WO2008107289A1

WO2008107289A1 - Clutch release bearing

Info

Publication number: WO2008107289A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/051850
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steffen Dittmer; Gerhard Mittendorf; Ludwig Winkelmann
Original assignee: Schaeffler Kg
Priority date: 2007-03-07
Filing date: 2008-02-15
Publication date: 2008-09-12
Also published as: DE102007010935A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a clutch release bearing. The invention is based on the problem of creating a clutch release bearing, which is inexpensive to produce from a manufacturing aspect, can be advantageously installed from an assembly aspect, and additionally offers high functional reliability over a long operating period. This problem is solved according to a first consideration of the present invention by a clutch release bearing comprising a first roller bearing race (1), a second roller bearing race (2), roller bodies (3), which are received in a track space (B) disposed concentrically to the roller bearing axis and defined between the first roller bearing race and the second roller bearing race. The bearing further comprises a bearing ring device (4) for providing a face (S) that is intended for contacting a clutch structure, and a differential bearing device (5) for supporting the bearing ring device such that said device can be tilted about a tilting center (Z) inside a differential angle region (W), wherein the center is located on, or at least close to, the roller bearing axis. The differential device has a dome ring structure (6) and a tilt ring structure (4a) resting thereon, and wherein each dome ring structure has an annular wall (6a), which surrounds a dome ring inside opening. Said clutch release bearing is characterized in that a retaining ring element (8) is connected to the bearing ring device, said element axially penetrating the dome ring inside opening (0) and forming a radially protruding annular shoulder (8a), which extends up to the track space and as such engages behind the dome ring structure on a side facing away from the bearing ring device.

Description

Name of the invention

Clutch

description

Field of the invention

The invention is directed to a clutch release bearing serving as such between an encircling coupling structure, such as a clutch spring plate and an actuator system, for example, arranged in the region of a gear housing or clutch clutch clutch cylinder to transmit an axial force and thereby set the coupling state of the coupling structure.

Typically, such clutch release bearing comprise a largely sealed roller bearing having a supported by the Aktautorsystem first race and a rotating with the coupling structure second race. These races can be designed such that these comprise, in addition to the ring sections provided for the provision of the rolling body running surfaces, also other ring sections which serve to suspend and support the rolling bearing and to further transfer the operating forces guided via the rolling elements, e.g. serve on the above-mentioned clutch spring plate.

From US 3,741,361 a clutch release bearing of the aforementioned type is known, which has a rolling bearing device with a first and a second raceway, and a support via a Kalottenringstruktur supported ring. The stop ring comprises a cylindrical or ring pin portion which is inserted with the inclusion of an elastomeric ring in an inner opening portion of the inner race of the clutch release bearing. For the installation of the clutch release bearing is usually only a very limited and maintenance inaccessible space available. Due to the limited accessibility to the installation site, there are high requirements with regard to longevity and functional safety.

The invention has for its object to provide a clutch release bearing which is inexpensive to produce under manufacturing aspects, which is advantageous from Montague technical point of view can be built and also provides a high operating reliability over a long period of operation.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention by a clutch release bearing comprising: a first rolling bearing race,

- A second rolling bearing race

- rolling elements which are received in a defined between the first roller bearing race and the second roller bearing race, concentric to a rolling bearing axis track space, - a stop ring device for providing an intended for contacting a coupling structure end face, and

a compensation bearing device for supporting the stop ring device such that it can be tilted within a compensation angle range around a tilting center that is located on, or at least close to, the rolling bearing axis,

wherein the balancer comprises a dome ring structure and a tipping ring structure seated thereon, and that dome ring structure comprises a ring wall skirting a dome ring inner opening,

- In which this clutch release bearing is characterized in that is connected to the stop ring device, a circlip element which passes through the Kalottenringinnenöffnung axially and an advancing to the rail space, radially projecting annular shoulder forms as such those Kalottenringstruktur on a side facing away from the stop ring device engages behind. This makes it possible in an advantageous manner, in a clutch release bearing, which is provided with a supported via a balancing stop ring, to secure this stop ring effectively in the Kupplungsausrücklagerein- direction and thereby ensure that this neither during assembly, nor under unfavorable operating conditions, as well as not lift axially inappropriately far from the Kalottenringstruktur at constantly harsh operating conditions.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining ring element is designed such that this engages behind those annular shoulder, leaving a movement play. This movement play is preferably dimensioned such that between the corresponding outer wall of the circlip element and the inner wall of the Kalottenringstruktur facing this a gap space remains whose measured in the direction of the bearing axis width is in the range of 0.8 to 4 mm.

As an alternative to the above-mentioned measure, it is also possible to design the securing ring element in such a way that it rests on the revolving rear side of the annular shoulder facing away from the stop ring device under preferably only slight elastic preload. The retaining ring element can be designed such that its wall sections engaging behind the spherical ring structure are formed by a plurality of spring tongue sections, wherein these spring tongue sections can preferably be deflected so far that the retaining ring element can be inserted from the front through the spherical groove opening into the latter.

The clutch release bearing according to the invention is preferably constructed such that its stationary race, ie its only displaceable in the axial direction, but non-rotating race is formed by the first roller bearing race, which here acts as a bearing inner ring. The second rolling bearing race forms the bearing outer ring. The tilting ring structure according to the invention is preferably directly connected to the second rolling bearing raceway. ring, that is connected to the bearing outer ring, for example, integral with this executed.

The tilting ring structure is preferably designed such that it forms a ring surface which convexly bulges out towards the starting ring device and which extends with respect to its spatial curvature on a spherical jacket. With such a configuration of the clutch release bearing device, the tilting center defined by the tilting ring structure lies on one side of the stop ring device which faces away from the coupling structure to be actuated. However, it is also possible to use the locking ring element according to the invention in designs in which the tilting ring structure forms a concave inwardly curved "plate edge surface" in which a convexly bulging portion of the run-on ring or at least one of these bearing bearing system is located defined by such a design of the tilting ring structure Tipping center then lies on the side of the coupling system.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop ring device comprises a sliding lining ring, which is made for example of a sintered or preferably filled with fillers plastic material. This Gleitbelagring can be fixed to the Anlaufringeinrichtung, in particular be locked. It is also possible to spray the Gleitbelagring process directly by way of injection molding process to the stop ring device. Structures, in particular apertures, are provided on the stop ring device in this case, which allow a particularly high-strength anchoring of the slide lining ring to the stop ring device. The Gleitbelagring can also be made of a deformed (sandwich) bearing metal sheet. The sliding lining ring can in this case form an annular channel structure in which other plastic ring elements, in particular a stop ring element can be used.

It is possible to fix the securing ring element according to the invention to the starting ring device. This fixation can be achieved, in particular, by means of corresponding groove structures, flanges or edges which are open radially outwards, for example. be reached. Alternatively, or in combination with the aforementioned measure, it is also possible to fix the retaining ring element to the sliding lining ring. For this purpose, annular shoulders can in particular be formed on the sliding lining ring, into which the securing ring element can engage with sufficient strength.

It is also possible to manufacture the retaining ring element as an integral part of Gleitbelagrings. For this purpose, holding flanks can be integrally formed on the sliding lining ring, which, as such, pass axially through the inner spherical cap opening and engage behind the calotte ring on its rear side remote from the starting ring device or the sliding ring lining. These corresponding arm portions may be formed so that they are passed under elastic deflection through the Kalottenringinnenöffnung and engage behind the Kalottenring from the inside under a snap engagement when reaching the mounting position of Gleitbelagrings.

It is also possible to make the retaining ring element so that this is coupled on the one hand via corresponding structures with the stop ring device and on the other hand is secured under the action of Gleitbelagrings in this mounting position.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the object mentioned above, the invention underlying object is also achieved by a clutch release bearing with the features specified in claim 19.

This makes it possible in an advantageous manner, in addition to a particularly effective backup of the starting ring device to achieve an effective encapsulation and dirt isolation of the clutch release bearing.

The securing ring element can be designed in particular as a ring bushing. This ring bushing can be made as a deep-drawn component of a preferably corrosion-resistant steel or non-ferrous metal material. It is also possible to manufacture this circlip as a rolled or wound, provided with an axial seam component. Furthermore, it is also possible to manufacture the retaining ring element from a plastic material and continue to use as a support structure for additional sealing systems.

Advantageously, the securing ring element is pressed onto the second rolling bearing race and axially secured thereto. The securing ring element can be designed so that it is provided at the level of the rear peripheral edge of the rolling bearing race with an end shoulder which comprises an inwardly extending to the axis of the bearing ring edge, which engages behind the second roller bearing raceway on a rear side facing away from the track space. In the thus designed clutch release bearing of the second rolling bearing race preferably forms the bearing outer ring.

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. It shows:

1 shows an axial sectional view for illustrating the structure of a clutch release bearing according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is an axial sectional view for illustrating the structure of a clutch release bearing according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

3a shows an axial sectional view for illustrating the structure of a clutch release bearing device according to the invention according to a third embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3b shows a detailed illustration for illustrating further constructional details, as can be found, in particular, in the clutch release bearing device according to the third embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3c shows a further detailed illustration to illustrate the structure of a retaining ring element according to the invention, which is manufactured integrally with a starting lining;

4 is an axial sectional view illustrating structural details of a clutch release bearing according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

5 shows an axial sectional view for illustrating constructive details of a clutch release bearing according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

6 shows an axial sectional view for illustrating the structure of a clutch release bearing according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 shows an axial sectional view for illustrating the construction of a seventh embodiment of a clutch release bearing according to the invention,

8 shows an axial sectional view for illustrating an eighth embodiment of a clutch release bearing according to the invention, FIG.

9 shows an axial sectional view for illustrating a ninth embodiment of a clutch release bearing according to the invention.

The clutch release bearing shown in Figure 1 comprises a first rolling bearing race 1, a second roller bearing race 2 and rolling elements 3, which are received in a defined between the first roller bearing race 1 and the second roller bearing race 2, concentric to a roller bearing axis X track space B. The clutch release bearing shown here further comprises a stop ring device 4, which forms the provision of a provided for contacting a coupling structure, not shown here, in particular clutch plate end face S. This stop ring device 4 is supported via a compensating bearing device 5 in such a way that the stop ring device 4 can be tilted about a tilting center Z which is located on, or at least relatively close to, the rolling bearing axis X within a sufficiently large compensation angular range W.

The balancing device 5 comprises a Kalottenringstruktur 6, which is coupled in this embodiment with the second rolling bearing race 2, in particular as an integral part of the same. This Kalottenringstruktur 6 comprises an annular wall 6a, which surrounds a Kalottenringöffnung O. Furthermore, the compensation device 5 comprises a tilting ring structure 7, which forms a complementary to the outer geometry of the annular wall 6a sliding surface and rests on this on the Kalottenringstruktur 6.

The clutch release bearing shown here is characterized in that the stop ring device 4 is connected to a circlip which axially passes through the Kalottenringöffnung O and forms a radially projecting annular shoulder 8a, which as such those Kalottenringstruktur 6 on one of the stop ring device 4th behind engages behind.

In the embodiment shown here, the retaining ring element 8 is designed such that its annular shoulder 8a engages behind the annular wall 6a of the Kalottenringstruktur 6, leaving a small movement play. The securing element 8 is further designed such that at least in the area of operationally relevant compensating pivot angle W no inadmissible collision of the same with the annular wall of the Kalottenringstruktur 6 or also recognizable here, the Anlaufringeinrichtung 4 advancing extension 1 a of the first rolling bearing raceway 1 occurs. In the embodiment shown here, the first roller bearing raceway 1 forms the bearing inner ring, which as such represents the stationary - ie only axially displaceable - running ring of the clutch release bearing. This stationary race is fixed via a ring clamp 10 on a release structure. This disengagement structure can be embodied, in particular, as an annular piston which rests on a bush surrounding a transmission input shaft. The ring clamp 10 is provided with a plurality of latching tongues 11, by means of which an axial securing of the ring clamp 10 is achieved on the structural component, in particular annular piston, which carries it. The ring clamp 10 is further coupled by a preferably designed as a closed plate spring spring ring 22 with a radially inwardly penetrating annular shoulder portion 1 b of the extension 1 a of the inner ring 1. The extension 1 a of the inner ring 1 and the annular wall 6 a of the Kalottenringstruktur 6 are designed such that a gap K remains between these structural components, in which the radially projecting wall 8 a of the retaining ring element 8 smoothly, preferably without collision can dip. A sealing structure can be arranged on the radially projecting wall 8a, by means of which the movement annular space accessible to the wall 8a is sealed off from the rolling body track space B.

In the embodiment of a clutch release bearing shown here, the stop ring device 4 is designed so that the support thereof takes place on the annular wall 6a of the Kalottenringstruktur 6 via a sliding element 7, which may be made for example of a filled with plastic material or in particular of a sintered material, in particular Bronze ball sintered material can be made. The provided by the stop ring device 4 end face S is made in this embodiment by a contact element 12 which may be made of a mechanically highly resilient material, in particular a loaded with fillers plastic material. This run-ring element 12 is provided in this embodiment with a ring pin 13 which passes through an inner opening formed by the actual Anlaufringelement 4a and on one of End face S facing away back of the run-ring element 8 this engages radially behind. In the embodiment shown here, a particularly effective securing of the retaining ring element 8 is achieved at the Anlaufhngelememt 4a by the special design of the Anlaufringelementes 12.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown here, the retaining ring element 8 is made of a corrosion-resistant steel material, in particular deep-drawn stainless steel material. The securing ring element 8a forms an annular step, by means of which it can be positioned both radially and axially positioned on the inner peripheral catching area of the starting ring 4a defined here by a flat annular disk section 15.

It is possible to design the run-up ring device 4 in such a way that the slide ring section 7 and the run-up ring element 12 are injection-molded together onto the run-on ring 4a as part of a plastic injection step. For this purpose, it is possible to form corresponding anchoring structures on the stop ring 4a, by means of which a sufficient anchoring of these plastic structures to the stop ring 4a is ensured. In the embodiment shown here, the stop ring 4a is further provided with a ring or end shoulder 4b, through which a gap defined between the stop ring 4a and the annular wall 6a of the Kalottenringstruktur is completed such that the therein received seal member 7 is held securely therein.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the retaining ring element 8 is fixed in the bore of the retaining element 4 a by snapping the plastic starting ring 12. To facilitate the snapping can take place in the snap nose region on the plastic stop ring by a plurality of axial punctures a corresponding formation of segments, or latching arms.

FIG. 2 shows, in the form of a detailed illustration, a clutch release bearing according to a second embodiment of the invention. For this clutch release bearing, the statements on the above written embodiment largely analogously. Notwithstanding the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, in this design, the securing ring element 8 is secured to the stop ring 4a by an annular groove section 8b which, as such, averts the web space B and the side of the stop ring 4a facing the web cavity B in the region of the inner peripheral edge K engages from the inside out. By this approach, a particularly effective backup and centering of the retaining ring element 8 is also ensured on the thrust ring 4a. In this exemplary embodiment, the sliding lining 7 is formed by a shaped part which is secured to the stop ring 4 a via several locking edge sections 7 a, 7 b.

Notwithstanding the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, in this embodiment the end face S provided for contacting a coupling structure is formed directly by a corresponding wall (formed here as a flat annular disc section) of the stop ring 4 a. This stop ring 4a can be made in particular as a sheet-metal forming component.

The circlip element 8 is designed in the same manner as in the embodiment of Figure 1 such that it can dip when pivoting the stop ring 4a relative to the first roller bearing race 1 (bearing inner ring) without collision in the intermediate space K defined between the extension 1 a and the annular wall 6a. In the embodiment shown here, a cover ring 16 is inserted in the interior of the second rolling bearing race 2, by which the rolling chamber 3 reserved track space B is largely shielded from the, the portion 8a of the locking ring 8 accessible area of the gap K. This cover ring 16 is rotatably inserted into a corresponding receiving portion of the second rolling bearing race 2 in this embodiment. It is also possible to fix this covering ring 16 on the first roller bearing race 1 or on the extension 1 a of the same.

FIG. 3 a shows a third embodiment of a clutch release bearing according to the invention. In this embodiment, the invention is The circlip element 8 according to the invention is designed as a molded part produced, for example, from a plastic material, which is fixed to the stop ring 4 a by clamping the sliding lining 7. In this exemplary embodiment, the securing ring element 8 forms an annular extension 8b which, in this exemplary embodiment, passes axially through a spherical cap opening O defined by the spherical ring structure 6. The ring extension 8b is adjoined by a rear grip shoulder 8e, which, as such, engages behind the rear side of the dome ring structure 6 facing away from the thrust ring 4a.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the sliding lining 7 is produced integrally with a material section which provides the end face S of the stop ring device 4. It is possible to realize over the locking ring element 8 according to the invention a rotation, by which an impermissible rotation of the run-up ring device 4 relative to the second rolling bearing raceway 2 is prevented. This rotation, as shown here, be realized in particular by radially projecting nose portions 4f, which engage as such in correspondingly formed in the annular wall 6a driver pockets 6c. These driver pockets 6c and the radial projections 4f dipping into them are matched to one another in such a way that the tilting of the stop ring 4a with respect to the second roller bearing race 2 is not unduly impaired by this and sufficient play remains in the circumferential direction.

The to secure the Anlaufringeinrichtung 4 on the second Wälzlagerlauf- ring serving 2 Hintergriffsstrukturen 8 e can be designed so that the starting ring device 4 can be attached under moderate forces on the second roller bearing race 2 and locked on this. For this purpose, the auxiliary structures made of elastic plastic can be molded in a multi-component injection molding process.

According to FIG. 3 a, it is further proposed that the retaining device 8 be fluidly connected to the plastic stop ring 12 (highly wear-resistant, low-friction plastic) or positively connected to the adjusting ring 4 as a multi-material element. Zen. Characterized in that the holding device 8 integrally formed segmentally molded from flexible plastic, eg PA 66, a greater overlap relative to the inside diameter of the opening O of the peripheral outer ring 2 can be achieved.

In Figure 3b is shown in the form of an axial sectional view of another variant of a clutch release bearing according to the invention, which corresponds in its main structure substantially to the structure of the clutch release bearing according to Figure 3a. In the clutch release bearing according to FIG. 3 b, the securing ring element 8 is designed as an annular disk-like, circumferentially profiled structure which is secured to the thrust ring 4 a via anchoring pins 72. The anchoring pins 72 are provided in this embodiment directly by a sliding lining 7 forming component. These anchoring pins 72 are radially expanded after placement of the locking ring element 8 in the region of its axial end region 72a and thereby secure the securing ring element 8.

Similar to the embodiment described above, an annular rim 8c is formed on the securing ring element 8, which forms a rear grip shoulder, by means of which the stop ring device 4 is secured to the second rolling bearing race 2 in the axial direction. The thrust ring 4a is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1, provided with a Anlaufringbelag 12, which is made of a friction-reducing and abrasion-resistant material, in particular a loaded with fillers plastic material. This run-up ring lining 12 forms the end face S which is provided for contacting a coupling system.

Instead of the embodiment of the anchoring pin 72 shown here as an integral part of the sliding component 7 forming structural component, it is also possible to form this anchoring pin 72 as part of the run-up ring element 4a or also used to form the sliding coating 12 structural component. Furthermore, it is also possible, this anchoring pin 72 as a single element, in particular as plastically compressible Perform bolt over which the starting sliding lining 12, the stop ring 4a and the sliding lining 7 and the retaining ring element 8 can be riveted together to form a unit.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3b, a self-aligning ALC can be realized, in which the retaining element 8 is manufactured as a separate element as a plastic part or ST deep-drawn part and snapped onto locating cams 72, projections or retaining collars or the like of the adjusting ring 4 with molded plastic areas.

In Figure 3c is a section of a Kupplungsausrücklagers shown in which the Anlaufringbelag 12 and the circlip 8 are designed as an integral component, which may optionally be anchored to the Anlaufringelement 4a by additional anchoring pins 72 ', or may be injection molded directly to this ,

In the embodiment shown here, the stop ring element 4a is designed so that its, the sliding lining 7-bearing portion adjacent to the outer circumference edge AU of the stop ring 4a. The embodiment shown here is characterized by a particularly short, axial length F. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, furthermore, a gap region facing away from the web space B of the rolling elements 3 is sealed by a sealing lip device 20, which as such is fixed to the second rolling bearing race 2 (the rolling bearing outer ring).

To create a sufficient space for movement of the rear handle extension 8e of the retaining ring 8 is on the extension 8e facing inner region of the annular wall 6a a chamfer 6c formed, wherein the chamfer surface formed by this chamfer 6c in their orientation and design is substantially such that it on a to the tilting center Z concentric spherical surface, ie substantially parallel to the, the shoulder 8e accessible track space runs. 3c shows a self-aligning clutch release bearing in which the shortest functional height "F" is achieved with a corresponding connection geometry of the clutch actuator spring.

4 shows a further variant of a clutch release bearing according to the invention is shown, in which an axial securing of the stop ring device 4 is achieved by the retaining ring element 8 is designed as an integral part of the Anlaufbelagelementes 12. The sliding lining 7 provided for smoothly supporting the starting lining element 12 on the spherical ring structure 6a, here made of a metal material formed by deep-drawing, can also be designed as a molded, inserted or pressed-in structure. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the sliding lining 7 is designed such that it represents a ring channel-like component provided for receiving further structures, in particular with the "S-shaped" cross section recognizable here.

FIG. 4 shows a variant of the self-aligning ALC in which the sliding element 7 resting on the sectionally spherical outer ring 2 of the roller bearing as a molded part, e.g. made of Permaglide. At the same time, the molded part serves as a support element for the plastic stop disk to which the retaining element made of plastic or metal parts (deep-drawn) is also fixed by snap-fastening.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a clutch release bearing according to the invention, which differs in particular also with regard to the design of the compensation device 5 from the abovementioned exemplary embodiments. In the embodiment shown here, the compensation device 5 also forms a Kalottenringstruktur, but this is designed such that the tilting center Z is in the range of actuated by the disengagement ring 4a clutch system. In this embodiment, an axial securing of the stop ring device 4 is achieved by on the retaining ring element 8, similar to the above-described embodiments, a rear grip shoulder 8e is formed, which is designed as a concentric with the tilting center Z executed ball shroud. This rear grip shoulder 8e is also arranged in such a way that it does not abut directly on the rear side of the annular wall 6a facing away from the tilting center Z, but in the regular state slides past it geometrically along a spherical surface at the distance a recognizable here.

According to FIG. 5, the self-aligning ALC is realized in an embodiment in which the arrangement of the spherical adjustment range is achieved with the smallest possible effective distance from the axis of rotation. The ST adjustment ring 4a serves as a base support for the plastic stop ring 12 and for the sliding lining 7, shown as Permagleit Kalottenelement. The plastic stop ring 12, as well as the sliding coating 7 can also be designed as molded plastic elements. Alternatively, the retaining element 4 proposed as a deep-drawn part can also be designed as a plastic injection-molded part and hold the components together by means of a snap connection.

FIG. 6 also shows, in the form of an axial sectional view, a sixth embodiment of a clutch release bearing according to the invention, in which, unlike all of the embodiments described above, the securing ring element 8 is placed on the second rolling bearing race 2 running along here and the stop ring device 4 leaves the running gap a recognizable here overlaps. The circlip element 8 is designed in this embodiment as a ring bush, which is axially secured on the second rolling bearing race 2. This axial securing is achieved in the embodiment shown here by an end shoulder 8f and by a bead 8g.

At the axial end region 8h of the securing element 8, which projects to the run-up ring device 4, it is provided with a draw-in section 30, which forms an inner surface whose orientation is coordinated such that it essentially adjoins this one tangent and to the tilting center Z of the identical means 5 concentric spherical shell ring surface corresponds. In this embodiment as well, the stop ring device 4 is captively embedded in the clutch release bearing device by the securing ring element 8 while leaving a movement gap.

In the embodiment shown here, the starting ring device 4 comprises, similar to the embodiments described above, a stop ring 4a, which is preferably made of a high-strength material, in particular steel material. At this stop ring 4 a provided for forming the end face S start pad element 12 is molded or attached. Also provided for forming the running on the Kalottenringstruktur 6 sliding surface sliding member 7 is made of a plastic material which is anchored by corresponding anchoring openings 8k on the thrust ring 4a.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the retaining element 8 is mounted on the outer circumference of the bearing outer ring, wherein the stop ring 4a is locked in a form-fitting and play-related to the circumferential outer ring 2. The circlip element according to the invention can hereby be rolled, clinched and / or cohesively connected as a deep-drawn part or also made of strip material. The fixation of the retaining ring element on the outer ring 2 can be done by crimping the radially extending collar or by Anrollieren the middle region (bead 8g). At the same time, the sealing ring 26 is pressed axially and fixed in its end position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed to form the Kunststoffanlaufring 12 together with the sliding coating 7 in one operation to the adjustment ring. For fixation and mounting, the plastic starting ring 12 and the sliding lining 7 are connected to one another in a material or form-fitting manner via bores 28 introduced in the adjusting ring 4a. Via retaining holes 29 in the adjusting ring 4a, the sliding lining 7 is additionally fixed to the carrier ring. In order to simplify the completion of the ALC with the adjusting ring, it is alternatively proposed in detail "A" to hold the retaining collar 30 by multiple slits and thus making formation of snap arms 30a bending elastic radially wide, so that the adjustment ring 4a can be snapped later.

For the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, the statements made above for the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 apply to a large extent analogously. Notwithstanding the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, in this exemplary embodiment, the sliding lining 7 and the plastic material provided for forming the starting lining element 12 are manufactured as part of a single plastic injection, so that these two elements form an integral structure.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, the securing element 8 is designed in such a way that it forms a rear grip wall 8i on a bearing rear side facing away from the stop ring device 4, which wall acts as a holding wall for a sealing lip structure 34. In this embodiment, the retaining ring element 8 is preferably designed so that it can be pushed from one of the stop ring device 4 remote from the back of the clutch release bearing on the second roller bearing raceway 2. It is possible, in order to facilitate the assembly process and to avoid fertilizing impermissibly strong elastic deformations of this circlip element 8 sections axially slotted execute, so that a sufficiently smooth radial expansion of the locking ring element 8 is possible.

In FIG. 7, as a further variant, a self-aligning ALC with a holding element on the circumferential outer ring is proposed, in which the holding element 8 simultaneously serves as a carrier element for the sealing, wherein the setting ring 4 is secured against loss by molding the holding region 8i and curling the fixing region.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a clutch release bearing according to the invention, in which the securing ring element 8 can be pushed axially from the front, ie from the region of the spherical ring structure 6 onto the second rolling bearing race 2. The locking ring element 8 For this purpose, it is provided with latching claws 8k, which are initially deflectable radially outward in the context of the joining process and engage behind the rear end edge of the second rolling bearing race 2 in the region of their axial ends via rear grip claws 81 formed thereon. Incidentally, the explanations relating to FIGS. 6 and 7 also apply mutatis mutandis to this exemplary embodiment. In the self-aligning release bearing according to FIG. 8, the retaining element 8 is fixed on the outer ring 2 by means of a snap connection.

FIG. 9 shows a ninth variant of a clutch release bearing in which the securing ring element 8 according to the invention extends over the second roller bearing race 2 from the area of the stop ring device 4, ie the roller bearing outer ring, leaving a movement gap a ^' and over a base plate section 8m into the area of the first rolling bearing raceway 1 penetrates and is anchored to the first, stationary roller bearing raceway 1. In the embodiment shown here, an insert portion 8n is formed on the securing ring element 8 for this purpose, which is anchored under a slight interference fit in the inner circumferential region of the first rolling bearing race 1. To facilitate the joining process, a chamfer or radius contour 8o is formed on this section 8h, by means of which the insertion of the section 8n into the inner region of the first roller bearing race 1 is facilitated. As such, the retaining ring element shown here forms a ring pot, in which the entire rolling bearing device is received largely encapsulated. As a result of this capsule component, the starting ring device 4 is also effectively secured against being lost in the axial direction.

In the self-aligning release bearing shown in Figure 9, the locking ring 8 is anchored in the bore of the non-rotating bearing ring. After the completion of the ALC with the adjusting ring 4a, the open side is formed in such a way that an overlap h "is achieved, resulting in a sufficient captive securing The lined areas 56 on the radially extending wall region of the holding element 8 serve as anti-rotation and the radially extending wall 57 serves as a support for the pre-compression spring (not shown) Alternatively, by elastic design the holding area, as done by slitting, a subsequent mounting of the adjusting ring 4.

On the basis of the solution concept according to the invention, it becomes possible, in particular also the special running properties of diesel engines

Take into account that, especially in rough-running operating conditions and associated longitudinal and

Torsional vibrations of the coupling system no inadmissibly strong lifting the stop ring device 4 can be made from the actual clutch release bearing.

The inventive concept also makes it possible, in particular, to realize an improved clutch release bearing without lengthening the axial installation space. The securing ring 8 according to the invention can be manufactured relatively inexpensively and, in addition to the cost achievable hereby, also offers improved protection of the clutch release bearing against contamination. Furthermore, the tilting resistance is not increased in an inadmissible manner by the locking ring 8 according to the invention when tilting the stop ring device. In the self-adjusting bearing according to the invention, the stop ring 4 is secured by the special locking ring 8 by a form-fitting, but under normal operating conditions with respect to moving surfaces game-afflicted structure.

In the release bearing of the invention, the retaining ring 8 is designed as a profile ring, which is centered for example on the inner diameter of the adjusting ring 4 and can be fixed after the assignment of the outer ring by crimping the crimp on the crimp ring. The securing ring according to the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively as a deep-drawn part in production engineering advantageous manner. It allows easy and safe installation of the components even with large swivel angle ranges of the adjusting ring. The effective distance between the contact plane of the clutch plate spring tongues on the thrust ring and the support plane of the ALC on the piston (the sliding sleeve) can be made relatively short. In a further embodiment of the clutch release bearing according to the invention, it is proposed for the abovementioned embodiments to produce the lining for the spherical contact region with the encircling bearing ring of PEAK material in a slip-modified manner with the best possible sliding properties. In particular, the following variations are possible:

- Adjustment ring with pad for the contact area made of wear-resistant and low-friction plastic such as PA46 CF30 PTFE5 or similar, combined with the pad for the spherical contact area with the circumferential bearing ring made of the PEAK material Sliding-modified:

- Each pad manufactured in Einzelherstellverfahren and fixed to the setting ring

- Or both coatings applied in multi-plastic injection molding.

Claims

claims

1. Clutch release bearing with:

a first rolling bearing race (1),

a second rolling bearing race (2)

Rolling elements (3) which are accommodated in a track space (B) which is defined between the first roller bearing raceway (1) and the second roller bearing raceway (2) and concentric with a roller bearing axis (X),

- An initial ring means (4) for providing an intended for contacting a coupling structure end face (S), and

- A compensation bearing device (5) for supporting the stop ring device (4) such that these within a compensation angle range (W) to a

Tilting center (Z) tiltable is located on, or at least close to the rolling bearing axis (X),

- wherein the compensating device (5) comprises a Kalottenringstruktur (6) and a tilting ring structure sitting thereon (4a), and that Kalottenringstruktur (6) comprises a ring wall (6a) which surrounds a Kalottenringinnenöffnung (O),

- Characterized in that the stop ring device (4) is connected to a retaining ring element (8) which passes through the Kalottenringinnenöffnung (O) axially and to the web space (B) penetrating, radially projecting annular shoulder (8a) forms as such those Kalottenringstruktur (6) engages behind on one of the stop ring device (4) side facing away.

2. clutch release bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is designed such that its annular shoulder (8a) engages behind the Kalottenringstruktur (6), leaving a movement clearance (a).

3. Clutch release bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is designed such that this is slightly resilient bias on the start-ring device (4) facing away from the back of the annular shoulder (6a) is seated.

4. clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first roller bearing raceway (1) forms a stationary raceway.

5. clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first roller bearing raceway (1) forms a bearing inner ring and the second rolling bearing raceway (2) forms a bearing outer ring.

6. clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tilting ring structure (6) is connected to the second rolling bearing raceway (2).

7. clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, character- ized in that the tilting ring structure (6) integral with the second

Rolling bearing race (2) is formed.

8. A clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tilting ring structure (6) to the Anlaufringein- direction (4) out convexly bulging annular surface forms as such forms part of a ball shell.

9. clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that between the stop ring device (4) and the tilting ring structure (6) a Gleitbelagring (7) is arranged.

10. clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sliding lining ring (7) is made of a sintered or plastic material.

11. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sliding lining ring (7) is fixed to the stop ring device.

12. clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sliding lining ring (7) is injection-molded onto the stop ring device (4).

13. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is fixed to the starting ring device (4).

14. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is fixed to the Gleitbelagring (12).

15. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) forms an integral part of Gleitbelagrings (12).

16. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is secured by the sliding lining ring on the stop ring device.

17. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is made integral with the sliding lining ring (12).

18. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is molded onto the thrust ring (4).

19. Clutch release bearing with:

a first rolling bearing race (1),

a second rolling bearing race (2),

- A stop ring device (4) for providing a provided for contacting a coupling structure end face or force transmission surface (S), and

Tilting center is tilting, which is located on, or at least close to the rolling bearing axis (X),

- wherein the balancing device (5) has a Kalottenringstruktur (6) which is coupled to the second rolling bearing raceway (2) and an annular wall (6a) which surrounds a Kalottenringinnenöffnung (O), and comprises a seated on the Kalottenringstruktur (6) tilting ring structure,

characterized in that a securing ring element (8) is connected to the first or the second rolling bearing raceway (2) which surrounds an annular shoulder (8h) which projects radially inwardly in the direction of the rolling bearing axis (X) and which surrounds the outer peripheral region of the stop ring device (4) ) on a side facing away from the track space (B) overlaps.

20. clutch release bearing according to claim 19, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) is designed as a ring bushing.

21. A clutch release bearing according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) on the second rolling bearing race (2) is axially secured.

22 clutch release bearing according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the securing ring element (8) on the first rolling bearing race (1) is axially secured.

23. Clutch release bearing according to at least one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the second rolling bearing raceway (2) forms the bearing outer ring.