Clutch operating apparatus

US5669480A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• LUK Lamellen Und Kupplungsbau · US

Inventors

• Ad Kooy · Achern, DE
• Norbert Mebus · Bühlertal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 8, 1996
• Grant date: Sep 23, 1997
• Expiry date: Mar 8, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D2125/36
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A friction clutch between an engine and a transmission in a motor vehicle has a diaphragm spring with prongs which are moved axially by a bearing in order to disengage the clutch. The bearing is mounted on an actuating device including a driven part carried by a support on the transmission case and a driving part which can be rotated by a clutch pedal. The actuating device can be moved axially by a first ramp assembly having complementary ramps on the support and the driven part. A second ramp assembly forms part of a wear compensating unit which automatically changes the axial position and/or the orientation of the diaphragm spring to compensate for wear at least upon the friction linings of the clutch disc forming part of the clutch. The second ramp assembly can include mating internal and external threads. A third ramp assembly is defined or carried by the driving and driven parts of the actuating device.