Hydraulically actuated release mechanism for a clutch

Abstract

A release mechanism for a clutch having an axially movable release sleeve is disclosed. A pressure ring is mounted about the release sleeve by a bearing. When the pressure ring is moved toward a disengaged position, it moves the release sleeve in the same direction. A piston housing is mounted about an inner flange formed on a cover of the clutch by a bearing. The piston housing is disposed adjacent to the pressure ring and includes an annular groove formed therein which extends away from the pressure ring. An annular piston is disposed within the groove, defining a chamber within the piston housing. An external port provides communication between the chamber and a source of pressurized fluid for selectively moving the piston axially outwardly into engagement with the pressure ring. When so actuated, the pressure ring is moved axially outwardly, causing the release sleeve to be moved to the disengaged position. A hollow pressure ring cover is attached about the pressure ring having circumferential flat portions formed thereon. One of the flat portions abuts the adjacent axially extending leg of an L-shaped bracket, which is secured to the housing of a transmission or other non-rotating member, so as to prevent rotation of the pressure ring and the piston housing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.