Separate Seat Detail Patents (Class 192/205)
  • Patent number: 11841062
    Abstract: A damper device includes first and second rotors, and an elastic coupling part elastically coupling the two rotors. The elastic coupling part includes first and second elastic members initially disposed in a compressed state in a neutral condition without relative rotation between the two rotors. The first elastic member is transitioned from the compressed state to a free state and then further compressed when torsion of the first rotor with respect to the second rotor is caused from the neutral condition to a first side. The second elastic member is transitioned from the compressed state to the free state and then further compressed when the torsion of the first rotor with respect to the second rotor is caused from the neutral condition to a second side. Each of the first and second elastic members is transitioned from a one-side contact state to a both-side contact state when actuated in compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 11746832
    Abstract: A torsion damping device for a vehicle transmission including a first rotary element and a second rotary element which are able to move in rotation relative to one another about an axis against the action of a spring acting circumferentially between these, a seat being positioned on one end of the spring, this seat comprising a first axial guidance arrangement providing axial guidance between the first rotary element and the seat, and a second axial guidance arrangement providing axial guidance between the second rotary element and the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Pascal Dast, Gabriel Bouche
  • Patent number: 10895303
    Abstract: A damper device includes a first rotary member to which a power of an engine is inputted. The second rotary member is disposed to be rotatable relatively to the first rotary member. The plurality of elastic members elastically couple the first rotary member and the second rotary member in a rotational direction. The seat member is disposed between at least one of the first and second rotary members and one of the plurality of elastic members, and is movable in the rotational direction in accordance with compression and extension of the one of the plurality of elastic members. The auxiliary compression mechanism changes a posture of the seat member so as to compress the one of the plurality of elastic members by a predetermined amount in transmitting the power between the first rotary member and the second rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Koshi
  • Patent number: 10823232
    Abstract: In an aspect an isolation device is provided, comprising a hub that is connectable to a shaft; a pulley that is rotatable relative to the hub; at least one isolation spring positioned to transfer torque between the hub and the pulley, wherein each of the at least one isolation spring is an arcuate helical compression spring having an isolation spring axis that is arcuate; and a spring shell that is monolithic and that receives the at least one isolation spring and transfers torque between the at least one isolation spring and the pulley. The spring shell surrounds more than 180 degrees of the at least one isolation spring in a plane that is perpendicular to the isolation spring axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventor: James W. Dell
  • Patent number: 10520040
    Abstract: A disk assembly of a torque converter bypass clutch includes a disk defining a circular spring cavity and a plurality of arc springs circumferentially arranged in the cavity with gaps defined between adjacent ones of the arc springs. Each of the springs includes an end cap fitted on an end of the spring. Spring connectors are each disposed in one of the gaps and include an end received within a corresponding one of the end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeremy Vanni, Andrew Derhammer
  • Patent number: 10436257
    Abstract: A method of forming a damper assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The method includes providing a damper flange including a pocket at an inner circumferential surface thereof and cutting an outer circumferential surface of a damper hub using the inner circumferential surface of the damper flange. The cutting results in a displaced damper hub material of the outer circumferential surface of the damper hub being displaced into the pocket. A damper assembly also provided that includes a damper flange including a pocket at an inner circumferential surface thereof and a damper hub including an outer circumferential surface fixed to the inner circumferential surface of damper flange. The outer circumferential surface of the damper hub includes a displaced damper hub material extending radially into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Phong Lu
  • Patent number: 10422408
    Abstract: A dynamic vibration absorbing device inhibits fluctuations in rotational velocity of a rotary member. The dynamic vibration absorbing device includes a tubular member having an annular shape, the tubular member including a slit extending in a circumferential direction. The dynamic vibration absorbing device also includes at least one elastic member disposed inside the tubular member, the at least one elastic member disposed to be non-rotatable relatively to the tubular member. In addition, the dynamic vibration absorbing device includes a support member including an attachment part, a support part and a coupling part, the attachment part attachable to the rotary member, the support part disposed inside the tubular member, the support part disposed to be rotatable relatively to the tubular member, the coupling part coupling the attachment part and the support part through the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kojima, Kazushi Sone, Takumi Imada
  • Patent number: 10309485
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper (70) with a damping device which has an input (67) and an output (72) which is operatively connected to a driven side (73). The output is connected to a mass damper system (1) and also to a mass arrangement (100). One of the two subassemblies—i.e., mass damper system (1) and mass arrangement (100)—which are connected to the output (72) of the damping device (70) engages at the respective other subassembly comprising mass damper system or mass arrangement which is in turn connected to the output by a connection arrangement (77).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshaften AG
    Inventors: Martin Hertel, Michael Winterstein, Jörg Sudau
  • Patent number: 10151371
    Abstract: A torque transmission apparatus including a first rotor, a second rotor, an elastic body deployed in a torque transmission path between the first rotor and the second rotor to absorb torque fluctuation between the first and second rotors, and a seat member interposed between the elastic body and the first and second rotors. The seat member includes a holding portion the elastic body at one circumferential end face and a contact surface contactable with a lateral end surface provided in the first rotor and the second rotor at the other circumferential end face, and is formed so that an angle of the contact surface is greater than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiki Murata
  • Patent number: 10077827
    Abstract: A lockup apparatus for a torque converter, which has a drive plate, a driven plate and damper springs connecting the drive plate and the driven plate in a rotating direction, is provided. Each damper spring has a pair of divided parts. An equalizer plate as an intermediate member is arranged so as to slide rotatably on bearing parts of the drive plate, and supporting parts fixed to the equalizer plate are arranged between the divided parts of the damper springs. A bearing part of the drive plate has an outer peripheral surface having an arc shape with a center or a curvature which is offset from a center of an arc shape of an inner peripheral surface of the equalizer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: UNIPRES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Ogawara, Yoshinori Hyodo
  • Patent number: 9920792
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, including: an axis of rotation; a spring retainer plate including a plurality of openings passing through and wholly surrounded by material forming the spring retainer plate and a plurality of rivet tabs, each rivet tab including a respective portion aligned with a respective opening from the plurality of openings so that a line in an axial direction, parallel to the axis of rotation, passes through the respective portion and the respective opening; an intermediate plate; a plurality of rivets passing through the plurality of rivet tabs and connecting the intermediate plate to the spring retainer plate; and a plurality of springs engaged with the spring retainer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carlos Antonio Ocomatl Quiroz, Alfredo Jimenez Perez Mitre
  • Patent number: 9371886
    Abstract: A dual mass flywheel includes a first arcspring and a second arcspring being symmetrically mounted along an inner circumference of a primary cover connected to a crankshaft, a flange being inserted into the primary cover and including a first compressor and a second compressor formed therein, which contact the first arcspring and the second arcspring, respectively, a first stopper and a second stopper configured to support the first arcspring or the second arcspring and being formed on the inner circumference of the primary cover, and a first guide shell and a second guide shell disposed on the inner circumference of the primary cover, guide deformation of the first arcspring or the second arcspring in a radial direction, and including a friction inductor that contacts the first compressor or the second compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Je Yong Yoon
  • Patent number: 9133904
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper has a drive-side transmission element; a damping device having a plurality of energy accumulators; a driven-side transmission element configured to be rotationally deflected coaxial to the drive-side transmission element and which is connected to the drive-side transmission element via the damping device; and sliding elements arranged in one of the drive-side transmission element and driven-side transmission element so as to be movable in a circumferential direction. The sliding elements have: (i) circumferential projections for the energy accumulators, these circumferential projections being directed toward adjacent sliding elements, and/or (ii) penetration spaces for circumferential projections provided at the adjacent sliding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Kranz, Dietmar Heidingsfeld, Dietmar Ritterbecks, Stefan Peters
  • Patent number: 8839925
    Abstract: In a fluid transmitting device with a lock-up clutch, each second transmitting claw is formed of: a base portion having a long side arranged in a peripheral direction of a turbine impeller and a short side arranged axially of the turbine impeller; and a claw portion protruding from an intermediate portion of one of long-side portions of the base portion and being inserted between adjacent damper springs, and each short-side portion of the base portion is fixed to the turbine impeller through a weld. A long-side portion of the base portion not welded to the turbine impeller includes a cutout, facilitating bend of the long-side portion when transmitting torque through the second transmitting claw, at opposite sides of the claw portion. This improves engine output performance by relaxing stress concentration at spots where the second claws are welded to a turbine impeller without increasing the thicknesses of the claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Uchi, Yoshinori Sugimoto, Kengo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8469827
    Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber includes a seating member having a pivoting portion at an inner portion in a radial direction and a supporting portion, which rotationally supports the pivoting portion, at an end surface in a circumferential direction of a first and a second opening portion. When no relative rotational torsion existing between a first and a second rotational member, the pivoting portion is in contact with the supporting portion and a clearance is defined between a portion on each seating member positioned outwardly in a radial direction relative to the pivoting portion and a portion of the first and the second opening portion positioned outwardly in a radial direction relative to the supporting portion. At a first torsion angle, the portion on each seating member contacts the portion of first or second opening portion in a state where the pivoting portion is in contact with the supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakagaito, Tomohiro Saeki, Kazumi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8303424
    Abstract: A shoe mounts an outer spring defining a longitudinal direction and an inner spring arranged within the outer spring. The outer and inner springs define corresponding end sides of the outer and inner springs, and the shoe defines an end side of the shoe. A spring-position limitation limits the outer spring in its longitudinal direction and enables the inner spring to emerge at the end side of the shoe out of the outer spring. A driver primary element exerts a pressure on the inner spring as the driver approaches the outer and inner springs in a direction of the corresponding end sides of the outer and inner springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Jochen Boelling
  • Patent number: 7934588
    Abstract: A torque damper can comprise a clutch piston arranged within a cover of a torque converter and can be adapted to be moved between a connected position and a non-connected position relative to the cover. Damper springs can be arranged along the circumference of the clutch piston. Connecting members can be arranged abutting against one end of the damper spring and adapted to connect a turbine arranged within the cover and the clutch piston via the damper spring. Damper holders can be arranged abutting against the other end of the damper spring and adapted to hold the damper spring against the compressive force applied to the damper spring from the connecting member. Guide sheets having wear resistance can be interposed between the circumference of the clutch piston and the damper spring and can be adapted to guide the damper spring. A torque input to the cover can be transmitted to the turbine via the clutch piston and the damper springs when the clutch piston is in the connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Akira Tsuboi, Yoshihiko Ozawa, Yasutaka Amano, Hiromi Fujiwara, Ryo Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7770705
    Abstract: A drive lug for a piston plate in a torque converter, including a base operatively arranged for attachment to the piston plate and a protruding portion integral to the base and extending axially from the base. The protruding portion is operatively arranged to engage with a damping element in the torque converter. In some aspects, the plate is arranged for attachment with a plurality of drive lugs, while in other aspects, the drive lug is arranged for attachment to the plate with at least one rivet. In some aspects, the lug is made of a hardenable material or by forging. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an outer circumference and the drive lug is arranged to be secured proximate the outer circumference. In some aspects, the damping element further includes a spring and the drive lug is arranged to engage with the spring. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an axial width, the drive lug further includes a radial width, and the radial width is greater than the axial width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Craig Kneidel
  • Patent number: 7585226
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping disk having receiving spaces for spring elements, particularly for bow spring elements, which are each arranged between two limit stop areas in the peripheral direction. In order to create a torsional vibration damping disk, which is producible easily and cost-effectively, the spring elements are each clamped with a slight pretension between two limit stop areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Adam Uhler, Todd Sturgin
  • Publication number: 20080257680
    Abstract: A wire winder with single pulling end comprises a lower cover having a shaft at a center portion thereof; the shaft having at least one slot; a smaller protrusion and a larger protrusion being arranged at two outer sides of the slot; each of the smaller protrusion and larger protrusion having a cambered shape; the larger protrusion being larger than the smaller protrusion; and a transmission line installed on the lower cover; one end of the transmission line being fixed to an interior of the shaft; then the transmission line being guided out through the slot of the shaft so that the transmission line resists against one of the larger protrusion and the small protrusion; then the transmission line winding around the shaft of the lower cover for several circles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Sung-Chiang Wu
  • Patent number: 7108112
    Abstract: A damper mechanism for a lockup device 7 is a device for mechanically transmitting a torque in a torque converter 1. A coil spring 58 is arranged in first and second windows 61 and 62 overlapping with each other, and is compressed in accordance with the relative rotation of drive and driven members 52 and 53. A maximum torsion angle ? m is defined when the coil springs 58 are compressed to a maximum extent by relative rotation between the drive and driven members 52 and 53. Each of the first and second windows 61 and 62 has an outer periphery longer than an inner periphery. Each ends 61a and 62a on the circumferential ends of the first and second windows 61 and 62 form an angle ? with respect to a center line extending through a center O of the damper mechanism and a circumferential center C1 or C2 of the first or second window 61 or 62, and this angle ? is in a range between 0.05 and 0.60 times as large as the maximum torsion angle ? m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Mizukami
  • Patent number: 6962533
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, especially a dual-mass flywheel, has a primary side and a secondary side, which is free to rotate around an axis of rotation relative to the primary side. Starting from a rotation in a direction of rotation around a forward base angle (?), a forward base spring arrangement exerts a forward base restoring force on the secondary side. Starting from rotation around a forward auxiliary angle (?), which is greater than the forward base angle (?), a forward auxiliary spring arrangement exerts an additional forward auxiliary restoring force. Upon rotation around a forward limit angle (?), both spring arrangements come to a stop together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Michael Zottmann, Jürgen Kleifges, Bernhard Schierling, Alexander Manger
  • Patent number: 6712705
    Abstract: A damper mechanism that has a simplified structure and maintains torsional characteristics of a conventional damper mechanism is provided. The damper mechanism is equipped with an input rotating body 2, an output rotating body 3, and two or more coil spring assemblies 9. The two or more coil spring assemblies 9 elastically couple the input rotating body 2 and the output rotating body 3 together in a rotational direction and serve to absorb twisting torque. Each coil spring assembly 9 has at least one coil spring 41 whose center axis is roughly linear. At least one of coil spring assemblies 9 absorbs 35% to 50% of the twisting torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Uehara, Yasuhiko Fujita
  • Patent number: 6708810
    Abstract: A clutch disk assembly 1 is provided with a hub flange 7, a pair coil springs 8, a pair of coil springs 9, an intermediate rotary member 10, and a pair of plates 12 and 13. The hub flange 7 has a boss 7a and an integrally formed flange 7b. The flange 7b has a pair of first window holes 7c and a pair of second window holes 7b. The two coil springs 8 are arranged respectively in the pair of first window holes 7a. The more rigid two coil springs 9 are arranged respectively in the pair of second window holes 7b and window parts 25 of the plates 12 and 13. The intermediate rotary member 10 couples the coil springs 8 and the coil springs 9 together in the rotational direction. The two plates 12 and 13 are arranged on both axially facing sides of the flange 7b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6682431
    Abstract: A damper mechanism is provided to achieve intended torsion characteristics in a damper mechanism using coil springs of an irregular pitch type. Coil spring assemblies 4 are employed for elastically coupling plates and a hub flange in a rotating direction. The coil spring assembly 4 includes a coil spring 28 of an irregular pitch type and a pair of spring seats 29 and 30. The spring seats 29 and 30 are engaged with the ends of the coil spring 28 while being prevented from relatively rotating around an axis of the coil spring 28, respectively. The spring seats 29 and 30 are engaged with the plates and the hub flange while being prevented from relatively rotating around the axis of the coil spring 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6676525
    Abstract: A damper mechanism having preferable torsion characteristics that exhibit different characteristics on positive and negative sides by way of a simplified structure is provided. In the damper mechanism, a hub 6 is rotatable with respect to plates 12 and 13. Coil springs 33 are compressed on positive and negative sides of torsion characteristics. Elastic members 36 are arranged to operate in a rotating direction in parallel with the coil springs 33. The elastic members 36 are compressed on the positive side of the torsion characteristics, but are not compressed on the negative side of the torsion characteristics until a torsion angle exceeds a predetermined value. The elastic members 36 generate a frictional resistance when being compressed in the rotating direction, but no other friction generating mechanism is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6645079
    Abstract: A damper mechanism 4 is provided to prevent wear and damage to coil springs 21 and spring housing parts thereof. A clutch disk assembly 1 chiefly has an input rotary member 2, an output rotary member 3, and the damper mechanism 4. The damper mechanism 4 elastically couples the input rotary member 2 and the output rotary member 3 together in a rotational direction and includes the coil springs 21 and pairs of spring seats 51 that support end faces of the coils springs 21. Each spring seat 51 has a pair of engaging parts 57 having a pyramidal shape that extends in a direction opposite the coil spring 21, engages with seat bearing parts 86 and 96 formed in the input rotary member 2 such that it cannot rotate, and engages with the circumferentially facing end part of spring housing hole 71.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinari Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 6575838
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations, particularly in the power train of a motor vehicle, has first and second torque transmitting devices rotatable with and relative to each other about a common axis against the opposition of a damper having springs confined in an annular chamber of one of the two devices. The extent to which the two devices can turn relative to each other is determined, at least in part, by plastic inserts which are installed in the one device radially inwardly of the chamber and have anvils which abut each other upon completion of a preselected angular displacement of the two devices relative to each other from a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Hartmut Mende
  • Patent number: 6482093
    Abstract: A damper disk assembly is provided for use in a clutch device that suppresses wearing and breakage of a spring seat during operation of a clutch. The damper disk assembly has a pair of plates 5 and 6 elastically coupled to the hub flange 8 by a damper mechanism 4. The damper mechanism 4 includes a plurality of coil spring assemblies 13 having a large coil spring 30, a small coil spring 31 and a pair of spring seats 64. The paired spring seats 64 are arranged on the circumferentially opposite ends of the small coil spring 31. The hub flange 8 is a plate member provided with spring accommodating openings 21. The clutch and retaining plates 5 and 6 are fixed together such that they are axially spaced by a predetermined distance with the flange 8 disposed therebetween. The clutch and retaining plates 5 and 6 are provided with spring accommodating portions 11 in positions corresponding to the openings 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Uehara, Yasuyuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6461243
    Abstract: Coil spring assemblies 9 are provided for a damper mechanism of a clutch disk assembly 1 that has an increased life span. The clutch disk assembly 1 includes an input rotary member 2, an output rotary member 3 and an elastic coupling portion 4. The elastic coupling portion 4 includes a plurality of the coil spring assemblies 9. The input rotary member 2 basically includes a clutch disk 11, a clutch plate 12 and a retaining plate 13. The output rotary member 3 basically includes a hub flange 6, a hub 7 and a low-rigidity damper 8. The coil spring assemblies 9 are configured to elastically couple plates 12 and 13 to the hub flange 6 in the rotating direction. Each coil spring assembly 9 includes a coil spring 41 and a pair of spring seats 42 and 43. The spring seats 42 and 43 are engaged with the wire end surfaces of the coil spring 41, respectively, such that the coil spring 41 cannot rotate around its central axis P—P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6378676
    Abstract: The invention concerns a plate clutch device (5) for locking or unlocking an elastic coupling between said turbine wheel (1) and a radial wall (2a) of said case, via a set of helical shock absorber springs (22) with circumferential action held in place in the arc-shaped housings (24) integral with the turbine wheel (1) and opening in axial direction towards the radial wall (2a). The housings (24) are directly arranged in the thickened peripheral part (25) of the turbine wheel (1) made of mouldable material which for example can be overmoulded on a central metal disc (23) for connection with the driven shaft, the opposite radial ends (26) of the housings (24) acting as supports for the corresponding ends of the springs (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Gustave Chasseguet, Frédéric Sauvage
  • Patent number: 6364775
    Abstract: A simplified torsion vibration damper having a primary plate and a secondary plate wherein the primary plate is manufactured from a primary plate which transfers a torque onto the secondary plate and the additional rim. The torque is transferred through springs to this secondary plate and additional rim which is connected via angled areas to the primary plate. A starter gear rim can be provided on the additional rim. In addition, a generating element plate with drill holes can be fitted at the primary plate and the additional mass which serves as a location-dependant motor control unit. The manufacturing process can be simplified even further through the proper arrangement of the secondary plate and the bearing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Rohs-Voigt Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mgH
    Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Hans Rohs, Dietmar Heidingsfeld
  • Patent number: 6332843
    Abstract: A damper disk assembly is provided for use in a clutch device. The damper disk assembly has a pair of plates 5 and 6 (rotary member) elastically coupled to the hub flange 8 (rotary member) by a damper mechanism 4. The damper mechanism 4 is designed to reduce disadvantages due to nonparallel compression of an elastic member in the damper disk assembly. The damper mechanism 4 includes a plurality of coil spring assemblies 13. The coil spring assemblies 13 have a large coil spring 30, a small coil spring 31 and a pair of spring seats 34. The paired spring seats 34 are arranged on the circumferentially opposite ends of the small coil spring 31. The spring seats 34 support the circumferentially opposite ends of the small coil spring 31, and are engaged with the inner side of the small coil spring 31. The spring seats 34 are supported for rotation with respect to two kinds of rotary members around a shaft parallel to a rotation axis of the rotary members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6290042
    Abstract: A lockup clutch for a torque converter has an axially displaceable piston for transmitting a torque from the drive side to the driven side of the torque converter. The piston is connected with a turbine wheel via a torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper has an input part connected with the piston so that the input part is fixed with respect to rotation relative to the piston and an output part connected with the turbine wheel so that the output part is fixed with respect to rotation relative to the turbine wheel. The torsional vibration damper also has a plurality of torsional damper springs arranged between the input part and the output part and distributed along a circumference of the torque converter so that the input part is rotatable relative to the output part along a determined angular area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Horst Breier
  • Patent number: 6286390
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, in particular for clutches, includes a primary structural unit and a secondary structural unit which are rotatable relative to one another and connected to each other by a spring arrangement (7) including at least one thrust piston (71). At least the secondary structural unit (2) interacts with the thrust piston (71) of the spring arrangement via a contact surface with a radially directed surface component, wherein the contact surface (4) is formed on a separate third structural unit (3) situated between the secondary structural unit (2) and the spring arrangement (7), thereby ensuring a structurally simple heat insulation for a torsional vibration damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Rohs-Voigt Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Hans Rohs, Dietmar Heidingsfeld
  • Patent number: 6273227
    Abstract: A lockup device 6 of a torque converter 1 includes a damper mechanism 31. The damper mechanism 31 includes a drive plate 36, a driven plate 35, coil springs 37 and a ring 38. The coil springs 37 transmit a torque between the drive plates 36 and driven plate 35. The coil springs 37 are aligned in the rotational direction of the torque converter 1, and extend in the rotating direction. The ring 38 allows movement of the coil springs 37 in rotational directions, while preventing movements in other directions. The ring 38 is supported by one of the drive and driven plates 36 and 35, and extends through the coil springs 37. The ring 38 allows an increase in coil diameters of the coil springs 37 that are used in the lockup device 6 of the torque converter 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Mamoru Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 6257383
    Abstract: A lockup damper included in a lockup mechanism 8 of a torque converter 1 includes a piston member 9, a driven member 10, coil springs 13 and seat members 40. The coil spring 13 is arranged between the piston member 9 and the driven member 10. The seat member 40 is attached to the driven member 10, has a loose-fit portion 40c loosely fitted to the end of the coil spring 13, and restricts the radially outward movement of the end of the coil spring 13 by the loose-fit portion 40c fitted into the coil spring 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Ohkubo, Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6251018
    Abstract: A clutch disk assembly (1) is provided between an input shaft and an output shaft to selectively transmit rotation therebetween. The clutch disk assembly (1) is provided with a dampening mechanism (4) to provide smooth transition during engagement and disengagement of the clutch disk assembly. The dampening mechanism (4) has a more durable second retaining plate (32) with a rectangular window portion for transmitting torque. This second retaining plate (32) has a second receptacle (36) to support a first spring (16). The second retaining plate (32) includes a disk-like plate main body. The second receptacle (36) is formed from that plate main body. The second receptacle (36) projects in an axial direction from the plate main body. The second receptacle (36) includes an axially supporting part (36a) and a circular supporting part (36b). The axially supporting part (36a) supports an axially outside part of the first spring (16) and continues in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Hashimoto, Takeshi Noguchi, Naohiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6247571
    Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism is provided in which a driving member rotatingly transmitting power and a driven member receiving the transmitted power are arranged concentrically for rotation relative to each other. A torsion member is accommodated between the driving member and the driven member. A first hysteresis mechanism including at least one friction member is provided on the inner peripheral side of a spacing accommodating the torsion mechanism. The friction member of the first hysteresis mechanism may be split into a plurality of portions each passing through, with clearance, a respective hole or cut-out in the driven member. A second hysteresis mechanism including at least one friction member is arranged outside the space accommodating the torsion mechanism. The second hysteresis mechanism generates hysteresis separate from that generated by the first hysteresis mechanism. The torsion member may be plural torsion springs with differing spring constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mototaka Nakane, Masaru Ebata, Masakazu Kamiya, Kiyonori Kobayashi, Shuji Sadakari
  • Patent number: 6210280
    Abstract: A pair of spring seats (32) are used at opposite ends of a small coil spring (6) disposed between a power input rotary member and a power output rotary member. Each spring seat (32) includes a receiving side surface for receiving the spring and a contacting surface (36). Each contacting surface (36) is formed with four slanting surfaces that slant inward toward a central portion of the contacting surface. The intersections of the four slanting surfaces of each spring seat define two intersecting V-shaped grooves (37, 38). The power input rotary member and the power output rotary member contact respective portions of one of the V-shaped grooves (37, 38) of each spring seat. Engagement between the rotary members and the engaged V-shaped grooves restricts movement of the spring seats (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Tamio Nagano, Saburo Nakanishi, Yoshitaka Kitamura, Hideyuki Imanaka, Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6171193
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes two structural units rotatable relative to one another and linked to each other by a spring arrangement which includes at least one thrust piston. At certain angles of rotation between both structural units, the flow of force between the thrust piston of the spring arrangement and at least the secondary structural unit is realized via an outer surface area that engages the thrust piston, wherein the outer surface area is formed on a separate third structural unit which is resiliently mounted relative to the secondary structural unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rohs-Voigt Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Hans Rohs, Dietmar Heidingsfeld
  • Patent number: 6119839
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper has primary and secondary masses rotatable with and relative to each other about a common axis, and a torsionally elastic damper which opposes rotation of the masses relative to each other and operates in series with a torque limiting device. The latter comprises a pair of ring-shaped lateral members flanking a ring-shaped intermediate member which can stress the energy storing elements of the torsionally elastic damper. One of the lateral members is a prestressed diaphragm spring which is riveted to the other lateral member. The maximum torque which can be transmitted by the torque limiting device is greater than the maximum torque which can be transmitted by a friction clutch between the secondary mass and the transmission of a motor vehicle. The primary mass can receive torque from the engine of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jackel, Hartmut Mende
  • Patent number: 6079531
    Abstract: A lockup damper included in a lockup mechanism 8 of a torque converter 1 includes a piston member 9, a driven member 10, coil springs 13 and seat members 40. The coil spring 13 is arranged between the piston member 9 and the driven member 10. The seat member 40 is attached to the driven member 10, has a loose-fit portion 40c loosely fitted to the end of the coil spring 13, and restricts the radially outward movement of the end of the coil spring 13 by the loose-fit portion 40c fitted into the coil spring 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Ohkubo, Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6056102
    Abstract: A lockup damper included in a lockup mechanism 8 of a torque converter 1 includes a piston member 9, a driven member 10, coil springs 13 and seat members 40. The coil spring 13 is arranged between the piston member 9 and the driven member 10. The seat member 40 is attached to the driven member 10, has a loose`-fit portion 40c loosely fitted to the end of the coil spring 13, and restricts the radially outward movement of the end of the coil spring 13 by the loose-fit portion 40c fitted into the coil spring 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Ohkubo, Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6041905
    Abstract: A lock-up damper or clutch 7 of a torque converter 1 is provided with a plurality of coil spring assembly 32 for elastically coupling the piston 22 of the torque converter 1 to a turbine 4 of the torque converter 1. The coil spring assembly 32 basically includes a large coil spring 40 and two spring seats 42. The coil spring assembly 32 is designed to prevent a reduction of the performance of the coil spring 40 and to absorb a torsion vibration in the lock-up damper 7 for the torque converter 1. Each of the spring seats 42 is disposed one of the sides of the large coil spring 40. Each of the spring seats 42 has a seat part 43, a first protrusion 44 and a second protrusion 45. The seat part 43 contacts the end of the large coil spring 40. The first protrusion 44 extending from the seat part 43 and is pressed-fitted into an end turn of the large coil spring 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Fujimoto, Masahiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 6035993
    Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes an inner hub, an outer hub, an annular predamper driving element, an plurality of predamper springs, a plurality of spring caps, an annular spring plate, an annular disc assembly and a plurality of drive springs. The annular predamper driving element is rotatably fixed to the outer hub and has a planar base portion. The annular predamping driving element also has a plurality of axially extending spring retention arms and a plurality of spring engagement driving portions. The spring engagement driving portions are disposed radially inwardly of the spring retention arms. The spring retention arms define a plurality of first spring gaps in radial alignment with the spring retention arms. The annular predamper driven element is rotatably fixed to the inner hub and has an annular shoulder. The annular predamper driven element also has a plurality of axially extending spring engagement driven portions defining a plurality of second spring gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel V. Gochenour
  • Patent number: 5996761
    Abstract: A frictional resistance between a spring seat and a retaining plate is suppressed to provide stable damper characteristics. A lockup damper mechanism 2 of a torque converter 1 is operable to transmit a torque from a front cover 3 to a turbine 5 and, at the same time, damp a vibration, and includes a piston 17, a driven plate 20, torsion springs 21, a retaining plate 19, spring seats 32 and balls 30. The torsion springs 21 elastically couples, in a rotating direction, the piston 17 and the driven plate 20 together. The retaining plate 19 restricts radially outward movement of the torsion springs 21. The spring seats 32 supports ends of the torsion springs 21. The balls 30 are contactable with the retaining plate 21, and are disposed between the retaining plate 21 and the spring seat 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Teramae
  • Patent number: 5984065
    Abstract: A lockup damper has a drive plate 3 and a driven plate 5 and a first coil spring 7 disposed between the plates 3 and 5, a second coil spring 8 disposed between the two plates 3 and 5 and the first coil spring 7, and an intermediate plate 4 having a support portion 21 and first and second intermediate limit portions 22a and 22b. The intermediate support portion 21 is disposed between the two coil springs 7 and 8 for supporting the springs in the circumferential direction. The first and second intermediate limit portions 22a and 22b extend in interiors of the first and second coil springs 7 and 8 from the intermediate support portion 21 for limiting the radially outward movement of the first and second coil springs 7 and 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Teramae, Shinji Fujimoto, Koji Kajitani, Hiroshi Mizukami
  • Patent number: 5899311
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a spring of a clutch has a guide plate which is disposed in an annular recessed portion on a rear side of a clutch plate. A coil spring circumferentially extends in contact with the guide plate. A retainer has a pair of end surface holding portions to contact both ends of the coil spring and a peripheral holding portion to contact a periphery of the coil spring. The guide plate and the retainer are mounted on the clutch plate. A connecting piece is continuously provided on each circumferential end of the guide plate such that the connecting pieces are fit onto the end surface holding portions of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Yutaka Giken, NSK-Warner Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shusuke Yamamoto, Michikiyo Hiasa, Hiroshi Yabe
  • Patent number: 5868228
    Abstract: A lockup clutch (8) includes a lockup clutch unit and an elastic coupling unit. The clutch unit is operable to transmit and interrupt a torque between a front cover of a torque convertor and a turbine therein. The elastic coupling unit includes a plurality of arc-shaped springs (13) extending circumferentially, and a coupling member (30) radially coupling the arc-shaped springs together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Fukushima