flywheel 18. Engagement of the cut-outs 34 with the flywheel 1 bends the axial portions 30 outwards and as the cover assembly is moved further towards the flywheel, the cur-outs 3 snap into the groove 4(3. The end surfaces 35 of the cut-outs 34 act against one side wall 41 of the groove 42 to urge the cover assembly 15 towards the flywheel so hot the locating surfaces 33 are held against the flywheel 12. The dowels 37 are then inserted into the boles 36 in the cover and the bores 38 in the flywheel.
To disengage the clutch the spring fingers 25 are urged towards the flywheel 18. The diaphragm spring pivots about the pivot 27 so that the outer annular portion 25 releases the pressure plate 2.
Referring to Fig 3, the second embodiment of the invention comprises a flywheel 110 and a cover assembly 112, the cover assembly comprising a cover 122, a diaphragm spring 124 and a pressure plate 12(3. The cover 122 has a plurality of drive pegs 15 formed integrally with it.The flywheel 11 has a corresponding number of drilled holes 152 for receiving the drive pegs 15(3. Fig 4 shows the cross section of the drilled holes lr,2 and drive peg. 150. Tabs 128 on the cover 122 are identical to the tabs 28 in the first embodiment. However locating surfaces 133 form part of separate locating tabs 153 which are rigid and formed integrally with the cover 122, as shown in Fig 5. The locating tabs 153 are spaced around the cover 122 between the tabs 128 and drive pegs 150.
Referring to Fig 6 the third embodiment of the invention comprises a flywheel 21(3 and a cover assembly 212, the cover assembly comprising a cover 222, a diaphragm spring 224 and a pressure plate 22(3. Tabs 228 on the cover 222 extend only axially from the cover 222. Each tab 228 has a drive portion 2G0, and an engaging portion 262. The engaging portion 262 is narrower than the drive portion 26 and has a projection 264 formed on its radially outer side 266.
The flywheel 210 has milled slots 268 for receiving the tabs 228.
When the cover assembly 212 is attached to the flywheel, the tabs 228 are urged radially inwards by engagement of the projections 264 with the milled slots 268.
The tabs 228 tnen snap radially outwards to engage with the flywheel 210. Locating surfaces 233 are formed on the rim 220 of the cover 222 between the tabs 228.
Referring to Fig 9, the fourtn embodiment of the invention comprises a flywheel 31(3, a cover 322, a diaphragm spring 324 and a pressure plate 32(3. The diaphragm spring rests against 3 pivot 327 radially outside a ridge 36 on to pressure plave which contacts the diaphragm spring.
Axially extending tabs 328 with cut outs 334 snap into a groove 340 in the flywheel. The clutch is disengage by urging the string fingers 326 away from the flywheel 31(3.
The cut-outs 334 act to prevent movement of the cover 322 away front the flywheel 318 whon the clutch is disengaged.
In this embodiment the cut-outs 334 form tne drive means for transmitting drive between the flywheel and the cover.
Retaining means in the form of a band 335 around the tabs 328 prevents them from moving radially outwards by the centrifuge effect. The band may be omitted if the tabs 328 are sufficiently rigid. In a modification of this embodiment the flywheel has axial grooves running from the circumferential groove to the face of the flywheel, such that the tabs rest in the grooves and drive is transmitted between the flywheel and the cover by the tabs acting on the sides of the axial grooves.
Referring to Fig 1, the fifth embodiment of the invention is similar to the second coibodiment. However on eac tab 428 an engaging portion 462 extends past a starter ring 478 and a projection 464 engages the starter ring.

Claims (1)

1. A friction clutch cover assembly comprising a pressure plate, a cover mounted for rotation with the pressure plate, biasing means for urging the pressure plate towards a flywheel, and engaging means adapted to form a snap fit connection between the flywheel and the cover to restrict movement of the cover axially away from the flywheel.
2. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 1 whereon the engaging means is formed integrally with the cover.
3. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the cover has a locating surface for restricting movement of the cover towards the flywheel and the engaging means is adapted to urge the locating surface against the flywheel.
4. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 3 wherein the locating surface is on a fixed part of the cover which does not move with the engaging means.
5. A friction clutch cover assembly according to any foregoing claim further comprising drive means for transmitting drive between the flywheel and the cover.
6. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 5 wherein the drive means is formed integrally with the cover.
7. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 6 wherein the drive means comprises a plurality of tabs formed on the cover and the engaging means comprises extensions of the tabs.
8. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 5 wherein the drive means is formed separately from the cover.
9. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 8 wherein the drive means comprises a plurality of dowels.
18. .R friction clutch cover assembly according to any foregoing claim wherein the engaging means is formed so as to snap radially to engage the flywheel.
11. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 1(3 wherein the engaging means is formed so as to snap radially outwards to engage the flywheel.
12. A friction clutch cover assembly according to Claim 11 further comprising retaining means for retaining the engaging means in engagement with the flywheel.
13. A friction clutch assembly according to any foregoing claim and a flywheel.
14. A friction clutch assembly according to Claim 13 wherein the Elywheel has a plurality of slots defined therein for receiving the engaging means.
15. A friction clutch assembly according to any one of maims 1 to 1 wherein the flywheel has a circumferential groove for receiving the engaging means.
15. A friction clutch assembly according to Claim 15 when dependent on any one of Claims 5 to 9 wherein the flywheel has a plurality of holes defined therein for receiving the drive means.
17. A friction clutch cover assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB9021691A 1990-10-05 1990-10-05 A friction clutch assembly Expired - Fee Related GB2248476B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9021691A GB2248476B (en) 1990-10-05 1990-10-05 A friction clutch assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9021691A GB2248476B (en) 1990-10-05 1990-10-05 A friction clutch assembly

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9021691D0 GB9021691D0 (en) 1990-11-21
GB2248476A true GB2248476A (en) 1992-04-08
GB2248476B GB2248476B (en) 1995-01-04

Family

ID=10683291

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9021691A Expired - Fee Related GB2248476B (en) 1990-10-05 1990-10-05 A friction clutch assembly

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2248476B (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995011391A1 (en) * 1993-10-20 1995-04-27 Valeo Clutch unit with a cover secured by a clip arrangement to the flywheel
FR2712361A1 (en) * 1993-11-09 1995-05-19 Valeo Clutch assembly, esp for motor vehicle
GB2291144A (en) * 1994-07-12 1996-01-17 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch
FR2735825A1 (en) * 1995-06-21 1996-12-27 Fichtel & Sachs Ag FRICTION CLUTCH HAVING A REMOVABLE FIXED CLUTCH HOUSING
EP0770788A1 (en) * 1995-10-24 1997-05-02 Valeo Clutch unit comprising improved fastening means for mounting the cover to the flywheel
EP0780588A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-25 Valeo Clutch unit comprising a slitted target ring
EP0780589A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-25 Valeo Clutch unit comprising a cover which is mounted on a supporting flange by means of transverse legs
FR2742826A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-27 Valeo Clutch module for mobile vehicle
EP0797015A2 (en) * 1996-03-19 1997-09-24 Exedy Corporation Clutch assembly
FR2749627A1 (en) * 1996-06-10 1997-12-12 Valeo CLUTCH MODULE HAVING A TARGET ASSOCIATED WITH A ROTATION SENSOR COMING FROM MATERIAL WITH THE CLUTCH COVER
GB2339004A (en) * 1998-06-30 2000-01-12 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Connecting a flywheel of a clutch to a clutch housing

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1125908A (en) * 1964-12-30 1968-09-05 Borg Warner Multiple plate friction clutch
GB1327729A (en) * 1971-07-19 1973-08-22 Borg Warner Clutch mechanism
GB2145170A (en) * 1983-08-17 1985-03-20 Daikin Mfg Co Ltd Diaphragm spring clutch
GB2186331A (en) * 1986-02-12 1987-08-12 Automotive Products Plc Method of preventing axial separation of a clutch pressure plate and a diaphragm spring
GB2193271A (en) * 1986-08-01 1988-02-03 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1125908A (en) * 1964-12-30 1968-09-05 Borg Warner Multiple plate friction clutch
GB1327729A (en) * 1971-07-19 1973-08-22 Borg Warner Clutch mechanism
GB2145170A (en) * 1983-08-17 1985-03-20 Daikin Mfg Co Ltd Diaphragm spring clutch
GB2186331A (en) * 1986-02-12 1987-08-12 Automotive Products Plc Method of preventing axial separation of a clutch pressure plate and a diaphragm spring
GB2193271A (en) * 1986-08-01 1988-02-03 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch

Cited By (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995011391A1 (en) * 1993-10-20 1995-04-27 Valeo Clutch unit with a cover secured by a clip arrangement to the flywheel
FR2711405A1 (en) * 1993-10-20 1995-04-28 Valeo Clutch module with a lid fastened by catching the steering wheel.
US5651441A (en) * 1993-10-20 1997-07-29 Valeo Clutch module having a cover plate snap-fitted to the flywheel
CN1056676C (en) * 1993-10-20 2000-09-20 Valeo公司 Clutch unit with a cover secured by a clip arrangement to the flywheel
FR2712361A1 (en) * 1993-11-09 1995-05-19 Valeo Clutch assembly, esp for motor vehicle
GB2291144A (en) * 1994-07-12 1996-01-17 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch
US5634542A (en) * 1994-07-12 1997-06-03 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch with a flywheel
ES2119630A1 (en) * 1994-07-12 1998-10-01 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch with a flywheel
GB2291144B (en) * 1994-07-12 1998-03-11 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch
DE19522458A1 (en) * 1995-06-21 1997-01-02 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch with a detachably attached clutch housing
FR2735825A1 (en) * 1995-06-21 1996-12-27 Fichtel & Sachs Ag FRICTION CLUTCH HAVING A REMOVABLE FIXED CLUTCH HOUSING
US5839560A (en) * 1995-06-21 1998-11-24 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch with a detachably fastened clutch housing
GB2302374B (en) * 1995-06-21 1998-09-02 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Friction clutch with a releasably attached casing
EP0770788A1 (en) * 1995-10-24 1997-05-02 Valeo Clutch unit comprising improved fastening means for mounting the cover to the flywheel
EP0780589A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-25 Valeo Clutch unit comprising a cover which is mounted on a supporting flange by means of transverse legs
FR2742826A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-27 Valeo Clutch module for mobile vehicle
FR2742825A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-27 Valeo CLUTCH MODULE HAVING A TARGET DEFINING SLOTS
FR2742827A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-27 Valeo CLUTCH MODULE WHOSE COVER IS FIXED TO A SUPPORTING FLANGE BY TRANSVERSE BRACKETS
EP0780588A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-25 Valeo Clutch unit comprising a slitted target ring
EP0797015A3 (en) * 1996-03-19 1998-01-28 Exedy Corporation Clutch assembly
EP0797015A2 (en) * 1996-03-19 1997-09-24 Exedy Corporation Clutch assembly
US5857548A (en) * 1996-03-19 1999-01-12 Exedy Corporation Clutch assembly having a clutch cover attachable to a flywheel via an intermediate member to provide radially reduced dimensions
FR2749627A1 (en) * 1996-06-10 1997-12-12 Valeo CLUTCH MODULE HAVING A TARGET ASSOCIATED WITH A ROTATION SENSOR COMING FROM MATERIAL WITH THE CLUTCH COVER
GB2339004A (en) * 1998-06-30 2000-01-12 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Connecting a flywheel of a clutch to a clutch housing
US6131715A (en) * 1998-06-30 2000-10-17 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Process for connecting a flywheel of a clutch with a clutch
ES2155382A1 (en) * 1998-06-30 2001-05-01 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Process for connecting a flywheel of a clutch with a clutch
GB2339004B (en) * 1998-06-30 2003-01-22 Mannesmann Sachs Ag Improvements relating to a method of connecting a flywheel of a clutch to a clutch housing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2248476B (en) 1995-01-04
GB9021691D0 (en) 1990-11-21

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20031005