Couplable/decouplable clutch release bearing assembly

Abstract

A clutch release bearing assembly comprises a coupling part adapted to couple a clutch release bearing to a clutch release device of a clutch. The coupling part is attached to the clutch release device. A drive part forms part of the clutch release bearing and there is an annular retaining groove on the coupling part or the drive part. A fastening device operative in traction between the coupling part and the drive part couples these parts together in the axial direction from the clutch release device to the clutch release bearing. The fastening device comprises an annular coupling member which is elastically deformable in the radial direction and at least partly engaged in the annular retaining groove. It further comprises a substantially transverse drive bearing surface on the other (coupling or drive) part, on which the coupling member bears axially in the axial direction in question. There is a groove in the same part as the drive bearing surface. An annular decoupling member is adapted to decouple the clutch release bearing from the clutch release device of the clutch. It is movable axially in the previously mentioned groove, of one flank of which the drive bearing surface forms part. The coupling member is carried by the coupling part. The decoupling member is carried by the drive part. The decoupling member comprises engagement means adapted to couple it releasably to the coupling member in at least the axial direction from the clutch release device to the clutch release bearing.