US3920107A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-aligning clutch release bearing arrangement
Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
•
Filing: 1974-07-31
•
Granted: 1975-11-18
•
Expires: 1994-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A release bearing for an automotive friction clutch in which the normally stationary outer bearing ring is mounted with radial play on an axially slidable sleeve which may be axially moved by a release element. A radially inwardly extending flange extends from the outer bearing ring towards the sleeve and is arranged between a radially extending surface transmitting axial moving force from the slidable sleeve and a radially extending retaining ring. Resilient centering elements are arranged between the outer ring flange and the slidable sleeve.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernhard Limbacher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:07
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D23/00; F16D23/12; F16D23/14; F16D23/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A clutch release bearing arrangement comprising: a. a rotating inner ring; b. a stationary outer ring having a radially inwardly extending flange, 1. the rings having a common axis; c. an axially slidable sleeve, 1. the outer ring flange being guided on the sleeve with radial play; d. a radially extending retaining ring; e. a radially extending surface transmitting axial moving force from the slidable sleeve, 1. the surface being axially spaced from the retaining ring, and 2. the outer ring flange being arranged between the retaining ring and the force transmitting surface; and f. resilient centering means integral with said retaining ring and arranged between the outer ring flange and the slidable sleeve, 1. said reSilient centering means including a plurality of spring tongues extending substantially axially from the retaining ring towards the force transmitting surface, 2. the outer ring flange having an inner surface radially spaced from the slidable sleeve and the spring tongues resiliently engaging the inner surface of the outer ring flange in a radial direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A clutch release bearing arrangement comprising: a. a rotating inner ring; b. a stationary outer ring having a radially inwardly extending flange, 1. the rings having a common axis; c. an axially slidable sleeve, 1. the outer ring flange being guided on the sleeve with radial play; d. a radially extending retaining ring; e. a radially extending surface transmitting axial moving force from the slidable sleeve, 1. the surface being axially spaced from the retaining ring, and 2. the outer ring flange being arranged between the retaining ring and the force transmitting surface; and f. resilient centering means integral with said retaining ring and arranged between the outer ring flange and the slidable sleeve, 1. said reSilient centering means including a plurality of spring tongues extending substantially axially from the retaining ring towards the force transmitting surface, 2. the outer ring flange having an inner surface radially spaced from the slidable sleeve and the spring tongues resiliently engaging the inner surface of the outer ring flange in a radial direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
the outer ring flange being arranged between the retaining ring and the force transmitting surface; and f. resilient centering means integral with said retaining ring and arranged between the outer ring flange and the slidable sleeve,
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
the outer ring flange being arranged between the retaining ring and the force transmitting surface; and f. resilient centering means integral with said retaining ring and arranged between the outer ring flange and the slidable sleeve,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
the outer ring flange having an inner surface radially spaced from the slidable sleeve and the spring tongues resiliently engaging the inner surface of the outer ring flange in a radial direction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
the outer ring flange having an inner surface radially spaced from the slidable sleeve and the spring tongues resiliently engaging the inner surface of the outer ring flange in a radial direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
96 words
An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein the retaining ring has an inner circumference, a plurality of retaining lugs extending from the inner circumference alternately with lugs carrying the spring tongues, the retaining lugs extending substantially in the plane of the retaining ring and engaging the slidable sleeve, the lugs carrying the spring tongues forming a base for the tongues, the latter lugs being bent along said base to form the tongues, and the distance between the centers of the bases being greater than that of the radially inner ends of the retaining lugs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
An arrangement as set forth in claim 2, wherein the length of the spring tongues from the base to the free end thereof is greater than the difference between the distance of the centers of the bases and the radially inner ends of the retaining lugs from the common axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein the spring tongues have a radially outward component extending towards the force transmitting surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the outer ring flange conically tapers outwardly from the force transmitting surface towards the retaining ring.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
An arrangement as set forth in claim 5, wherein the distance of the centers of the free ends of the spring tongues from the common axis is smaller than the radius of the inner surface of the outer ring flange at the surface edge adjacent the retaining ring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-17 | 1979-05-19 | 1979-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-17 | 1983-05-19 | 1983-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-17 | 1987-05-19 | 1987-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |