Lube free clutch sleeve
OwnerDavid R. DePiazza, Ronald B. Morfordinventors
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Abstract
A bearing release assembly includes a release bearing housing actuated by a release fork to move axially along a rotating shaft. The release bearing housing moves a release sleeve axially along the rotating shaft to disengage clutch levers in response to pivotal movement of a release fork. The release sleeve includes an oil-impregnated powdered metal insert in sliding contact with the rotating shaft. The oil-impregnated powdered metal insert is self-lubricating to eliminate the need for periodic maintenance and lubrication of the release sleeve simplifying operation and maintenance of a clutch assembly.
Claims16
A clutch assembly comprising;
- a bearing assembly defining a bore;
- a clutch release sleeve having an outer surface facing said bore and an inner surface facing a shaft;
- and
- an oil impregnated powdered metal sleeve having an outer surface facing said inner surface of said release sleeve and an inner surface facing said shaft.
A clutch release sleeve assembly comprising;
- an outer sleeve including outer and inner surfaces;
- and
- an oil impregnated powdered metal sleeve disposed within said outer sleeve and including an inner surface for sliding contact with a rotating shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.