Couplable/decouplable clutch release bearing assembly

Abstract

A clutch release bearing assembly comprises a coupling part which is 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. Part of the clutch release bearing forms a drive part. There is an annular retaining groove on one of the coupling and drive parts. A fastening device operative in traction between the coupling part and the drive part is adapted to couple 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 partially engaged in the annular retaining groove. It further comprises a substantially transverse drive bearing surface on the other of the aforementioned coupling and drive parts on which this coupling member bears axially in the axial direction in question. There is a groove in the same part as this drive bearing surface. An annular decoupling member is adapted to decouple the clutch release bearing from the clutch release device, which is axially movable in the groove of one flank of which the drive bearing surface forms part. The annular decoupling member also comprises an annular groove facing the annular retaining groove for coupling it selectively to the coupling member at least in the axial direction from the clutch release device to the clutch release bearing.