1 - 17Preloaded clutch release bearing device and assembly process of such a device

Abstract

Clutch release bearing device (1) for an automotive vehicle, the device comprising: - an axial bearing (4) forming an element capable of transmitting an axial force (F) to act on an actuating element (3), comprising an outer ring (5) and an inner ring (6) between which rolling elements (7) are housed, and - a connecting piece (18) arranged axially between the axial bearing (4) and preloading means (17), characterized in that the connecting piece (18) comprises: - a fastening element (19) provided with a radial portion (21) having an upper surface (22) contacting a lower edge (23) of the inner ring (6), and an axial portion (24) extending axially from an inner edge region of the radial portion (21) toward the inner ring (6), wherein the axial portion (24) defining a bore is arranged within an inner bore (012) of the inner ring (6) and is deformable, and - a support element (20) provided with a radial portion (26) having an upper surface (27) contacting a lower surface (28) of the radial portion (21) of the fastening element (19) and configured to form a support for the prestressing means (17) on a lower surface (29), a first outer axial portion (30) extending axially from an outer edge region of the radial portion (26) in the opposite direction to the inner ring (6) and configured to center the prestressing means (17), and a second inner axial portion (31) extending axially from an inner edge region of the radial portion (26) toward the inner ring (6), wherein the second inner axial portion (31) of the support element (20) is deformable and frictionally engaged within the bore of the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19),wherein the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19) is clamped radially between the second inner axial portion (31) of the support element (20) and the inner bore (012) of the inner ring (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a preloaded clutch release bearing device used in an automotive vehicle to transmit an axial force between a non-rotating part and a rotating part. The invention also relates to an assembly method of such a preloaded clutch release bearing device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the automotive sector, it is known to use a clutch release bearing device actuated by an axially movable element, such as a piston, to engage a manually or automatically controlled transmission. To achieve this, the clutch release bearing device comprises a thrust bearing with rolling elements housed between a rotatable ring and a stationary ring urged by the axially movable element.

[0003] It may be provided to accommodate the clutch release bearing device in a fixed housing so that all the individual elements of the device are all or partially encapsulated in a fluid, for example oil.

[0004] The rotating ring and the stationary ring each have an axial section equipped with an annular section having a concave surface forming a running surface for the rolling elements.

[0005] An actuating element, such as a diaphragm with fingers, pressure plate or levers, is designed to be actuated axially by the rotatable ring, the actuating element then driving the rotating mechanical elements that enable the use of the gearbox.

[0006] As described in FR 2 641 049 A3, the axially movable element can be integrated into a hydraulic actuating device equipped with a fixed part secured to a housing and the axially movable element under hydraulic pressure, capable of moving the thrust bearing. Preloading means, such as a coil spring, are arranged axially between the fixed part and the stationary ring of the thrust bearing to preload the thrust bearing against the actuating element.

[0007] A protective sleeve is arranged between the fixed part of the hydraulic actuator and the stationary ring of the thrust bearing to radially surround the preloading means and form a sealed chamber.

[0008] It is known from EP 0 770 789 B1 to equip the stationary ring of the axial bearing with a connecting piece that forms a seat for the preloading means.

[0009] The connector has a radial portion and an axially cylindrical portion extending from an inner bore of the radial portion. The axially cylindrical portion is clamped to a mating portion of the stationary ring. The radial portion has an annular groove at its outer periphery to secure the protective sleeve and a lower radial surface to form a seat for the preloading means. The seating surface is radially bounded by an axial flange that forms centering means for the preloading means.

[0010] The connecting piece described in EP 0 770 789 B1 is designed to support a coil spring with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the axial portion of the stationary ring. The axial load is then supported by the axial portion of the stationary ring through the interposition of the connecting piece.

[0011] However, in the case of increased or reduced dimensions of the coil spring, the clutch release bearing device must be re-dimensioned accordingly.

[0012] Furthermore, such a connector is made of a molded plastic material that can be deformed in the event of shocks or vibrations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The aim of the invention is to propose an improved clutch release bearing device which can be easily adapted for different dimensions of the preloading means at reduced costs, with a longer service life and with an improved manufacturing process.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a clutch release bearing device for an automotive vehicle, the device comprising a thrust bearing forming an element capable of transmitting an axial force to act on an actuating element, with an outer ring and an inner ring between which rolling elements are housed. The clutch release bearing device also comprises a connecting piece arranged axially between the thrust bearing and preloading means.

[0015] According to the invention, the connector comprises a fastening element provided with a radial portion having an upper surface contacting a lower edge of the inner ring and an axial portion extending axially from an inner peripheral region of the radial portion toward the inner ring, the axial portion defining a bore, being disposed within an inner bore of the inner ring and being deformable.The connector further comprises a support element provided with a radial portion having an upper surface contacting a lower surface of the radial portion of the fastening element and configured to form a support for the preloading means on a lower surface, a first outer axial portion extending axially from an outer edge region of the radial portion in the opposite direction to the inner ring and configured to center the preloading means, and a second inner axial portion extending axially from an inner edge region of the radial portion toward the inner ring.The second inner axial portion of the support member is deformable and frictionally engaged within the bore of the axial portion of the fastener, the axial portion of the fastener being radially clamped between the second inner axial portion of the support member and the inner bore of the inner ring.

[0016] Thanks to the invention, the connecting piece between the thrust bearing and the preloading device is made of two separate elements. The thrust bearing and the fastening elements can be standardized, while only the support element is adapted to the dimensions of the preloading device.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention allows the two elements of the connecting piece to be firmly secured and, in the meantime, the connecting piece to be secured to the inner ring of the thrust bearing. The fastening element is fixed to the inner ring by means of the axial portion, which is plastically deformed within a slot of the bore of the inner ring. The axial portion of the fastening element is plastically deformed by the second inner axial portion of the support element. The second inner axial portion is force-fitted within the bore defined by the axial portion of the fastening element to deform the axial portion of the fastening element. The support element is then fixed to the fastening element: the two elements form a composite, the connecting piece. Furthermore, the fastening element is also fixed to the inner ring, and then the connecting piece is fixed to the inner ring.

[0018] The connecting piece is then able to transmit the axial load exerted by the preloading means on the inner ring of the thrust bearing.

[0019] According to further aspects of the inventions, which are advantageous but not mandatory, such a mechanical system may incorporate one or more of the following features: - The rolling elements of the axial bearing are balls. - The rolling elements of the axial bearing are held circumferentially and equally spaced by a cage. - The inner ring and outer ring of the thrust bearing are made of a stamped metal sheet. - The inner ring is stationary and the outer ring is rotatable. - The outer ring has an axial section equipped with an annular section having an inner concave surface forming a running surface for the rolling elements. - The outer ring has a radial portion defining a surface adapted to contact the actuating element, the radial portion extending radially inward from the axial portion provided with the annular portion. - The inner ring has an axial section equipped with an annular section having an outer concave surface forming a running surface for the rolling elements. - The inner ring has a radial portion designed to cooperate with an axially movable element, the radial portion extending radially inwardly from the axial portion provided with the annular portion. - The axial portion of the fastener is plastically deformed radially by the axial portion of the support member to be received by a slot provided within the inner bore of the inner ring. - The slot provided in the bore of the inner ring is defined between the annular portion and a protruding radial relief formed by embossing the lower edge of the inner ring. - The fastening element and the support element are metallic parts, in particular made of embossed metal sheets. - The axial portion extending from the radial portion of the fastener is annular. - The radial section of the fastener has a plurality of axial sections separated by notches. - The lower surface of the support element, which is designed to form a seat for the prestressing means, has means for securing the prestressing means obliquely to the connecting piece. - The means for obliquely securing the preloading means to the connecting piece comprise a projecting portion extending from the lower surface and / or the first outer axial portion towards the preloading means, the projecting portion being designed to annularly block the preloading means, for example a free end of a helical spring. - The second inner axial portion has a plurality of radial centering projections extending radially toward the axial portion of the fastening element, the radial centering projections allowing the radial centering of the support element with respect to the fastening element. - The first outer axial portion of the support element has a plurality of radial centering projections extending radially towards the preloading means, wherein the radial centering projections are designed for the radial centering of the preloading means with respect to the support element. - The support element has an outer groove designed to receive a protective sleeve. - The first outer axial portion of the support member extends radially outward to form a radial outer flange, wherein the annular groove is adapted to receive the protective sleeve and is defined between the radial outer flange, the first outer axial portion of the support member and the radial portion of the fastening member. - The free end of the axial portion of the fastener extends radially inward to form a radial inner flange, the radial inner flange contacting the first inner axial portion of the support member and being configured to receive a radial load from the first inner axial portion of the support member to the axial portion of the fastener. - The radial inner flange is arranged axially between the axial position of the relief and the annular portion of the inner ring, and advantageously at the same axial position of the slot. - A protective flange of the fastening element is arranged axially between the axial position of the relief and the annular position of the inner ring, and advantageously at the same axial position of the slot. - The second inner axial portion of the support element is frustoconical in its free state, is radially inclined towards the opposite direction of the thrust bearing.

[0020] Another object of the invention is a motor vehicle equipped with a clutch release bearing device as mentioned above for engaging - disengaging a transmission.

[0021] Another object of the invention is an assembly method of a clutch release bearing device as mentioned above and comprising the following steps: (a) As a preliminary step, the thrust bearing is assembled; (b) The fastener is attached to the thrust bearing with an upper surface of the radial portion brought into contact with the lower edge of the inner ring and the axial portion fitted within the bore of the inner ring; (c) The support member is attached to the fastener, wherein an upper surface of the radial portion is brought into contact with a lower surface of the radial portion of the fastener and the second inner axial portion is fitted within the bore of the axial portion of the fastener; (d) An external tool is inserted axially within a bore defined by the second inner axial portion of the support member, the external tool exerting a radial force on the second inner axial portion to deform the portion radially outward; (e) The second inner axial portion transmits the radial force to the axial portion of the fastener to deform the portion radially outwardly against the bore of the inner ring; (f) The external tool is removed; and (g) The additional elements of the clutch release bearing device are fastened, in particular the preloading means are fastened against the support element.

[0022] The fastener may be freely attached to the thrust bearing or may be secured therein with slight radial pressure.

[0023] The support element may be freely attached to the fastening element or fixed therein with a slight radial pressure.

[0024] Advantageously, the assembly method further comprises the step of inserting the external tool within the second inner axial portion to deform the axial portion of the fastener outwardly within a slot provided in the bore of the inner ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will now be explained in connection with the attached figures, which are illustrative examples without limiting the subject matter of the invention. In the attached figures: - Fig. 1 is an axial sectional view of a clutch release bearing device according to the invention; - Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the clutch release bearing device according to the invention; - Fig. Figure 3 is a half-sectional view of a clutch release bearing device according to the invention in its final mounting; - Fig. 4 is a view in axial half-section of a clutch release bearing device according to the invention during a first fastening step; and - Fig. Figure 5 is a half-sectional view of a clutch release bearing device according to the invention during a second fastening step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The Fig. 1 to 3 show a clutch release bearing device 1 in its final configuration, designed to be mounted on an automotive vehicle to transmit an axial force F exerted by an axially movable element (not shown) connected to a sleeve 2 on an actuating element, such as fingers 3 of a diaphragm. The axially movable element may be a piston under hydraulic pressure and controlled by a hydraulic actuating device. According to variants not shown, the actuating element may be a diaphragm with levers or a pressure plate, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0027] X1 denotes the central axis of the clutch release bearing device 1, wherein the axis of rotation of the actuating element 3 merges with X1 during normal operation of the device 1.

[0028] In order to simplify the specific identification of the device 1, an inner side corresponding to the central axis X1 is defined as Ci in the following, in addition to an outer side C2 opposite to the axis X1 across the device 1.

[0029] Furthermore, for these and the following figures, the adjectives "axial" and "radial" and the adverbials "axial" and "radial" are defined relative to the central axis X1. Thus, an axial section or portion is parallel to the central axis X1, while a radial section or portion is perpendicular to the axis and around the axis. For example, a radial section is provided with an inner surface oriented toward the inner side Ci of the device, thus toward the central axis X1, and an outer surface oriented away from the axis, toward the outer side Ce of the device 1.

[0030] The clutch release bearing device 1 comprises an axial ball bearing 3 which is equipped with an outer rotatable ring 5 and an inner stationary ring 6, between which rolling elements 7, in this case balls, are accommodated, which are held in position by a cage 8.

[0031] X4 denotes the central axis of the thrust bearing 4, i.e., the relative rotation axis of the rings 5 ​​and 6 with respect to each other. In the normal operating mode of the device 1, the axes X1 and X4 are merged.

[0032] The rotatable outer ring 5 has an axial tubular portion 9 provided with an annular portion 10. An inner surface of the annular portion, directed toward the inner side Ci, defines a concave surface serving as a raceway for the balls 7. The axial tubular portion 9 extends radially over a radial portion 11, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis X4 and directed toward the inner side Ci. The radial portion 11 defines a bore O11. The fingers 3 of the diaphragm are in contact with the radial portion 11 of the rotatable ring 5.

[0033] The stationary inner ring 6 has an axial tubular portion 12 provided with a toroidal portion 13. An outer surface of the annular portion, directed toward the outer side Ce, defines a concave surface serving as a raceway for the balls 8. The axial tubular portion 12 extends radially over a radial portion 14, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis X4 and directed toward the inner side Ci. The radial portion 14 defines a bore O14.

[0034] The sleeve 2, intended to be actuated by an axially movable element (not shown), is mounted on the bore 015 of the radial portion 14 of the stationary ring. The sleeve 2 has an annular groove 2a in which the inner edge of the radial portion 14 is located. An elastic washer 15 is arranged between the groove 2a and the radial portion 14. A limited radial clearance is allowed between the sleeve 2 and the stationary ring 6 to allow self-centering of the thrust bearing 4 with respect to the axially movable element.

[0035] A seal 16 is radially disposed between the axial portion 9 of the rotatable outer ring 5 and the axial portion 12 of the stationary ring 6. The seal 16 is secured to the rotatable outer ring 5 and in sliding contact with the stationary inner ring 6 to prevent the ingress of dust or water inside the thrust bearing 4.

[0036] The rings 5, 6 are made of embossed metal sheets.

[0037] The thrust bearing 4 is designed to be axially preloaded by a preloading means 17, in this case a coil spring. For this purpose, the free end of the coil spring 17 is in contact with a connecting piece 18 arranged axially between the stationary ring 6 and the coil spring 17. An axial load is exerted by the coil spring 17 on the thrust bearing 4 in the direction of the diaphragm 3 to ensure constant contact between the thrust bearing 4 and the diaphragm fingers 3.

[0038] According to the invention, the connecting piece 18 has a fastening element 19 and a support element 20.

[0039] Advantageously, the fastening element 19 and the support element 20 are made of embossed metal sheets.

[0040] The fastening element 19 is provided with a radial portion 21 having an upper surface 22 that contacts a lower edge 23 of the stationary inner ring 6. The fastening element 19 further has an axial portion 24 that extends axially from an inner edge region of the radial portion 21 toward the inner ring 6, the axial portion 24 defining a bore and being deformable.

[0041] The fastening element 19 further comprises a protective flange 25 extending axially from an outer edge region of the radial portion 21 toward the thrust bearing 4 to radially surround the axial portion 9 of the rotatable outer ring 5. The protective flange prevents any ingress of dust or water inside the thrust bearing 4, with this protection being optimized by the seal 16.

[0042] The support element 20 is provided with a radial portion 26 having an upper surface 27 that contacts a lower surface 28 of the radial portion 21 of the fastening element 19. The radial portion 26 has a lower surface 29 that forms a seat for an upper end of the coil spring 17.

[0043] The support member 20 further includes a first outer axial portion 30 extending axially from an outer peripheral portion of the radial portion 26 toward the opposite direction to the inner ring 4. The first outer axial portion 30 radially centers the coil spring 17 with respect to the support member 20. More specifically, the first outer axial portion 30 is provided with a plurality of radial centering projections 30a extending radially toward the inner side Ci. The radial centering projections 30a are circumferentially equally spaced and provided with a radial surface that contacts the upper end of the coil spring 17 supported by the lower radial surface 29 to radially center the coil spring 17 with respect to the support member 20.

[0044] Means 30b for obliquely securing the coil spring 17 to the support element 20 are provided on the lower surface 29 and the first outer axial portion 30. These means comprise a protruding portion 30b extending axially from the lower surface 29 and radially from the first outer axial portion 30 to the coil spring 17. The protruding portion 30b forms a stop configured to obliquely block a free end of the coil spring 17.

[0045] The first outer axial portion 30 has a radial outer flange 38 extending radially from an outer edge of the first outer axial portion 30 toward the outer side Ce. The radial outer flange 38 defines, with the axial portion 30 of the support member 19 and the radial portion 21 of the fastening member 19, an annular outer groove 37. An upper free end of a protective sleeve 36 is secured within the groove 37. The axial portion 30 of the support member 20 centers the protective sleeve 36 with respect to the support member 20. The sleeve 36 is elastically deformable and follows every radial and axial movement of the stationary ring 6, thus those of the thrust bearing 4. The protective sleeve 36 provides sealing protection for the lower side of the thrust bearing 4 and for the hydraulic actuation device to prevent any ingress of dust or water.

[0046] The support element 20 further comprises a second inner axial portion 31 extending axially from an inner edge region of the radial portion 26 toward the inner ring 4. The second inner axial portion 31 of the support element is deformable and frictionally fitted within the bore of the axial portion 24 of the fastening element 19. More specifically, the second inner axial portion 31 is provided with a plurality of radial centering projections 31a extending radially toward the outer side Ce. The radial centering projections 31a are circumferentially equally spaced and provided with a radial surface contacting the inner bore of the axial portion 24 of the fastening element 19 to radially center the fastening element 19 with respect to the support element 20.

[0047] The axial portion 24 of the fastening element has a radial flange 32 at its free inner edge. The radial flange 32 extends radially from the axial portion 24 toward the inner side Ci. The radial flange 32 is brought into contact with an inner surface of the second inner axial portion 31 of the support element 20. The radial flange 32 is arranged axially between the axial position of the relief 33 and the toroidal portion 13 of the inner ring 6 and advantageously at the same axial position of the slot 34.

[0048] Furthermore, the axial portion 24 comes into radial contact with a radial relief 33 provided in the inner bore 012 of the axial portion 12 of the stationary inner ring 6. The relief 33 is formed by embossing the lower edge 23 of the axial portion 12 of the inner ring 6. The relief 33 extends radially from the inner bore 012 toward the inner side Ci. The toroidal portion 13 and the radial relief 33 of the axial portion 12 define a slot 34 within the bore 012. As a first embodiment, the relief 33 is annular, and the slot 34 is an annular groove. As a second embodiment, the inner ring 6 has a plurality of reliefs 33 to define a plurality of slots 34.

[0049] As shown by the final assembled device 1 in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second inner axial portion 31 of the support element is frictionally fitted within the bore defined by the radial flange 32. The axial portion 24 of the fastening element 19 is bent around the relief 33. The axial portion 24 is radially plastically deformed to be partially received by the slot 34 provided within the bore 012 of the inner ring 6.

[0050] Thanks to the invention, the two elements 19, 20 of the connecting piece are firmly secured together and, in the meantime, the connecting piece 18 is also secured to the inner ring of the axial bearing 4.

[0051] Another advantage is that a coil spring 17 of diameter D17, which is smaller than the diameter D23 of the lower edge 23 of the stationary ring 6, can still be axially supported by the thrust bearing 4. The inner diameter of the radial centering projections 30b can be dimensioned according to the diameter D17 of the coil spring 17. Only the support element 20 of the connecting piece 18 needs to be adapted, while all other elements of the clutch release bearing device can be standardized. On the other hand, for a given diameter D17 of a coil spring 17, a larger thrust bearing 4 can be used. In this case, multiple balls 7 or larger balls 7 can be accommodated between the rings 5, 6 to provide a greater load capacity.

[0052] The Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 represent intermediate steps for the assembly of the clutch release bearing device 1, while the Fig. 3 shows the finally assembled device 1.

[0053] The assembly process comprises the following sequential steps.

[0054] As a preliminary step, the axial bearing 4 is assembled.

[0055] The fastening element 19 is freely attached to the stationary inner ring 6 of the axial bearing 4, as shown in Fig. 4. The upper surface 22 of the radial portion 21 is brought into contact with the lower edge 23 of the inner ring 6. The axial portion 24 is fitted within the bore O12 of the inner ring 6. The axial portion 24 is freely secured within the bore O12 or secured with a slight radial pressure against the bore O12, in particular at the relief 33.

[0056] The support element 20 is attached to the fastening element 19 as shown in Fig. 5. The upper surface 27 of the radial portion 26 is brought into contact with the lower surface 28 of the radial portion 21 of the fastening element 19. The second inner axial portion 31 is fitted within the bore of the axial portion 24 of the fastening element 19. The second inner axial portion 31 can be freely fastened within the radial portion 21 or with a slight radial pressure. Advantageously, the second inner axial portion 31 of the support element is frustoconical in its free state. The second inner axial portion 31 is inclined radially towards the inner side Ci. The assembly of the support element 20 within the fastening element 19 is simplified.

[0057] An external tool 35, which is Fig. 5 is shown in dashed lines, is inserted axially within a bore defined by the second inner axial portion 31 of the support element 20. The external tool 35 advantageously has the same diameter as the inner diameter of the radial portion 29 of the support element 20. The external tool 35 is inserted axially into the radial portion 29 and is force-fitted in the bore defined by the frusto-conical second inner axial portion 31. The external tool 35 can expand further radially against the second inner axial portion 31. A radial force F31 is then exerted by the external tool 35 on the frusto-conical second inner axial portion 31 during the axial insertion of the tool 35. The frusto-conical second inner axial portion 31 is deformed radially towards the axial portion 24 of the fastening element 19.

[0058] The second inner axial portion 31 comes into radial contact with the radial flange 32 extending from the axial portion 24 of the fastener. The second inner axial portion 31 transmits the radial force F31 to the radial flange 32, thus to the axial portion 24 of the fastener 19.

[0059] The axial portion 24, which projects radially against the relief 33 from the bore O12 of the inner ring 6, is plastically deformed and bent around the relief towards the outer side Ce.

[0060] The axial portion 24 of the fastening element 19 is deformed outwardly within the slot contained between the relief 33 and the toroidal portion 13 of the bore 12 of the inner ring 6. The clutch release bearing device 1 is then as shown in the Fig. 1 to 3 shown assembled.

[0061] The external tool 35 is removed.

[0062] The additional elements of the clutch release bearing device 1 are attached. In particular, the sleeve 2 is assembled with the radial portion 11 of the stationary inner ring 6. The coil spring 17 is secured against the support element 20, and more precisely against the lower surface 29, the protruding centering means 30a, and the means 30b for obliquely securing the coil spring 17 to the support element 20. The free upper end of the protective sleeve 36 is assembled within the groove 37 of the support element 20.

Claims

[1] Clutch release bearing device (1) for an automotive vehicle, the device comprising: - an axial bearing (4) forming an element capable of transmitting an axial force (F) to act on an actuating element (3), comprising an outer ring (5) and an inner ring (6) between which rolling elements (7) are housed, and - a connecting piece (18) arranged axially between the axial bearing (4) and preloading means (17), characterized by that the connecting piece (18) has: - a fastening element (19) provided with a radial portion (21) having an upper surface (22) contacting a lower edge (23) of the inner ring (6), and an axial portion (24) extending axially from an inner edge region of the radial portion (21) toward the inner ring (6), wherein the axial portion (24) defining a bore is arranged within an inner bore (012) of the inner ring (6) and is deformable, and - a support element (20) provided with a radial portion (26) having an upper surface (27) contacting a lower surface (28) of the radial portion (21) of the fastening element (19) and configured to form a support for the prestressing means (17) on a lower surface (29), a first outer axial portion (30) extending axially from an outer edge region of the radial portion (26) in the opposite direction to the inner ring (6) and configured to center the prestressing means (17), and a second inner axial portion (31) extending axially from an inner edge region of the radial portion (26) toward the inner ring (6), wherein the second inner axial portion (31) of the support element (20) is deformable and frictionally engaged within the bore of the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19),wherein the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19) is clamped radially between the second inner axial portion (31) of the support element (20) and the inner bore (012) of the inner ring (6). [2] Clutch release bearing device according to claim 1, wherein the second inner axial portion (31) of the support element (20) has a plurality of radial centering projections (31a) extending radially towards the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19), the radial centering projections (31a) allowing the radial centering of the support element (20) with respect to the fastening element (19). [3] Clutch release bearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outer axial portion (30) of the support element (20) has a plurality of radial centering projections (30a) extending radially towards the preloading means (17), the radial centering projections (30a) being designed for the radial centering of the preloading means (17) with respect to the support element (20). [4] A clutch release bearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outer axial portion (30) of the support member (20) extends radially outward to form a radial outer flange (38), an annular groove (37) adapted to receive a protective sleeve (36) being defined between the radial outer flange (38), the first outer axial portion (30) of the support member (20) and the radial portion (21) of the fastening member (19). [5] Clutch release bearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second inner axial portion (31) of the support member (20) is frusto-conical in its free state, inclined radially inwardly towards the opposite direction to the thrust bearing (4). [6] Clutch release bearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19) is radially plastically deformed by the axial portion (31) of the support element (20) to be received by a slot (34) provided within the inner bore (012) of the inner ring (6). [7] Clutch release bearing device according to claim 7, wherein the slot (34) provided in the bore (012) of the inner ring (6) is defined between the toroidal portion (13) and a projecting radial relief (33) formed by embossing the lower edge (23) of the inner ring (6). [8] Clutch release bearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a free end of the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19) extends radially inward to form a radial inner flange (32), the radial inner flange (32) contacting the first inner axial portion (31) of the support element (20) and being adapted to receive a radial load (F31) from the first inner axial portion (31) of the support element (20) to the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19). [9] Clutch release bearing device according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the radial inner flange (32) is arranged axially between the axial position of the relief (33) and the toroidal portion (13) of the inner ring (6). [10] Assembly method of a clutch release bearing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: (a) As a preliminary step, the thrust bearing (4) is assembled; (b) The fastening element (19) is fastened to the thrust bearing (4), wherein an upper surface (22) of the radial portion (21) is brought into contact with the lower edge (23) of the inner ring (6) and the axial portion (24) is fitted within the bore (012) of the inner ring (6); (c) The support element (20) is fastened to the fastening element (19), wherein an upper surface (27) of the radial portion (26) is brought into contact with a lower surface (28) of the radial portion (21) of the fastening element (19) and the second inner axial portion (31) is fitted within the bore of the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19); (d) An external tool (35) is inserted axially within a bore defined by the second inner axial portion (31) of the support member (20), the external tool (35) exerting a radial force (F31) on the second inner axial portion (31) to deform the portion (31) radially outward; (e) The second inner axial portion (31) transmits the radial force (F31) to the axial portion (24) of the fastening element (19) to deform the portion (24) radially outwardly against the bore (012) of the inner ring (6); (f) The external tool (35) is removed; and (g) The additional elements (2, 17, 36) of the clutch release bearing device are fastened.

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