Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes a clutch drum and a band. The clutch drum includes spline large-diameter portions protruding outward in a radial direction of the clutch drum and spline small-diameter portions protruding inward in the radial direction. The spline large-diameter portions and the spline small-diameter portions are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the clutch drum. The band is wound around an outer peripheral portion of the clutch drum, and is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The spline large-diameter portions are provided with a protrusion protruding outward in the radial direction. The band includes a recessed portion with which the protrusion is engaged. The recessed portion is provided at a position at which the recessed portion faces the protrusion.

Abstract: A viscous coupling includes a case body for forming a working chamber which contains the viscous fluid, a shaft inserted into the case body in such a manner that the shaft is relatively rotatable with respect to the case body, a plurality of inner plates coupled to the shaft, and a plurality of outer plates, coupled to the case body, which are arranged in the working chamber in such a manner as to be spaced apart from the inner plates with a pitch in an axial direction of the shaft. The pitch between each of the inner plates and each of the outer plates is adjustable by deforming either of the inner plates and the outer plates in response to the rotation speed of the shaft or the case body.

Abstract: A clutch device for use with a vehicle suspension system to vary the stiffness of a stabilizer bar. A plurality of dampers connected to the clutch body alternate with a plurality of dampers connected to the stabilizer bar. The dampers are coated with a friction material and surrounded by a fluid. When a load is applied on the walls of clutch body, the friction material comes into contact, dampening the rotation action of the stabilizer bar. A sensor senses the parameters of the ride and generates a signal based on these parameters. The signal activates a power source controller which applies the load to the walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable viscous coupling for generating a locking effect between two coupling parts rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, more particularly for the driveline of a motor vehicle. This viscous coupling comprises a first coupling part, a second coupling part, wherein the first and the second coupling part form a sealed annular chamber. First plates are connected to the first coupling part in a rotationally fast way. Second plates are connectable to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way. Controllable connecting means allow switching between an open position in which the second plates are freely rotatable relative to the second coupling part and a closed position in which the second plates are connected to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: A viscous coupling for lockingly connecting two parts which are rotatable relative to one another, having the following characteristics: a first coupling part is provided in the form of a rotational housing; a second coupling part is provided in the form of a hub; the first coupling part and the second coupling part are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to one another and, while being positioned co-axially inside one another, together form a sealed annular chamber; inside the chamber, there are arranged axially-alternating first coupling plates in the shape of annular discs with means for providing a non-rotatable connection with the first coupling part, and second coupling plates in the shape of annular discs with means for providing a non-rotatable connection with the second coupling part; otherwise, the annular chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid; the coupling plates, in their entirety, are divided into at least two functionally different sets of coupling plates each of which se

Abstract: A viscous coupling comprising two parts which are supported inside one another, which are rotatable around a common longitudinal axis and which form an annular chamber which is filled with a highly viscous medium and in which there are arranged inner plates which are non-rotatably connected to the inner one of the parts and form a set of inner plates, as well as outer plates which are non-rotatably connected to the outer one of the parts and form a set of outer plates, said inner plates and outer plates being arranged so as to alternate in the longitudinal direction for the purpose of generating a coupling effect between the two parts when the latter rotate relative to one another, wherein a partial set of one of the sets of inner plates and outer plates is directly carried by a sleeve which is connected to the part of the coupling which carries said set of inner plates or outer plates in such a way that it can be uncoupled.

Abstract: An automatic coupling has two parts supported inside one another, and which are rotatable around a common longitudinal axis. The parts form an annular chamber. An annular piston axially divides the annular chamber into two compartments. The annular piston is connected to one of the parts in a rotationally fast and axially movable way and there is formed a shear channel which extends helically relative to the longitudinal axis. The shear channel connects the two compartments separated by the annular piston to one another. The end faces of the annular chamber are formed by the other one of the parts, with the annular piston being able to support itself on the end faces of the annular chamber while generating braking forces.