Axially operating positioning element, particularly for a friction clutch structure

US5010992A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• RINGSPANN GmbH · DE

Inventor

• Ruprecht Maurer · Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 1990
• Grant date: Apr 30, 1991
• Expiry date: Jan 3, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D13/583
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

To prevent torsion and bending forces from being applied to an operating ring disk system pressing together interdigited elements of a ring disk clutch, and to permit placement of ring disk portions close to each other for maximum engagement force being applied to the clutch, the ring disk system is formed of a plurality of parts (27, 34, 41 45) which are essentially sector-shaped, surround the clutch shaft, and are pivotable about a movable fulcrum (11, 20) which compresses the clutch disks (3, 5). The individually separate ring disk system parts or elements are in outer circumferential engagement to abut each other and to hold the parts in essentially clearance or play-free mutually engaged position, regardless of whether the rings disk system is flat or planar, or deflected into conical shape. Further, the parts are formed with an inner engagement arrangement to hold them in mutually aligned and supported radial position. The parts can, additionally, be held axially in position. Interengaging projection-and-recess arrangements or a circular holding spring coupled to the elements or parts maintains them in the clutch.