Patent ID: 6814196
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A friction clutch for a motor vehicle, the friction clutch comprising:a clutch disk which can be coupled in frictional engagement with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and connected to a transmission input shaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative thereto and which can revolve with said transmission input shaft around a common axis of rotation, the friction clutch acting directly on the transmission input shaft; an actuation system, arranged concentrically to the input shaft, for engaging and disengaging the frictional engagement of the clutch disk, the actuation system comprising a sliding sleeve which is concentric to the transmission input shaft and axially displaceable relative to the transmission input shaft, the sliding sleeve carrying a clutch release bearing facing the clutch disk, the clutch release bearing having a revolving bearing ring which cooperates with actuation elements to engage and disengage the clutch disk, the actuation system further comprising a piston arranged concentrically in the sliding sleeve and facing away from the clutch release bearing, said piston being axially displaceable relative to said sliding sleeve during engaging and disengaging of the clutch disk; and a transmission brake for reducing the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft during shifting of the transmission, said transmission brake being integrated in the actuation system and being actuated independently of the actuation system, said transmission brake comprising a brake disk having internal teeth which engage external teeth on the transmission input shaft so as to be fixed against rotation relative to said input shaft and be axially displaceable relative to said transmission input shaft, and a radial outer area connected to the sliding sleeve in a friction engagement; wherein the piston moves axially with respect to said sliding sleeve, away from the clutch disk and toward the brake disk, to actuate the transmission brake.