Schaeffler Technologies Ag & Co .kg

Jay Barnes

Alaa Makke

Shaun Tate

A ball-ramp clutch includes two stamped ramp plates and at least one molded support ring. The molded support ring transmits axial force from one of the ramp plates to a thrust bearing, which, in turn, transmits the axial force to the pressure plate of a clutch pack. The molded support ring may radially locate one of the races of the thrust bearing. The molded support ring may be plastic.

Ball-ramp clutch actuator assembly

Pistons and clutch assemblies including the pistons are disclosed. A clutch assembly may include at least one rotatable clutch plate, a reaction plate arranged to rotate with and apply a force to the at least one rotatable clutch plate, and a spring configured to urge the reaction plate away from the at least one rotatable clutch plate. A piston may be provided including a first segment formed as a plate and defining an internal space between the first segment and a housing and a second bulk segment that occupies at least a portion (e.g., 50% by volume) of the internal space. At least one bearing rolling element may be arranged between the reaction plate and the piston to permit relative rotational motion therebetween. The second bulk segment may be formed of plastic or a plastic composite and may reduce the amount of hydraulic fluid present in the internal space.

Piston for clutch assembly

Reaction plates and clutch assemblies including the reaction plates are disclosed. The clutch assembly may include at least one rotatable clutch plate, a reaction plate arranged to rotate with and apply a force to the clutch plate(s), and a piston. At least one bearing rolling element may be arranged between the reaction plate and the piston to permit relative rotational motion therebetween. A bearing cage may be retained by the reaction plate or the piston. A spring may be configured to urge the reaction plate away from the clutch plate(s). The reaction plate may include a retention tab configured to retain the spring in an axial direction. The retention tab may be formed on an axial portion of the reaction plate that extends in the axial direction. The axial portion may be disposed between two radial portions of the reaction plate that extend in a radial direction.

Clutch assembly with spring retention feature

Piston assemblies and clutch assemblies including the piston assemblies are disclosed. The clutch assembly may include at least one rotatable clutch plate, a reaction plate arranged to rotate with and apply a force to the at least one rotatable clutch plate, and a piston including a first segment having a radially extending portion. At least one bearing rolling element may be arranged between the reaction plate and the radially extending portion of the piston to permit relative rotational motion therebetween. A bearing cage may be retained by the reaction plate. The first segment of the piston may further include a retaining portion configured to retain the reaction plate. The retaining portion may include an axially extending portion having a radial bump, wherein the radial bump configured to retain the reaction plate. The radial bump may be disposed on a distal end of the retaining portion.

Piston assembly

A clutch actuation device selectively engages a clutch. The clutch actuation device includes two plates, at least one of which being able to rotate relative to the other. Between the two plates is a rounded member, such as a ball, housed within opposing grooves in the respective plates. As the plates rotate relative to one another, the rounded member forces the plates to separate axially from one another. This can engage the clutch. A third plate is placed at a location axially spaced from the second plate. The third plate limits movement of the second plate when moving to the extended position, assuring the second plate does not over-translate axially. A resilient member may be provided between the third plate and a housing. The resilient member can be tuned to properly inhibit the axial movement of the second and third plates according to the packaging constraints.

Growing community of inventors

Clinton Township, MI, United States of America

Jay Barnes