Coil Springs With Center Line Spaced From Rotational Axis Patents (Class 192/55.61)
  • Patent number: 7650973
    Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission device includes a toroid portion, a turbine hub, and a lock-up device. The toroid portion includes a pump impeller and a turbine runner. The turbine hub is engaged with an input shaft of a transmission and holds the turbine runner. The lock-up device is installed so that it engages and disengages freely and it mechanically transmits to the turbine hub rotation that is transmitted from a drive power source. The toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction. Because the toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction, the size of the hydraulic power transmission device in the axial direction can be reduced, and the hydraulic power transmission device can be made more compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Takeshi Inuzuka, Mitsugu Yamashita, Atsuhiro Mase
  • Patent number: 7624852
    Abstract: A decoupler assembly (20) is provided for transferring rotational torque between a drive shaft (16) and a drive belt (18) of an automotive engine. The decoupler assembly includes a drive hub (40) configured to be fixedly secured to the drive shaft. A pulley (22) is rotatably coupled to the drive hub (40) and adapted to be drivingly engaged with the belt (18). A spring shell (70, 100) is operatively coupled between the drive hub and the pulley for selective rotation therewith and a biasing member (130) is operatively coupled between the spring shell and the drive hub for isolating oscillatory vibrations between the drive hub and the pulley caused by rotation of the drive shaft. A clutch element (140) is seated between the spring shell (70, 100) and the pulley (22) for selectively transferring rotational torque from the drive hub to the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Bert Mevissen, James W. Dell, John R. Antchak
  • Publication number: 20090242348
    Abstract: A starting device includes a housing; an output side member; a clutch mechanism; a working oil passage that supplies working oil to a hydraulic chamber of the clutch mechanism from an oil pressure source side; and a lubricating oil passage including a supply oil passage that supplies lubricating oil to the housing from the oil pressure source side and a return oil passage for returning the lubricating oil to the oil pressure source side from the housing, wherein the working oil passage and the lubricating oil passage are formed to overlap at least partially in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunori Ishikawa, Koji Maeda, Hiroshi Katou, Keizo Araki, Yuito Abe
  • Patent number: 7513176
    Abstract: A flywheel device for a prime mover, which enables stable transmission of torque from a prime mover to a driven shaft, and can be formed compact in size. A first flywheel is provided on the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. A second flywheel has a friction surface, and is connected to the input shaft of a transmission via a friction switch for urging the friction surface. A spring mechanism is connected between the two flywheels, for damping torsional vibrations of the crankshaft. The first and second flywheels has a groove that is formed in one of them, and extends circumferentially at a radial location corresponding to the friction surface, a flange that is formed in the other of them, and is fitted in the groove, and a brush bearing provided in the groove for rotatably supporting the flywheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Uduka, Yutaka Tsunoda, Yukio Morohoshi, Toshifumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7484607
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper in a gearbox housing has an input part connected to a drive and acts on a first damping unit and an intermediate part which acts as the output of the first damping unit and as the input of a second damping unit. The torsional vibration damper further has an output part which is in working connection with the second damping unit and which is designed to accept a takeoff. Takeoff-side drive elements of the intermediate part, the second damping unit, and the takeoff are mounted in a torque-transmitting space of a clutch device, which space is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. A sealing wall separates the torque-transmitting space from a damping space including the first damping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Schneider, Thomas Walter, Alexander Markow, Thomas Dögel, Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Rainer Brand, Hilmar Göbel, Reinhard Feldhaus, Jürgen Weth, Stefan Zopf
  • Patent number: 7485066
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for transferring power flow from a multidisplacement engine to a transmission. The device includes an enclosed housing having a first shell on the engine side, a second shell on the transmission side, with the housing at least partially filled with oil and connected to an external oil pump. The device also includes a planetary gear set comprising an outer ring gear, a set of intermediate planet gears contained within a planet carrier, and a sun gear attached to a stator, a first clutch pack connecting the housing and the ring gear when engaged, a piston means designed to engage the first clutch pack, and a second clutch pack which connects the ring gear with the sun gear when engaged. A preloaded diaphragm spring connects the second clutch pack with the ring gear. First and second damper spring assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: George Bailey, Michael Davis, Philip George, Jeffrey Hemphill, Patrick Lindemann, David Smith, Michael G. Swank
  • Patent number: 7431138
    Abstract: A start-up clutch including a disk clutch having an outer disk carrier and an inner disk carrier with a multi-disk clutch pack disposed therebetween. The multi-disk clutch pack is adapted to engage and provide torque translation between the inner and the outer carriers. A piston is adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure to cause the multi-disk clutch pack to engage. A first cavity is adapted to be selectively supplied with pressurized fluid to actuate the piston. A second cavity is adapted to be selectively supplied with pressurized fluid to provide cooling to the multi-disk clutch pack. A first fluid passage adapted to provide pressurized fluid to the first cavity, and a second fluid passage is adapted to provide pressurized fluid to the second fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Heinrich, Hans Juergen Hauck, Michael Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7413067
    Abstract: A first dog clutch member is coupled with a rotation transmitting member rotatably mounted on a power transmission shaft with a relative rotation clearance ?. A second dog clutch member is slidably mounted on the power transmission shaft to be engageable/disengageable with/from the first dog clutch member. A damper spring is interposed between the rotation transmitting member and the first dog clutch member. First dog teeth and second dog teeth, which are engaged/disengaged with/from each other by an axial displacement of the second dog clutch member, are formed in the first dog clutch member and the second dog clutch member, respectively. A chamfer is made in each end portion of the respective first dog teeth and each end portion of the respective second dog teeth, which are opposed to each other, so as to guide the second dog teeth to a position to engage with the first dog teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Kazuhiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7322455
    Abstract: A torque transmitting unit in the power train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between a drive unit having an output shaft and a transmission having at least one input shaft. At least one clutch unit is positioned between the drive unit and the transmission, and at least one vibration damping unit having an input part and an output part is provided and is connected between the drive unit output shaft and the clutch unit. The clutch unit includes a clutch cover that defines a clutch-containing volume and that is supported by a transmission housing section. The vibration damping unit is positioned with in the clutch-containing volume defined by the clutch cover. For optimization of structural space, both the input part and the output part of the vibration damping unit are supported in the radial direction by the clutch cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Christoph Vetter, Norbert Indlekofer, Bernhard Walter
  • Publication number: 20070267270
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement includes a first clutch device for establishing a working connection between an electric machine and an internal combustion engine and a second clutch device for establishing a working connection between at least one of the machines and a takeoff. Each of the two clutch devices has its own clutch components in the form of at least one piston and a predetermined number of clutch elements. By means of the piston in question, a pressure space is at least essentially sealed off from a cooling space, which holds the clutch elements. Each of the pressure spaces of the two clutch devices has its own supply line, whereas only one of the cooling spaces of the two clutch devices has its own supply line, the cooling space of the other clutch device being connected by a line leading to the cooling space of the first-mentioned clutch device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Sudau, Peter Fenn, Rudiger Lotze
  • Patent number: 7264100
    Abstract: A dual clutch assembly includes a torsional vibration damper and a dual clutch. The vibration damper has a primary side which can be coupled to a driving member for joint rotation about an axis, a secondary side which is rotatable about the axis, and a damper element arrangement between the primary side and the secondary side. The dual clutch includes an input area and two output areas, the input area supporting the secondary side of the torsional vibration damper in at least one of an axial and radial direction with respect to the primary side, each output area being coupleable with a respective driven member so as to be fixed against rotation with respect to the driven member. A bearing arrangement supports the input area in at least one of an axial and a radial direction with respect to a stationary subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Feldhaus, Markus Heiartz, Igor Kister, Thomas Dögel, Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 7264101
    Abstract: A start-up clutch and torsional-vibration damper assembly including a disk clutch having an outer disk carrier and an inner disk carrier, and a torsional vibration damper having a primary element, a secondary element, and a spring dampening mechanism. The spring dampening mechanism is disposed between and operatively couples the primary element and the secondary element. The torsional vibration damper connected in series to the disk clutch such that the torsional vibration damper and the disk clutch are juxtaposed to each other along a common axis with the primary element having substantially the same outside radius as the outer disk carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Hauck, Michael Schaefer, Johannes Heinrich, Dietmar Strauss
  • Patent number: 7264102
    Abstract: A driven disc is provided that includes a hub assembly having an axis of rotation and a hub having at least one of a first radially extending projection and a first recess. The driven disc also includes a disc assembly having a disc plate rotatable relative to the hub and a wave washer positioned over the hub and between the hub assembly and the disc assembly. The wave washer includes at least one of a second recess and a second radially extending projection adapted to receive or to be received in the first radially extending projection or the first recess, respectively, to position the wave washer during assembly of the driven disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20070199787
    Abstract: A coupling device operatively arranged between a drive unit and a rotary driven unit including a housing having first and second housing shells, a flange and a clutch assembly arranged to controllably engage a damper. The clutch assembly and damper are positioned within the housing, and the clutch assembly is arranged to directly frictionally engage the flange and first and second housing shells. The damper includes ends bearing against a portion of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Mark Graf, Fraser J. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7232402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically-variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a hydraulically actuable lock-out clutch to directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically-variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. When the engine is off and the torsional damper assembly is in use, an auxiliary pump is provided to pump oil to the torsional damper assembly. The lock-out clutch is hydraulically balanced by the oil supplied by the auxiliary pump. The pump is strategically mounted to the transmission housing in a manner to minimize the distance between the auxiliary pump and the transmission without affecting any vehicle ground clearance requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, William S. Reed, William A. Stewart, Christopher J. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7226384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically-variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a lock-out clutch to directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically-variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. The present invention also includes damper springs of variable rates to effectively attenuate distinctive or inconsistent torque fluctuations when the engine is operating in displacement-on-demand mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., DaimlerChrysler AG, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, Joel E. Mowatt, James A. Raszkowski, Richard L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7223202
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a hydraulically actuable lock-out clutch to selectively directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. During higher speeds the centrifugal loading placed on oil in the torsional damper increases, which may cause the lock-out clutch to inappropriately engage. The present invention hydraulically balances the hydraulic actuator (or piston) driving the lock-out clutch to appropriately regulate lock-out clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, Joel E. Mowatt, Kenneth D. Schoch
  • Patent number: 7000749
    Abstract: In a ratchet one-way clutch including an inner race, an outer race provided coaxially with the inner race, a pawl member for transmitting torque between the inner race and the outer race, and a damper mechanism for absorbing shock at the time of engagement of the pawl member, a sliding plate is interposed between two members which constitute the damper mechanism and are rotatable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K. K.
    Inventors: Takaya Yamada, Kazuhiko Muramatsu, Shinji Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6868949
    Abstract: A start-up clutch assembly (10) for translating torque between a prime mover and a transmission includes a drive member (16) and a clutch pack (30) is supported between the drive (16) and driven members (24). The clutch pack (30) is operable to move between a closed pack mode and an open pack mode to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members (16, 24) to selectively transfer and interrupt torque translation therebetween. A torque apply piston assembly (54) is operable to move between a disengaged position to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members and to provide a constant biasing force so that the clutch pack (30) normally operates in the closed pack mode to translate torque between the drive and driven members (16, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Braford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6866130
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a torque input member, a first torque transmitting member hydrodynamically transmitted with a torque from the torque input member and capable of outputting the torque to a torque output member, a clutch member engageable with the torque input member, a second torque transmitting member engageable with the clutch member, and an elastic member supported into engagement by the first torque transmitting member, capable of absorbing shock in the torque, and capable of transmitting the torque to the first torque transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kuniaki Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 6830139
    Abstract: A multi-clutch arrangement, especially a dual clutch for motor vehicles, comprising a first clutch area with a first pressure plate arrangement, with a first opposing support arrangement, and with a first clutch disk arrangement, which can be clamped between the first pressure plate arrangement and the first opposing support arrangement to transmit torque via the first clutch area; and a second clutch area with a second pressure plate arrangement, with a second opposing support arrangement, and with a second clutch disk arrangement, which can be clamped between the second pressure plate arrangement and the second opposing support arrangement to transmit torque via the second clutch area. A torsional vibration damper arrangement is assigned to at least one of the clutch areas, and where—relative to an axis of rotation (A)—the torsional vibration damper arrangement is arranged at least partially in the axial area of the first clutch area and/or of the second clutch area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Cora Carlson, Jürgen Weth, Igor Kister, Bernd Peinemann, Reinhard Feldhaus, Hartmut Bach
  • Patent number: 6796411
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device comprises an impeller wheel with a plurality of impeller wheel blades arranged successively in circumferential direction about an axis of rotation, a turbine wheel which is located axially opposite the impeller wheel and which has a plurality of turbine wheel blades arranged successively in circumferential direction, a stator wheel with a plurality of stator wheel blades which are arranged successively in circumferential direction in an area between the impeller wheel blades and the turbine wheel blades and are supported on a blade carrier. The stator wheel blades, the impeller wheel blades and the turbine wheel blades define a fluid circulation zone extending substantially annularly about the axis of rotation. A torsional vibration damper arrangement has a damper element arrangement which, at least in some areas, is arranged radially inside the fluid circulation zone and overlaps axially with the fluid circulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Christoph Sasse
  • Publication number: 20040154893
    Abstract: A start-up clutch assembly (10) for translating torque between a prime mover and a transmission includes a drive member (16) and a clutch pack (30) is supported between the drive (16) and driven members (24). The clutch pack (30) is operable to move between a closed pack mode and an open pack mode to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members (16, 24) to selectively transfer and interrupt torque translation therebetween. A torque apply piston assembly (54) is operable to move between a disengaged position to connect and disconnect the drive and driven members and to provide a constant biasing force so that the clutch pack (30) normally operates in the closed pack mode to translate torque between the drive and driven members (16, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Braford
  • Patent number: 6758315
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch has an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel with a turbine wheel shell, and a torsional vibration damper. The turbine wheel is drivable by the impeller wheel. The turbine wheel shell is mounted in an axial and radial sliding bearing so as to be rotatable with respect to a turbine wheel hub. The torsional vibration damper is arranged on the turbine wheel hub so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it. The turbine wheel hub is drivable by the turbine wheel via the turbine wheel shell and the torsional vibration damper. The turbine wheel shell acts on the torsional vibration damper via a connection element. The axial sliding bearing is spatially offset with respect to the radial sliding bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Ralf Ronnebeck
  • Publication number: 20040118655
    Abstract: A torque transmission arrangement includes a torsional-vibration damper arrangement having a primary side for fixing to a drive member and a secondary side rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) with respect to the primary side counter to the action of a damper element arrangement. A double clutch arrangement is coupled to the secondary side of the torsional-vibration damper arrangement and has a first clutch region for selective torque transmission coupling to a first output member and a second clutch region for selective torque transmission coupling to a second output member. A selectively activatable rotary-state influencing arrangement can limit the rotational movement of the secondary side with respect to the primary side and/or to a subassembly essentially nonrotatable about the axis of rotation (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Dogel, Igor Kister, Reinhard Feldhaus
  • Patent number: 6752232
    Abstract: The drive unit for a motor vehicle, has an input drive shaft connected to a starting element, which unit has an automatic transmission connected to the starting element and also possesses a first output drive shaft, which is connected to the rear wheel drive of a motor vehicle and has a second output drive shaft which is connected to the front wheel drive of the motor vehicle and further possesses a torsion damping mechanism. The second output shaft (1) is located in the motor side area of the drive unit and, seen in the direction of travel, is disposed in front of the starting element (3), transverse to the input drive shaft, while the torsion damping mechanism (2) is placed in front of the second output drive (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Markus Hoher
  • Patent number: 6732844
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ratchet one-way clutch comprising an inner race, outer race disposed for a relative rotation respect to the inner race and in concentric with the latter, recessed portions formed in one of an outer periphery of the inner race and an inner periphery of the outer race along a circumferential direction, pawl members formed on the other of the outer periphery of the inner race and the inner periphery of the outer race and adapted to be fitted into the recessed portions, springs for biasing the pawl members toward the recessed portions, and pockets for containing the pawl members and the springs, and wherein a discharge path is formed in the outer race, or a stator using such a ratchet one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 6688442
    Abstract: A power transmission device is proposed which makes it easy to start on a slope. A control type slip clutch and a mechanical type control type two-way clutch are mounted between an input shaft to which the rotation of an engine is transmitted and an output shaft mounted around the input shaft. The input shaft and the output shaft are engaged together by the slip clutch while producing slip, and thereafter the two-way clutch is engaged. This improves transmission efficiency. A one-way clutch is provided between the output shaft and a housing provided around the output shaft. In a stopped state on an upward slope, when depressing of the brake pedal is released and rotation in the reverse direction to the revolving direction of the engine is transmitted to the output shaft from the vehicle wheel side, the output shaft is locked by the operation of the one-way clutch, thereby preventing the vehicle from moving in the opposite direction to the moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromi Nojiri, Takahide Saito, Takashi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 6679364
    Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly comprising a ratchet one-way clutch portion includes inner and outer races which are disposed in coaxial with each other, a pawl capable of being fitted into a recess provided in the inner or outer race to transmit torque, and a biasing member for biasing the pawl to promote the fitting, and a bearing portion disposed between the inner race and the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Muramatsu, Nobuhiro Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6666313
    Abstract: A dual mass flywheel and clutch system for minimizing torsional vibration levels during engine start-up and during low speed engine operation where the rotational moment of inertia of a clutch input assembly is minimized to raise the torsional natural frequency of the dual mass clutch system above the engine firing frequency when the clutch is disengaged to reduce the level of torsional vibration during engine start-up. After engine start-up, the dual mass clutch system is engaged and the torsional natural frequency of the clutch system returns to a lower frequency due to the rotation of the clutch output assembly thereby effectively reducing the torsional vibration levels in the vehicle driveline in a normal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Michael L. Bassett, Kevin F. Schlosser, Mark L. Beakas
  • Publication number: 20030221926
    Abstract: Hydrokinetic coupling apparatus with an axis of rotation X-X, in particular for motor vehicles, in which the means of connection without clearance between the turbine wheel, the turbine hub and the input element of the damping device are axial rivets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Norbert Termenon, Daniel Bonnel
  • Publication number: 20030217902
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a torque input member, a first torque transmitting member hydrodynamically transmitted with a torque from the torque input member and capable of outputting the torque to a torque output member, a clutch member engageable with the torque input member, a second torque transmitting member engageable with the clutch member, and an elastic member supported into engagement by the first torque transmitting member, capable of absorbing shock in the torque, and capable of transmitting the torque to the first torque transmitting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kuniaki Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 6648117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch in which an input side element and an output side element are joined together by applying an axial load thereby to transmit a power, which clutch comprises an urging device for always providing the axial load, and a releasing device for releasing the input side element and the output side element from the axial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Masao Shoji, Yoshio Kinoshita, Shiro Takeuchi, Tadashi Watanabe, Tatsuro Miyoshi, Hirofumi Nakagomi, Hiroshi Yabe, Shigeharu Nishimura, Nobuhiro Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6634477
    Abstract: The torque transmitting connection between the output shaft of the prime mover and the input shaft or shafts of the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is established by a torsional vibration damper and a clutch assembly. The damper has an input member affixed to the output shaft and an output element separably coupled to a counterpressure plate of a single friction clutch or of one of two friction clutches of the clutch assembly by an axial plug-in connection. The output element(s) of the clutch(es) is or are connected to a single input shaft or to discrete input shafts of the transmission. The plug-in connection renders it possible to assemble the torsional vibration damper with the prime mover and to assemble the clutch assembly with the transmission prior to the establishment of a torque transmitting connection between the damper and the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Sebastien Beneton, Rolf Meinhard
  • Publication number: 20030183471
    Abstract: A dual mass flywheel and clutch system for minimizing torsional vibration levels during engine start-up and during low speed engine operation where the rotational moment of inertia of a clutch input assembly is minimized to raise the torsional natural frequency of the dual mass clutch system above the engine firing frequency when the clutch is disengaged to reduce the level of torsional vibration during engine start-up. After engine start-up, the dual mass clutch system is engaged and the torsional natural frequency of the clutch system returns to a lower frequency due to the rotation of the clutch output assembly thereby effectively reducing the torsional vibration levels in the vehicle driveline in a normal manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Vern Gochenour, Michael Lee Bassett, Kevin Francis Schlosser, Mark Leon Beakas
  • Publication number: 20030173176
    Abstract: A lockup device 7 is provided with a plurality of friction surfaces to absorb and damp torsional vibrations to increase capacity. The lockup device 7 functions both as a clutch and as an elastic coupling mechanism. The lockup device 7 has a clutch plate 71, a drive plate 72, a driven plate 73, a plurality of torsion springs 74, a piston 75, and a piston coupling mechanism 76. The clutch plate 71 has a friction coupling part 71c and a cylindrical part 71b for bearing the centrifugal load of the torsion springs 74. The internal surface of the cylindrical part 71b of the clutch plate 71 bears the radially outward facing part of each torsion spring 74 directly. More specifically, the outward facing parts of the torsion springs 74 are born by increasing only the thickness of the cylindrical part 71b of the clutch plate 71.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Naoki Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 6619455
    Abstract: A clutch disk includes a hub area and a plurality of friction lining elements arranged in sequence in the circumferential direction relative to a clutch disk rotational axis, each providing at least part of an associated friction surface area. The friction lining elements are intended to make frictional contact with the associated opposing friction surface of a flywheel, a pressure plate, or the like. At least one of the friction lining elements is supported on the hub area in such a way that it can move in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Matthias Diemer, Andreas Orlamünder, Andreas Dau
  • Patent number: 6615962
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Müller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20030146063
    Abstract: In a ratchet one-way clutch including an inner race, an outer race provided coaxially with the inner race, a pawl member for transmitting torque between the inner race and the outer race, and a damper mechanism for absorbing shock at the time of engagement of the pawl member, a sliding plate is interposed between two members which constitute the damper mechanism and are rotatable relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: NSK-WARNER K.K.
    Inventors: Takaya Yamada, Kazuhiko Muramatsu, Shinji Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20030075409
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch has an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel with a turbine wheel shell, and a torsional vibration damper. The turbine wheel is drivable by the impeller wheel. The turbine wheel shell is mounted in an axial and radial sliding bearing so as to be rotatable with respect to a turbine wheel hub. The torsional vibration damper is arranged on the turbine wheel hub so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it. The turbine wheel hub is drivable by the turbine wheel via the turbine wheel shell and the torsional vibration damper. The turbine wheel shell acts on the torsional vibration damper via a connection element. The axial sliding bearing is spatially offset with respect to the radial sliding bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Ralf Ronnebeck
  • Patent number: 6547053
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper is used for reducing or eliminating torsional vibrations in a vehicle driveline. A hub portion includes an elongated body with a first axial dimension. A disk portion is supported by the hub portion and has a second axial dimension that is smaller than the first axial dimension of the hub portion. The hub portion preferably is secured to rotate with an engine flywheel and the disk portion preferably is adapted to rotate with a transmission input shaft. The disk portion preferably supports a plurality of damping members, which can be positioned at different radial or axial locations depending on the needs of a particular situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLC
    Inventor: Shan Shih
  • Publication number: 20030047401
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ratchet one-way clutch comprising an inner race, outer race disposed for a relative rotation respect to the inner race and in concentric with the latter, recessed portions formed in one of an outer periphery of the inner race and an inner periphery of the outer race along a circumferential direction, pawl members formed on the other of the outer periphery of the inner race and the inner periphery of the outer race and adapted to be fitted into the recessed portions, springs for biasing the pawl members toward the recessed portions, and pockets for containing the pawl members and the springs, and wherein a discharge path is formed in the outer race, or a stator using such a ratchet one-way clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: NSK-WARNER K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20030024788
    Abstract: A twin clutch, in particular an actively closing, dry friction twin clutch is provided for a twin clutch transmission of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a crankshaft, and two transmission input shafts. The two transmission input shafts are connected to respective friction clutches and can be selectively connected to the crankshaft. At least one axial bearing is provided at the twin clutch such that axial forces, which are present when the clutch is actuated, can be transferred to the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ansgar Damm, Wolfgang Schreiber, Wolf-Rudiger Lutz, Volker Becker, Georg Kruse, Frank Schade
  • Publication number: 20020139630
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper is used for reducing or eliminating torsional vibrations in a vehicle driveline. A hub portion includes an elongated body with a first axial dimension. A disk portion is supported by the hub portion and has a second axial dimension that is smaller than the first axial dimension of the hub portion. The hub portion preferably is secured to rotate with an engine flywheel and the disk portion preferably is adapted to rotate with a transmission input shaft. The disk portion preferably supports a plurality of damping members, which can be positioned at different radial or axial locations depending on the needs of a particular situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Shan Shih
  • Patent number: 6450314
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations in the power train of a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the engine and the other of which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable relative to each other against the resistance of a damper. Certain features of the apparatus reside in the dimensioning and distribution of its parts in the radial and axial directions of the flywheels to reduce the dimensions of the apparatus. The torque transmitting connection between at least one pair of neighboring rotary parts of the apparatus employs a slip clutch which yields when the applied torque exceeds a certain value. An intermittently or continuously active hysteresis device is utilized to operate in parallel with the energy storing springs of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Daniel Niess
  • Publication number: 20020074200
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Muller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 6401897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transmitting torque, more particularly from an internal combustion engine to a transmission on the output side in a motor vehicle, and to a method for assembling and dismantling as well as maintaining this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Stefan Bornefeld
  • Patent number: 6397996
    Abstract: In a starting clutch comprising a wet type multi-plate clutch having a clutch case, a housing attached to an output shaft of an engine and adapted to cover the wet type multi-plate clutch, and a damper disposed between the wet type multi-plate clutch and the housing, the damper is constituted by a spring, a retainer plate for holding the spring, and a pawl portion elastically engaging with the spring, and the retainer plate is attached to the housing and the pawl portion is attached to the clutch case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yabe
  • Patent number: 6394248
    Abstract: An over-running clutch pulley in which an input hub and output hub are compliantly coupled to soften the transition between the unlocked and locked state of the over-running clutch pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Monahan, Robert Frayer, Jonathan M. Adler, Thomas W. Houtman, Randall K. King
  • Publication number: 20020060118
    Abstract: The torque transmitting connection between the output shaft of the prime mover and the input shaft or shafts of the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is established by a torsional vibration damper and a clutch assembly. The damper has an input member affixed to the output shaft and an output element separably coupled to a counterpressure plate of a single friction clutch or of one of two friction clutches of the clutch assembly by an axial plug-in connection. The output element(s) of the clutch(es) is or are connected to a single input shaft or to discrete input shafts of the transmission. The plug-in connection renders it possible to assemble the torsional vibration damper with the prime mover and to assemble the clutch assembly with the transmission prior to the establishment of a torque transmitting connection between the damper and the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Sebastien Beneton, Rolf Meinhard