Hydraulic clutch release mechanism for motor vehicles

Claim 1

A hydraulic release mechanism for automotive clutches and the like comprising a cylindrical housing open at one end, a bearing assembly located within said housing at said open end and comprising a non-rotating outer race ring having a cylindrical surface spaced from said housing, a rotatable race ring adapted to be connected to an operating element for said clutch and a plurality of rolling elements arranged therebetween, a cover plate abutting the pressure end of said bearing, a pressure plate mounted over said cover, means for securing said cover and pressure plates together, and spring means interposed between said pressure plate and the opposing wall of said housing, a flexible elastomeric wall secured to said bearing assembly between said pressure plate and said cover plate and to said housing and being folded within the space between said outer race ring and said housing to engage the cylindrical surfaces of said housing and said nonrotating race ring for axially slidable movement and radially floating movement with respect thereto, said wall defining with said housing a chamber for receiving fluid under pressure, the force of which is transmitted through the end of the nonrotating race ring, said rolling elements, and rotating race ring to said clutch operating element.