Patent ID: 7591359
Filing Date: 2009-09-22
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A clutch release mechanism for releasing engagement of a clutch device comprising: a collar member for pressing a pressurizing plate of the clutch device in the direction of releasing engagement of the clutch device; a bearing provided inside the collar member; a clutch cam plate rotatably connected to the collar member via the bearing; an adjustment bolt held by a case member for covering the clutch device coaxially with an axis of rotation of the clutch cam plate; a boss member screwed on the adjustment bolt and formed so as to extend from the adjustment bolt to at least the clutch cam plate coaxially with the axis of rotation of the clutch cam plate; a receiving plate connected to the peripheral portion of the boss member so as to extend substantially in parallel with the clutch cam plate; and a ball unit having a retainer fitted to the boss member so as to be positioned between the clutch cam plate and the receiving plate and a plurality of balls rotatably retained by the retainer so as to be arranged in the direction of rotation of the clutch cam plate and configured so that portions exposed when being held by the retainer are engaged respectively with a plurality of cam-like recesses provided on the clutch cam plate, wherein a gap is defined between the clutch cam plate or the receiving plate and the ball unit so that the ball unit can slide between the clutch cam plate and the receiving plate, and an urging member for urging the ball unit in the direction of being slid toward the clutch cam plate and a retaining member for restricting the ball unit from coming out from the boss member are attached to the peripheral portion of the boss member.