Patent Description:
The invention is particularly relates to a clutch pressure compensating clutch disc lining wears by keeping the release load and clamp load constant while the vehicle is in motion, without affecting driving comfort.

Wears occur on clutch disc linings are eliminated by screw, tab, and clamp or thread systems already included in the current clutch systems. In these systems, compensation of wears can be realized as much as it is allowed with the designs of the systems. In other words, the wear value measure to be compensated can be fully compensated in case thread pitches, screw pitch gaps, etc. is greater than the parameters. In the contrary case, if the wear value measure is smaller than the parameter measurements, systems cannot be activated and minimal wears cannot be compensated. In all of the clutch cover assemblies, worm screws, tabs, clamps and threads are used in decimal size range. In this case, the wears occur on the lining cannot be met instantly and precisely.

In addition to this, production of clutch cover assemblies realized by using worm screw, tab, clamp or thread systems is difficult and complex. Thus, they are high cost configurations. Moreover, it is difficult to assembly and produces the parts. Obtaining the standard in each product assembly related to this also creates a problem and leads to high costs.

The wearing causes the clamp load and release load to change and affects engagement. Moreover, experiencing these changes negatively affect the driving comfort.

Application numbered <CIT> relates to clutch cover assembly with wear compensation mechanism. It is aimed to keep the clutch release load, clamp load and clutch cover assembly height at a fixed value or within a certain range with the inventive clutch cover assembly. In said application, wear compensation is realized by detecting the change in the operating position of the diaphragm spring depending on wearing by means of the sensors.

Application numbered <CIT> relates to a double disc clutch cover assembly system. Said invention configuration relates to a double-disc clutch pressure system developed so as to prevent the wears occurring in the clutch systems. The inventive double-disc clutch pressure system provides to perform separation and clutching processes simultaneously in the clutch systems.

As a result, due to the abovementioned disadvantages and the insufficiency of the current solutions regarding the subject matter, a development is required to be made in the relevant technical field Documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> are also related prior art.

The present invention is related to clutch cover assembly as defined by the appended claims, which fulfills the abovementioned requirements, eliminates all disadvantages and brings some additional advantages.

The main aim of the invention is to provide a clutch cover assembly compensating the wear on the clutch lining equal to the amount of wear and occurrence of wear simultaneously.

An aim of the invention is to provide a clutch cover assembly that enables wear compensation automatically while driving the vehicle.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a clutch cover assembly that does not have a wear limit based on the mechanism and mechanism components.

In order to fulfill the above mentioned aims, the present invention relates to a clutch pressure which is provided on the clutch disc and comprises a cover, a pressure plate provided in said cover, a diaphragm spring connected with the cover and an adjustment ring that is fitted on said pressure plate, increases the thickness of the pressure plate according to the wear value. Accordingly, said clutch mechanism comprises the following; a stop ramp positioned on the pressure plate in a manner such that it remains stable when wearing occurs on the clutch disc lining so as to compensate the wear occurred in the clutch disc lining, a cocking ramp that activates said adjustment ring together with it so as to increase the thickness of the pressure plate, a removable wear adjusting bolt whose movement is restricted with the casing so as to keep said stop ramp in a fixed position during wear and a force sheet that is connected to the pressure plate with a bolt at both ends and engaged to the stop ramp from its central section.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises a adjusting ramp extension spring that activates mentioned adjusting ramp clockwise.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises an adjustment ring extension spring that mentioned adjustment ring.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises a hook that is connected with adjusting ramp extension spring and adjustment ring extension spring and engaged with the adjustment ring at one end.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises a casing slot that limits the movement of the adjusting bolt in case of wear by abutting the same, is configured on the casing.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises a adjusting ramp bearing channel that is configured on mentioned pressure plate and on which the adjusting ramp is located.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises an adjustment ring channel that is configured on mentioned adjustment ring.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises a stop ramp angled surface that is defined on mentioned stop ramp.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises a adjusting ramp latch that is located in the adjustment ring and engages the adjusting ramp with the adjustment ring.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises a adjusting ramp angled surface that is defined on mentioned stop ramp corresponding to mentioned stop ramp.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises an adjusting bolt setup surface that is defined on mentioned wear adjusting bolt corresponding to mentioned stop ramp setup surface.

In order to achieve the aims of the invention, it comprises an assembly hole that is between the stop ramp setup surface and mentioned adjusting bolt setup surface in case clutch cover assembly is passive so as to compensate for wear during shipping or maintenance processes.

The structural and characteristic features of the present invention will be understood clearly by the following drawings and the detailed description made with reference to these drawings and therefore the evaluation shall be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into consideration.

The figures are not required to be scaled and the details which are not necessary for understanding the present invention may be neglected. Moreover, the elements that are at least substantially identical or have at least substantially identical functions are shown by the same number.

In this detailed description, the inventive clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is described only for clarifying the subject matter in a manner such that no limiting effect is created.

The inventive clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is positioned in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) shown in <FIG> The clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is the transmission part that provides the opportunity of gear shifting by cutting the connection between the engine of the vehicle and the gearbox and its two main elements are the clutch disc (<NUM>) and the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>). The flywheel (<NUM>) is the element that transmits movement from the vehicle engine to the clutch and tries to keep this movement constant. When the flywheel (<NUM>) rotates, the clutch disc (<NUM>) is stationary, however as soon as the surfaces contact with each other; a kind of locking is realized. Therefore, the rotational movement of the flywheel (<NUM>) is transmitted to the gearbox and subsequently to the wheels by means of the clutch disc (<NUM>). Wearing occurs on the clutch disc linings (<NUM>) in time and the inventive clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is used in the detection and compensation of this wear instantly.

The main elements of the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) whose general and section view taken in the A-A direction are given in <FIG> are as follows; a cover (<NUM>), a diaphragm spring (<NUM>), a pressure plate (<NUM>) and an adjustment ring (<NUM>). In addition to these elements, there are the following in the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) so as to function particularly for wear compensation; a stop ramp (<NUM>), a adjusting ramp (<NUM>), a hook (<NUM>), a force sheet (<NUM>) and a wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>).

Said cover (<NUM>), whose general view is given in <FIG> is a structure that covers and protects the structural elements of the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>). There is a cover slot (<NUM>) on the cover (<NUM>). Said wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) is provided within said cover slot (<NUM>). In case wear occurs on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>), the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) abuts the cover slot (<NUM>).

The main task of said diaphragm spring (<NUM>) that can be seen in <FIG> in general, in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to provide engagement by forming pressure on said pressure plate (<NUM>) when the driver releases the clutch pedal and separation by releasing the force on the pressure plate (<NUM>) when the driver presses onto the pedal. The diaphragm spring (<NUM>) is connected with the cover (<NUM>) and there are multiple hole structures thereon. Two of these holes, which are configured mutually in the same direction, are diaphragm spring slots (<NUM>) that are wider. One of said diaphragm spring slots (<NUM>) is preferably positioned in alignment with said cover slot (<NUM>) and the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) is provided therein.

The main task of the pressure plate (<NUM>) that can be seen in <FIG> in detail in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to provide releasing when the clutch pedal is engaged and provide engagement when the clutch pedal is released so as to provide gear shifting. There are channels, bearings, ramp angles and connection holes on the pressure plate (<NUM>). A pressure plate ramp angle (<NUM>) is provided on the pressure plate, and a adjusting ramp bearing channel (<NUM>) is configured to house said adjusting ramp (<NUM>). Said force sheet (<NUM>) is also engaged on the pressure plate (<NUM>).

The main task of the adjustment ring (<NUM>) that can be seen in <FIG> in detail in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to rotate clockwise when wear occurs on the clutch disc linings (<NUM>) and to increase the thickness of the pressure plate (<NUM>) by means of the adjusting ramp (<NUM>). The adjustment ring (<NUM>) is placed on the pressure plate (<NUM>). An adjustment ring ramp angle (<NUM>), an adjustment ring channel (<NUM>) and a hook hole (<NUM>) are configured on the adjustment ring (<NUM>). Said hook (<NUM>) is engaged with said hook hole (<NUM>). An adjustment ring extension spring (<NUM>) is connected to the free end of the hook (<NUM>). The other end of said adjustment ring extension spring (<NUM>) is connected to the pressure plate (<NUM>) by means of a bolt. When the adjustment ring extension spring (<NUM>) is connected to pressure plate (<NUM>) fixedly, it is connected to the hook (<NUM>) by means of puling/attaching. The main task of the adjustment ring extension spring (<NUM>) in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to pull the adjustment ring (<NUM>) over the hook (<NUM>) to which it is associated in case wearing occurs on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>).

The main task of said stop ramp (<NUM>) in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to provide the operation of other mechanism elements by being stable when wear occurs on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>). A stop ramp angled surface (<NUM>) and stop ramp setup surface (<NUM>) are configured on the stop ramp (<NUM>) positioned on the pressure plate (<NUM>). Also, the force sheet (<NUM>) and the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) are associated with the stop ramp (<NUM>).

The adjusting ramp (<NUM>) is located within the adjusting ramp bearing channel (<NUM>) on the pressure plate (<NUM>). The adjusting ramp (<NUM>) is configured with the adjusting ramp angled surface (<NUM>) and also has a adjusting ramp latch (<NUM>). Said adjusting ramp latch (<NUM>) is located in said adjustment ring channel (<NUM>) and provides the engagement of the adjusting ramp (<NUM>) with the adjustment ring (<NUM>). A adjusting ramp extension spring (<NUM>) is connected to a hole configured on the adjusting ramp (<NUM>) from one end. Said adjusting ramp extension spring (<NUM>) is connected to the hook (<NUM>) by pulling/attaching the same from the other end. The main task of the adjusting ramp extension spring (<NUM>) is to pull the adjusting ramp (<NUM>). The main task of the adjusting ramp (<NUM>) in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to provide clockwise movement by means of the adjusting ramp extension spring (<NUM>) when wear occurs on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>).

The force sheet (<NUM>) seen in <FIG> is connected to the pressure plate (<NUM>) with a bolt at both ends and is engaged to the stop ramp (<NUM>) from its central section. The main task of the force sheet (<NUM>) in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to allow the stop ramp (<NUM>) continuously applying a proper force to the pressure plate (<NUM>).

The main task of the adjusting bolt (<NUM>) seen in <FIG> in the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) is to provide keeping the stop ramp (<NUM>) in a stable position by resting on the upper surface of the cover slot (<NUM>) when wear occurs on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>). An adjusting bolt setup surface (<NUM>) is configured on the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) that corresponds to said stop ramp setup surface (<NUM>).

In case the vehicle operates normally, when there is no wear on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>), the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) continues to operate under normal conditions. Under the normal operation conditions, the force sheet (<NUM>) continuously pushes the stop ramp (<NUM>) in the -z direction and applies constant pressure on the adjusting ramp (<NUM>).

When wearing starts on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>), first of all pressure is applied onto the adjusting ring (<NUM>) by the diaphragm spring (<NUM>). Afterwards, the pressure plate (<NUM>) and the adjustment ring (<NUM>) and the adjusting ramp (<NUM>), the adjustment ring extension spring (<NUM>), the adjusting ramp extension spring (<NUM>), the force sheet (<NUM>) and the hook (<NUM>) together with it move in the engine direction (x). This motion in the engine direction (x) provides the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) to rest on the surface of the cover slot (<NUM>). The motion of the stop ramp (<NUM>) in the engine direction (x) is prevented by the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) that is associated with the stop ramp (<NUM>). This situation releases the pressure applied by the stop ramp (<NUM>) on the adjusting ramp (<NUM>) due to the force sheet (<NUM>) associated with the stop ramp (<NUM>). Therefore, a space is formed between the stop ramp angled surface (<NUM>) and said adjusting ramp angled surface (<NUM>). The adjusting ramp extension spring (<NUM>) pulls the adjusting ramp (<NUM>) clockwise at a distance equal to this space. Afterwards, the adjusting ramp latch (<NUM>) moves clockwise within the adjustment ring channel (<NUM>), and the contact of the stop ramp angled surface (<NUM>) and the adjusting ramp angled surface (<NUM>) is provided.

When the clutch pedal is engaged, the force of the diaphragm spring (<NUM>) is released from the adjustment ring (<NUM>). The adjustment ring channel (<NUM>) rests on the adjusting ramp latch (<NUM>) and the adjustment ring (<NUM>) rotates on the mirror ramp angle (<NUM>). A pressure plate ramp angle (<NUM>) with a height equal to the amount of wear on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>) is obtained with this rotation. Therefore, wear compensation that is provided simultaneously and equal to the wear with the wear on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>).

An assembly hole (Z) is formed between the adjusting bolt setup surface (<NUM>) and stop ramp setup surface (<NUM>) in case the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is transferred so as to be assembled on the vehicle. It is provided that the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) that compensates for wear is passive before being mounted on the vehicle with this formed assembly space (Z). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) can be transported separately and it will be provided to be mounted on the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) subsequently. After the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is mounted on the vehicle, the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is activated in a manner such that compensation of wear can be made. Activation of the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is provided by tightening the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) in a manner such that it will eliminate the assembly space (Z) and overlap the adjusting bolt setup surface (<NUM>) with the stop ramp setup surface (<NUM>).

In case maintenance is to be made in the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>), it is required to make the active clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) passive again. This situation is obtained by loosening or completely removing the wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) in a manner such that an assembly space (Z) is formed. Maintenance and/or repair is provided by disassembling the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) after the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) is deactivated for the compensation of wear. The wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) is tightened and the system is activated by repeating the same processes so as to reinstall the clutch cover assembly (<NUM>).

Claim 1:
A clutch cover assembly (<NUM>) which is provided on the clutch disc (<NUM>) and has a cover (<NUM>), a pressure plate (<NUM>) that is provided on said cover (<NUM>), a diaphragm spring (<NUM>) that is connected to the cover (<NUM>), an adjustment ring (<NUM>) that is fitted on said pressure plate (<NUM>), comprising the following so as to compensate the wear occurs on said clutch disc lining (<NUM>);
- a stop ramp (<NUM>) that is positioned on the pressure plate (<NUM>) so as to remain fixed when wear occurs on the clutch disc lining (<NUM>),
- a adjusting ramp (<NUM>) that activates said adjustment ring (<NUM>) together with it so as to increase the thickness of the pressure plate (<NUM>),
- a removable wear adjusting bolt (<NUM>) whose movement is restricted with the cover (<NUM>) so as to keep said stop ramp (<NUM>) in a fixed position during wear,
- a force sheet (<NUM>) that is connected to the pressure plate (<NUM>) with a bolt at both ends and engaged to the stop ramp (<NUM>) from its central section,
- and characterised in that the adjusting ramp (<NUM>) is configured with an adjusting ramp angled surface (<NUM>) and also has an adjusting ramp latch (<NUM>),
- the adjusting latch (<NUM>) is located in the adjustment ring channel (<NUM>) and engages the adjusting ramp (<NUM>) with the adjustment ring (<NUM>).