US20200224700A1 - Snap ring having retention feature - Google Patents
Snap ring having retention feature Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200224700A1 US20200224700A1 US16/244,485 US201916244485A US2020224700A1 US 20200224700 A1 US20200224700 A1 US 20200224700A1 US 201916244485 A US201916244485 A US 201916244485A US 2020224700 A1 US2020224700 A1 US 2020224700A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- snap ring
- engagement portion
- retention
- backing plate
- extending
- 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.)
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- 239000002783 friction material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
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- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
- F16B21/10—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts
- F16B21/16—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft
- F16B21/18—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft with circlips or like resilient retaining devices, i.e. resilient in the plane of the ring or the like; Details
- F16B21/183—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft with circlips or like resilient retaining devices, i.e. resilient in the plane of the ring or the like; Details internal, i.e. with spreading action
-
- 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
- F16D13/22—Friction clutches with axially-movable clutching members
- F16D13/38—Friction clutches with axially-movable clutching members with flat clutching surfaces, e.g. discs
- F16D13/52—Clutches with multiple lamellae ; Clutches in which three or more axially moveable members are fixed alternately to the shafts to be coupled and are pressed from one side towards an axially-located member
-
- 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
- F16D13/60—Clutching elements
- F16D13/64—Clutch-plates; Clutch-lamellae
-
- 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
- F16D13/60—Clutching elements
- F16D13/64—Clutch-plates; Clutch-lamellae
- F16D13/68—Attachments of plates or lamellae to their supports
- F16D13/683—Attachments of plates or lamellae to their supports for clutches with multiple lamellae
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F16D25/00—Fluid-actuated clutches
- F16D25/06—Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in, i.e. rotating with the clutch
- F16D25/062—Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in, i.e. rotating with the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces
- F16D25/063—Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in, i.e. rotating with the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially
- F16D25/0635—Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in, i.e. rotating with the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs
- F16D25/0638—Fluid-actuated clutches in which the fluid actuates a piston incorporated in, i.e. rotating with the clutch the clutch having friction surfaces with clutch members exclusively moving axially with flat friction surfaces, e.g. discs with more than two discs, e.g. multiple lamellae
-
- 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
- F16D13/60—Clutching elements
- F16D13/64—Clutch-plates; Clutch-lamellae
- F16D2013/642—Clutch-plates; Clutch-lamellae with resilient attachment of frictions rings or linings to their supporting discs or plates for allowing limited axial displacement of these rings or linings
-
- 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
- F16D2300/00—Special features for couplings or clutches
- F16D2300/12—Mounting or assembling
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a snap ring. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a snap ring for use in a clutch assembly of a motor vehicle.
- a typical multiple speed transmission uses a combination of friction clutches, planetary gear arrangements, and fixed interconnections to achieve a plurality of gear ratios.
- the number and physical arrangement of the planetary gear sets generally, is dictated by packaging, cost and desired speed ratios.
- Friction clutch pack assemblies for engaging and disengaging various gears within a transmission typically include interleaved clutch plates that are compressed against a backing plate.
- the backing plate is a stiff member against which the clutch plates can be compressed.
- the backing plate must be able to provide a certain amount of axial stiffness against which the clutch plates can be compressed to provide an effective coupling between the components, and the backing plate must be able to cooperate with the end clutch plate to effectively prevent further axial displacement when the clutch assembly is engaged.
- a retainer ring or snap ring is typically a substantially circular or annular retaining device having a break or opening which divides the ring into two interconnected curvilinear members. The members may be deflected or flexed to facilitate insertion into a mating groove. Snap rings are constructed to direct a retaining or clamping force along the circumference or periphery of the snap ring when properly inserted onto a component. Specifically, the directional force is most commonly used to retain or clamp together various mating components.
- snap rings There are generally two styles of snap rings: an internal snap ring employed for applying outwardly-directed clamping force, and an outer snap ring positioned for applying inwardly-directed clamping force. Sometimes multiple snap rings are required, depending on the geometry of the surrounding components.
- an outer snap ring 10 may be used to retain a backing plate 12 to an inner hub 14 , but an inner snap ring 16 may be disposed adjacent the outer snap ring 10 to occupy space 18 between the outer snap ring 10 and an inner surface 20 of the backing plate 12 , so that the outer snap ring 10 does not substantially open upon experiencing centrifugal forces.
- An additional inner snap ring 22 may then be used to retain the first inner snap ring 16 in an axial direction A with respect to the backing plate 12 .
- three different snap rings 10 , 16 , 22 are used to retain the clutch assembly 24 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the present disclosure provides a retainer snap ring for retaining another clutch snap ring in a radial direction, while cooperating with the clutch snap ring to retain two members in an axial direction.
- the retainer snap ring includes a plurality of retention feature extending from an annular main body, which are configured to engage a recess in an adjacent member.
- a snap ring for retaining components within a clutch assembly.
- the snap ring includes an annular main body defining an opening through a center thereof.
- the annular main body defines an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface.
- the annular main body also defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface.
- a number of outer retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body.
- Each outer retention feature has an axially-extending body portion and a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate.
- a clutch assembly in another form, which may be combined with or separate from the other forms disclosed herein, includes a number of first clutch plates coupled to an inner member and a number of second clutch plates interleaved with the plurality of first clutch plates and coupled to an outer member.
- a backing plate is disposed adjacent to an end of the first and second clutch plates.
- the backing plate defines at least one recess therein.
- a snap ring pair is provided that is configured to retain the backing plate to one of the inner and outer members.
- the snap ring pair includes a clutch snap ring contacting one of the inner and outer members and a retention snap ring contacting the clutch snap ring and the backing plate.
- the retention snap ring defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface, and the retention snap ring has a number of retention features extending from the distal-facing surface.
- Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion a radially-extending engagement portion.
- the engagement portions are disposed within one or more recesses of the backing plate.
- the friction clutch assembly is configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second members are coupled together by compressing the first and second clutch plates against the backing plate.
- a snap ring for retaining components within a clutch assembly.
- the snap ring includes an annular main body defining an opening through a center thereof.
- the annular main body defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface.
- a number of retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body.
- Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion and a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate.
- Additional features may optionally be provided, including but not limited to the following: the body portion extending perpendicular to the engagement portion; the annular main body and the retention features being unitarily formed as one piece; the snap ring being formed of a plastic material; the body portion extending axially beyond the engagement portion in a distal direction and the body portion extending axially beyond the engagement portion in a proximal direction; the engagement portion having a curved surface; the retention features extending from the outer curved surface of the annular main body; a majority of the retention features being disposed equidistant from one another about the annular main body; an actuator disposed on one side of the pluralities of first and second clutch plates; the actuator configured to compress the pluralities of first and second clutch plates into the engaged position; the actuator being one of electric, hydraulic and pneumatic; at least one of the sets of of first and second clutch plates including friction material disposed on the faces of the clutch plates; the backing plate being splined to the inner member or the outer member; the clutch snap ring contacting
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a friction clutch assembly including three snap rings used together to retain the friction clutch assembly;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a friction clutch assembly having a snap ring pair including a clutch snap ring and a retainer snap ring, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is an end view of the retainer snap ring of the friction clutch assembly of FIG. 2 , according to the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the retainer snap ring shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 is cut-away cross-sectional side view of the clutch snap ring shown in FIG. 2 and the retainer snap ring shown in FIGS. 2-4 with a case shown behind them, according to the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the retainer snap ring shown in FIGS. 2-5 , in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- friction clutch assembly 100 is illustrated, which may be used to selectively interconnect components of an automotive transmission, by way of example.
- the friction clutch assembly 100 is operable to selectively interconnect an inner component, such as a hub 102 , to an outer component, such as a housing, 104 .
- the housing 104 may be a clutch housing or a transmission case, by way of example. Either component 102 , 104 may be rotating or stationary.
- the friction clutch assembly 100 is operably disposed between the hub 102 and the housing 104 , and the friction clutch assembly 100 is configured to selectively couple the hub 102 (and any planetary gear elements, shafts, or stationary elements coupled to the hub 102 ) to the housing 104 (and any planetary gear elements, shafts, or stationary elements coupled to the housing 104 ).
- the friction clutch assembly 100 includes a first plurality of smaller diameter clutch plates or discs 106 which are coupled by interengaging male and female splines 108 to the hub 102 , which is an inner torque carrying member.
- a second plurality of larger diameter friction clutch plates or discs 110 are coupled by interengaging male and female splines 112 to the clutch housing 104 , which is an outer generally annular torque carrying member.
- the second clutch plates 110 are interleaved with the first clutch plates 106 .
- at least one face of each of either the first clutch plates 106 or the second clutch plates 110 includes friction material 114 disposed thereon.
- the thinner plates 110 are friction clutch plates bearing the friction material 114
- the thicker plates 106 are reaction clutch plates that have smooth faces not containing friction material.
- the friction material 114 could also or alternatively be disposed on the reaction plates 106 .
- a hydraulic, electric or pneumatic operator or actuator 116 and spring 117 which together engage and disengage the friction clutch assembly 100 .
- An axial compressive force is applied, for example, through an apply plate 118 , to the friction clutch assembly 100 to cause torque transfer therethrough and to move the friction clutch assembly 100 into an engaged position.
- the apply plate 118 compresses the first and second clutch plates 106 , 110 together.
- an annular backing plate 120 At the other end of the friction clutch pack or assembly 100 (the right end in the configuration of FIG. 2 ) is disposed an annular backing plate 120 .
- the backing plate 120 is located and restrained against axial motion away from the apply plate 118 by the clutch snap ring 122 .
- the clutch snap ring 122 restrains the clutch assembly 104 against axial movement in the A direction because the clutch snap ring 122 is disposed in a spline or recess 124 formed within the hub 102 , and the clutch snap rings abuts a lip 126 of the hub 102 and an axially-facing surface 128 of the backing plate 120 .
- the clutch snap ring 122 is an outer snap ring configured to apply an inwardly-directed clamping force. However, upon sufficient centrifugal force, the clutch snap ring 122 may move radially outward and could move out of the recess 124 . Therefore, an additional retainer snap ring 130 is used to occupy the space 132 between the clutch snap ring 122 and a radially inward facing surface 134 of the backing plate 120 , so that the clutch snap ring 122 does not substantially open upon experiencing applied forces. Due to the unique configuration of the retainer snap ring 130 , which will be described in further detail below, no additional inner snap ring (such as the additional snap ring 22 shown in FIG. 1 ) is needed to axially secure the retainer snap ring 130 to the backing plate 120 .
- the retainer snap ring 130 has an annular main body 136 defining an opening 138 through a center thereof.
- the annular main body 136 may form a discontinuous ring that has ends 133 defining a break 135 in the ring.
- the annular main body 136 defines a distal-facing surface 140 and an opposite proximal-facing surface 142 .
- the distal-facing surface 140 and the proximal-facing surface 142 are perpendicular to the central axis of the clutch assembly 100 .
- the distal-facing surface 140 faces in a direction D as shown in FIG. 2
- the proximal-facing surface 142 faces in a direction P as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the annular main body 136 further defines an outer curved surface 144 and an inner curved surface 146 .
- a plurality of retention features 148 extend from the distal-facing surface 140 of the annular main body 136 .
- the annular main body 136 and the plurality of retention features 148 are unitarily formed as one piece; however, it should be understood, that the retention features 148 and the annular main body 136 could be formed as separate pieces and attached together, if desired.
- the snap ring 130 may be formed of plastic because it does not retain a large axial load like the clutch snap ring 122 . Rather the retainer snap ring 130 withstands only a small axial load within the recess 150 , but the retainer snap ring 130 mostly receives only a radially load in the space 132 originating with the clutch snap ring 122 .
- the retention features 148 are each configured to engage at least one recess 150 defined radially within the backing plate 120 .
- the recess 150 may be formed as one continuous annular recess within the backing plate 120 , or individual discontinuous recesses may be formed within the backing plate 120 .
- Each retention feature 148 has an axially-extending body portion 152 and a radially-extending engagement portion 154 .
- the engagement portion 154 extends perpendicular to the body portion 152 ; however, it should be understood that other configurations are possible, such as the engagement portion 154 extending at an angle in the range of 75 to 105 degrees with respect to the body portion 152 .
- the body portion 152 extends perpendicular to the central axis of the clutch assembly 100 , in the illustrated example.
- the engagement portion 154 is configured to engage the backing plate 120 by extending into the recess 150 of the backing plate 120 .
- the plurality of retention features 148 extend outwardly of the outer curved surface 144 and into the recess 150 when the snap ring 130 is installed.
- the retention features 150 would face in an inward direction and be disposed inward of an inner curved surface of the snap ring 130 .
- the recess 150 could be located in a clutch housing or transmission case, instead of within the backing plate 120 .
- the retention features 148 extend distally outward of the distal-facing surface 140 of the annular main body 136 in a distal direction D along the axis A. In other words, the retention features 148 extend from the distal-facing surface 140 in the distal direction D.
- the distal direction D extends away from the actuator 116
- a proximal direction P extends toward the actuator 116 along the axis A.
- the body portion 152 extends axially beyond the engagement portion 154 in the distal direction D, and, in addition, the body portion 154 extends axially beyond the engagement portion 154 in the proximal direction P.
- the body portion 154 extends beyond the engagement portion 154 along both sides of the engagement portion 154 .
- a tool can be used to easily grab the distal ends 156 of the body portion 152 and compress the distal ends 156 toward one another to move the engagement portions 154 inward and out of the recess 150 of the backing plate 120 to disengage the snap ring 130 .
- the engagement portion 154 may have a curved surface 158 , or an angled or sloped surface (not shown), to assist with moving the engagement portion 154 into the recess 150 .
- a majority of the retention features 148 are disposed equidistant from one another about the annular main body 136 (see FIG. 3 ), however, the retention features 148 disposed adjacent to the discontinuous portion of the snap ring 130 defined by the ends 133 may be disposed a different distance from each other than the distance between the rest of the retention features 148 , by way of example.
- the retainer snap ring 130 provides the ability to retain the external clutch snap ring 122 that experiences high RPM conditions while still ensuring manufacturability, ease of assembly, reduced mass, reduced complexity, fewer parts, and improved system balance through a self-centering design and optimization of material distribution.
- the segmented retention features 148 provide for ease of assembly and disassembly. A third snap ring 22 is no longer required.
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- Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a snap ring. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a snap ring for use in a clutch assembly of a motor vehicle.
- A typical multiple speed transmission uses a combination of friction clutches, planetary gear arrangements, and fixed interconnections to achieve a plurality of gear ratios. The number and physical arrangement of the planetary gear sets, generally, is dictated by packaging, cost and desired speed ratios.
- Friction clutch pack assemblies for engaging and disengaging various gears within a transmission typically include interleaved clutch plates that are compressed against a backing plate. The backing plate is a stiff member against which the clutch plates can be compressed. The backing plate must be able to provide a certain amount of axial stiffness against which the clutch plates can be compressed to provide an effective coupling between the components, and the backing plate must be able to cooperate with the end clutch plate to effectively prevent further axial displacement when the clutch assembly is engaged.
- One or more retainer rings or snap rings is used to retain the backing plate axially in place within the friction clutch assembly. A retainer ring or snap ring is typically a substantially circular or annular retaining device having a break or opening which divides the ring into two interconnected curvilinear members. The members may be deflected or flexed to facilitate insertion into a mating groove. Snap rings are constructed to direct a retaining or clamping force along the circumference or periphery of the snap ring when properly inserted onto a component. Specifically, the directional force is most commonly used to retain or clamp together various mating components.
- There are generally two styles of snap rings: an internal snap ring employed for applying outwardly-directed clamping force, and an outer snap ring positioned for applying inwardly-directed clamping force. Sometimes multiple snap rings are required, depending on the geometry of the surrounding components.
- For example, referring to
FIG. 1 , anouter snap ring 10 may be used to retain abacking plate 12 to an inner hub 14, but aninner snap ring 16 may be disposed adjacent theouter snap ring 10 to occupyspace 18 between theouter snap ring 10 and aninner surface 20 of thebacking plate 12, so that theouter snap ring 10 does not substantially open upon experiencing centrifugal forces. An additionalinner snap ring 22 may then be used to retain the firstinner snap ring 16 in an axial direction A with respect to thebacking plate 12. Thus, threedifferent snap rings clutch assembly 24 illustrated inFIG. 1 . - The present disclosure provides a retainer snap ring for retaining another clutch snap ring in a radial direction, while cooperating with the clutch snap ring to retain two members in an axial direction. The retainer snap ring includes a plurality of retention feature extending from an annular main body, which are configured to engage a recess in an adjacent member.
- In one form, which may be combined with or separate from the other forms disclosed therein, a snap ring for retaining components within a clutch assembly is provided. The snap ring includes an annular main body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface. The annular main body also defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface. A number of outer retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body. Each outer retention feature has an axially-extending body portion and a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate.
- In another form, which may be combined with or separate from the other forms disclosed herein, a clutch assembly is provided that includes a number of first clutch plates coupled to an inner member and a number of second clutch plates interleaved with the plurality of first clutch plates and coupled to an outer member. A backing plate is disposed adjacent to an end of the first and second clutch plates. The backing plate defines at least one recess therein. A snap ring pair is provided that is configured to retain the backing plate to one of the inner and outer members. The snap ring pair includes a clutch snap ring contacting one of the inner and outer members and a retention snap ring contacting the clutch snap ring and the backing plate. The retention snap ring defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface, and the retention snap ring has a number of retention features extending from the distal-facing surface. Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portions are disposed within one or more recesses of the backing plate. The friction clutch assembly is configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second members are coupled together by compressing the first and second clutch plates against the backing plate.
- In yet another form, which may be combined with or separate from the other form disclosed herein, a snap ring for retaining components within a clutch assembly is provided. The snap ring includes an annular main body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface. A number of retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body. Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion and a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate.
- Additional features may optionally be provided, including but not limited to the following: the body portion extending perpendicular to the engagement portion; the annular main body and the retention features being unitarily formed as one piece; the snap ring being formed of a plastic material; the body portion extending axially beyond the engagement portion in a distal direction and the body portion extending axially beyond the engagement portion in a proximal direction; the engagement portion having a curved surface; the retention features extending from the outer curved surface of the annular main body; a majority of the retention features being disposed equidistant from one another about the annular main body; an actuator disposed on one side of the pluralities of first and second clutch plates; the actuator configured to compress the pluralities of first and second clutch plates into the engaged position; the actuator being one of electric, hydraulic and pneumatic; at least one of the sets of of first and second clutch plates including friction material disposed on the faces of the clutch plates; the backing plate being splined to the inner member or the outer member; the clutch snap ring contacting the inner member and being disposed within a spline of the inner member; the retention snap ring defining an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface; and the retention features extending outwardly of the outer curved surface.
- Further features, advantages, and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of this disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the views. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a friction clutch assembly including three snap rings used together to retain the friction clutch assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a friction clutch assembly having a snap ring pair including a clutch snap ring and a retainer snap ring, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is an end view of the retainer snap ring of the friction clutch assembly ofFIG. 2 , according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the retainer snap ring shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is cut-away cross-sectional side view of the clutch snap ring shown inFIG. 2 and the retainer snap ring shown inFIGS. 2-4 with a case shown behind them, according to the principles of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the retainer snap ring shown inFIGS. 2-5 , in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. - The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , an illustration of a portion offriction clutch assembly 100 is illustrated, which may be used to selectively interconnect components of an automotive transmission, by way of example. In this example, thefriction clutch assembly 100 is operable to selectively interconnect an inner component, such as ahub 102, to an outer component, such as a housing, 104. Thehousing 104 may be a clutch housing or a transmission case, by way of example. Eithercomponent clutch assembly 100 is operably disposed between thehub 102 and thehousing 104, and the frictionclutch assembly 100 is configured to selectively couple the hub 102 (and any planetary gear elements, shafts, or stationary elements coupled to the hub 102) to the housing 104 (and any planetary gear elements, shafts, or stationary elements coupled to the housing 104). - The friction
clutch assembly 100 includes a first plurality of smaller diameter clutch plates ordiscs 106 which are coupled by interengaging male andfemale splines 108 to thehub 102, which is an inner torque carrying member. A second plurality of larger diameter friction clutch plates ordiscs 110 are coupled by interengaging male andfemale splines 112 to theclutch housing 104, which is an outer generally annular torque carrying member. The secondclutch plates 110 are interleaved with the firstclutch plates 106. In accordance with conventional friction clutch practice, at least one face of each of either the firstclutch plates 106 or the secondclutch plates 110 includesfriction material 114 disposed thereon. Typically, thethinner plates 110 are friction clutch plates bearing thefriction material 114, and thethicker plates 106 are reaction clutch plates that have smooth faces not containing friction material. However, in some variations, thefriction material 114 could also or alternatively be disposed on thereaction plates 106. - At one end of the friction clutch assembly 100 (the left end in the orientation of
FIG. 2 ) is disposed a hydraulic, electric or pneumatic operator oractuator 116 andspring 117, which together engage and disengage the frictionclutch assembly 100. An axial compressive force is applied, for example, through an applyplate 118, to the frictionclutch assembly 100 to cause torque transfer therethrough and to move the frictionclutch assembly 100 into an engaged position. In the illustrated example, when a force is applied to the applyplate 118, the applyplate 118 compresses the first and secondclutch plates - At the other end of the friction clutch pack or assembly 100 (the right end in the configuration of
FIG. 2 ) is disposed anannular backing plate 120. Thebacking plate 120 is located and restrained against axial motion away from the applyplate 118 by theclutch snap ring 122. Like thesnap ring 10 shown inFIG. 1 , theclutch snap ring 122 restrains theclutch assembly 104 against axial movement in the A direction because theclutch snap ring 122 is disposed in a spline orrecess 124 formed within thehub 102, and the clutch snap rings abuts alip 126 of thehub 102 and an axially-facingsurface 128 of thebacking plate 120. - The
clutch snap ring 122 is an outer snap ring configured to apply an inwardly-directed clamping force. However, upon sufficient centrifugal force, theclutch snap ring 122 may move radially outward and could move out of therecess 124. Therefore, an additionalretainer snap ring 130 is used to occupy thespace 132 between theclutch snap ring 122 and a radially inward facingsurface 134 of thebacking plate 120, so that theclutch snap ring 122 does not substantially open upon experiencing applied forces. Due to the unique configuration of theretainer snap ring 130, which will be described in further detail below, no additional inner snap ring (such as theadditional snap ring 22 shown inFIG. 1 ) is needed to axially secure theretainer snap ring 130 to thebacking plate 120. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-6 , and with continued reference toFIG. 2 , theretainer snap ring 130 has an annularmain body 136 defining anopening 138 through a center thereof. The annularmain body 136 may form a discontinuous ring that has ends 133 defining abreak 135 in the ring. The annularmain body 136 defines a distal-facingsurface 140 and an opposite proximal-facingsurface 142. The distal-facingsurface 140 and the proximal-facingsurface 142 are perpendicular to the central axis of theclutch assembly 100. The distal-facingsurface 140 faces in a direction D as shown inFIG. 2 , and the proximal-facingsurface 142 faces in a direction P as shown inFIG. 2 . The annularmain body 136 further defines an outercurved surface 144 and an innercurved surface 146. - A plurality of retention features 148 extend from the distal-facing
surface 140 of the annularmain body 136. In the illustrated example, the annularmain body 136 and the plurality of retention features 148 are unitarily formed as one piece; however, it should be understood, that the retention features 148 and the annularmain body 136 could be formed as separate pieces and attached together, if desired. To the form the unique shape of thesnap ring 130, it may desirable to form thesnap ring 130 from a plastic material, for example, nylon or another polyamide. Thesnap ring 130 may be formed of plastic because it does not retain a large axial load like theclutch snap ring 122. Rather theretainer snap ring 130 withstands only a small axial load within therecess 150, but theretainer snap ring 130 mostly receives only a radially load in thespace 132 originating with theclutch snap ring 122. - The retention features 148 are each configured to engage at least one
recess 150 defined radially within thebacking plate 120. Therecess 150 may be formed as one continuous annular recess within thebacking plate 120, or individual discontinuous recesses may be formed within thebacking plate 120. Eachretention feature 148 has an axially-extendingbody portion 152 and a radially-extendingengagement portion 154. In the illustrated example, on eachretention feature 148, theengagement portion 154 extends perpendicular to thebody portion 152; however, it should be understood that other configurations are possible, such as theengagement portion 154 extending at an angle in the range of 75 to 105 degrees with respect to thebody portion 152. Thebody portion 152 extends perpendicular to the central axis of theclutch assembly 100, in the illustrated example. - In the illustrated example, the
engagement portion 154 is configured to engage thebacking plate 120 by extending into therecess 150 of thebacking plate 120. In the illustrated example, the plurality of retention features 148 extend outwardly of the outercurved surface 144 and into therecess 150 when thesnap ring 130 is installed. However, in a configuration where thebacking plate 120 is located on an inner spline, the retention features 150 would face in an inward direction and be disposed inward of an inner curved surface of thesnap ring 130. In other variations, therecess 150 could be located in a clutch housing or transmission case, instead of within thebacking plate 120. - The retention features 148 extend distally outward of the distal-facing
surface 140 of the annularmain body 136 in a distal direction D along the axis A. In other words, the retention features 148 extend from the distal-facingsurface 140 in the distal direction D. The distal direction D extends away from theactuator 116, and a proximal direction P extends toward theactuator 116 along the axis A. - In the illustrated example, the
body portion 152 extends axially beyond theengagement portion 154 in the distal direction D, and, in addition, thebody portion 154 extends axially beyond theengagement portion 154 in the proximal direction P. Thus, thebody portion 154 extends beyond theengagement portion 154 along both sides of theengagement portion 154. As such, a tool can be used to easily grab the distal ends 156 of thebody portion 152 and compress the distal ends 156 toward one another to move theengagement portions 154 inward and out of therecess 150 of thebacking plate 120 to disengage thesnap ring 130. Theengagement portion 154 may have acurved surface 158, or an angled or sloped surface (not shown), to assist with moving theengagement portion 154 into therecess 150. - A majority of the retention features 148 are disposed equidistant from one another about the annular main body 136 (see
FIG. 3 ), however, the retention features 148 disposed adjacent to the discontinuous portion of thesnap ring 130 defined by theends 133 may be disposed a different distance from each other than the distance between the rest of the retention features 148, by way of example. - Thus, the
retainer snap ring 130 provides the ability to retain the externalclutch snap ring 122 that experiences high RPM conditions while still ensuring manufacturability, ease of assembly, reduced mass, reduced complexity, fewer parts, and improved system balance through a self-centering design and optimization of material distribution. The segmented retention features 148 provide for ease of assembly and disassembly. Athird snap ring 22 is no longer required. - The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/244,485 US10697489B1 (en) | 2019-01-10 | 2019-01-10 | Snap ring having retention feature |
DE102019135433.1A DE102019135433B4 (en) | 2019-01-10 | 2019-12-20 | Retaining ring for holding components and clutch assembly |
CN202010026895.1A CN111425530B (en) | 2019-01-10 | 2020-01-10 | Snap ring with retention feature |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US16/244,485 US10697489B1 (en) | 2019-01-10 | 2019-01-10 | Snap ring having retention feature |
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US10697489B1 US10697489B1 (en) | 2020-06-30 |
US20200224700A1 true US20200224700A1 (en) | 2020-07-16 |
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US16/244,485 Active 2039-01-19 US10697489B1 (en) | 2019-01-10 | 2019-01-10 | Snap ring having retention feature |
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US (1) | US10697489B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111425530B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102019135433B4 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3130336A1 (en) * | 2021-12-14 | 2023-06-16 | Valeo Embrayages | Retaining means for an axial stop ring for a clutch, comprising at least one retaining member |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11525471B2 (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2022-12-13 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Snap ring retention |
FR3130335B1 (en) * | 2021-12-14 | 2024-03-15 | Valeo Embrayages | Means for retaining an axial stop ring for a clutch, comprising at least one weld |
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GB1248148A (en) | 1969-08-29 | 1971-09-29 | Waldes Kohinoor Inc | Improvements in or relating to retaining rings and assemblies comprising the same |
US4182579A (en) | 1977-12-23 | 1980-01-08 | Ramsey Corporation | Retaining ring |
US5794752A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 1998-08-18 | Dana Corporation | Clutch actuator |
US5937985A (en) | 1997-08-04 | 1999-08-17 | Ford Motor Company | Retaining ring in a hydraulically actuated friction element assembly for an automatic transmission |
KR100420627B1 (en) * | 2001-01-09 | 2004-03-02 | 미쓰비시덴키 가부시키가이샤 | Starter |
KR100423326B1 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2004-03-18 | 현대자동차주식회사 | snap ring clutch for automatic transmission vehicle |
DE102005007384A1 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2006-08-31 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Arrangement for the axial support of two rotating components |
JP4337788B2 (en) * | 2005-08-05 | 2009-09-30 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Friction engagement device for automatic transmission |
US8337111B2 (en) | 2009-12-08 | 2012-12-25 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Axial retention assembly |
US20140023459A1 (en) | 2012-07-23 | 2014-01-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Snap ring |
CN102900736B (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-09-17 | 中国北方车辆研究所 | Combined locking device |
US9845832B2 (en) | 2014-02-12 | 2017-12-19 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle transmission and method of assembling vehicle transmission |
US9664279B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 | 2017-05-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Friction element assembly for a transmission and method of assembly |
DE102014214658A1 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2016-01-28 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Coupling, in particular for a transmission of a motor vehicle, preferably for a double clutch for an automatic or automated dual-clutch transmission |
DE102016002001A1 (en) * | 2016-02-19 | 2017-08-24 | Daimler Ag | Fastening arrangement of a spring device on a housing element |
US10215237B2 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2019-02-26 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Multiple-piece backing plate having parts made of different materials |
CN107939797A (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2018-04-20 | 江门市泰坦尼照明电器有限公司 | A kind of interface arrangment |
-
2019
- 2019-01-10 US US16/244,485 patent/US10697489B1/en active Active
- 2019-12-20 DE DE102019135433.1A patent/DE102019135433B4/en active Active
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2020
- 2020-01-10 CN CN202010026895.1A patent/CN111425530B/en active Active
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3130336A1 (en) * | 2021-12-14 | 2023-06-16 | Valeo Embrayages | Retaining means for an axial stop ring for a clutch, comprising at least one retaining member |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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DE102019135433B4 (en) | 2024-05-29 |
CN111425530B (en) | 2022-02-18 |
DE102019135433A1 (en) | 2020-07-16 |
US10697489B1 (en) | 2020-06-30 |
CN111425530A (en) | 2020-07-17 |
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