Resilient Torque Connection (e.g., For Damping Vibration) Patents (Class 192/70.17)
  • Patent number: 11927224
    Abstract: An oscillation decoupling system does not transmit oscillations, for example, from a drive train of a vehicle to an actuator system for a clutch. A clutch system with the oscillation decoupling system has an adjusting element. The actuator system includes an active element which is designed to carry out an active movement in a predetermined working direction and an element of the oscillation decoupling system which connects the active element to the actuator device and to the adjusting element. The element of the oscillation decoupling system includes, in a predetermined direction of work, a play region in which the active element or the adjusting element moves without the respective other moving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Schaller
  • Patent number: 11655856
    Abstract: A motive power transmission device including first and second motive power transmission members that are spline-fitted together includes a spring retaining member that retains a spring and is mounted on the first motive power transmission member. The spring retaining member includes a temporarily fixing portion that is temporarily fixed to and mounted on the first motive power transmission member in a first compression state of the spring and a locking portion that is locked with the second motive power transmission member in a second compression state where when the first and second motive power transmission members are spline-fitted together, the spring is compressed and urges the second motive power transmission member toward one side in a circumferential direction with respect to the first motive power transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kyosei Nakashima, Hiroyuki Asakura
  • Patent number: 11454296
    Abstract: A damper device includes: a first rotary body including a first plate rotating around a rotation shaft and a second plate disposed facing the first plate and integrally rotating with the first plate; a second rotary body rotating relative to the first rotary body; a control plate disposed between the first plate and the second rotary body in an axial direction and engaged with the second rotary body to rotate integrally therewith; a first thrust member a part of which is disposed between the first plate and the control plate in the axial direction and engaged with the first plate to rotate integrally therewith; and a second thrust member a part of which is disposed between the second plate and the second rotary body and engaged with the second plate to rotate integrally with the first rotary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro Saeki, Yasuhisa Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 10767707
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for the powertrain of a vehicle with a clutch housing which is rotatable around a central axis is provided with a clutch mechanism with input-side clutch units) in operative connection with an input-side clutch unit carrier which is fixed with respect to rotation relative to the clutch housing and with output-side clutch units which are in operative connection with an output-side clutch unit carrier which is fixed with respect to rotation relative to a torsional vibration damper, and with a pressing device through which an operative connection between the input-side clutch units and the output-side clutch units can be produced or cancelled, and with a torsional vibration damper connecting the clutch mechanism to an output. The pressing device is provided axially between the torsional vibration damper and the clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Steffen Matschas
  • Patent number: 10428869
    Abstract: A suspension thrust bearing device for use with a suspension spring in an automotive suspension strut, and having a bearing with an upper annular part and a lower annular part. The lower annular part includes an axial hub and an outwardly projected radial flange extending from the axial hub, and the lower part has an exterior support surface that axially supports an upper end of a suspension spring by the intermediate of a damping device. The damping device provides an axial portion secured to an axial hub, and a radial portion secured to a radial flange. The axial hub of the lower annular part has a plurality of radially through recesses that are axially open on an axial lower end of the axial hub. The axial portion of the damping device includes a plurality of pins that radially inwardly protrude from the axial portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Stephane Gaultier, Xavier Blanchard, Bruno Montboeuf, Desire Vidot
  • Patent number: 10323716
    Abstract: A damper device includes first inner springs configured to transmit a torque between a drive member and an intermediate member, second inner springs configured to transmit a torque between the intermediate member and a driven member, and a rotary inertia mass damper including a sun gear serving as a mass body rotating with relative rotation of the drive member to the driven member. The rotary inertia mass damper is provided in parallel to a torque transmission path including the intermediate member, the first inner springs and the second inner springs. A damping ratio ? of the intermediate member determined based on a moment of inertia J2 of the intermediate member and rigidities k1 and k2 of the first and the second inner springs and is less than a value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., AISIN AW INDUSTRIES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Takuya Yoshikawa, Aki Ogawa, Tomonori Kinoshita, Yuji Kanyama, Makoto Yamaguchi, Kazuyoshi Ito, Hiroki Nagai, Masaki Wajima, Takao Sakamoto, Kazuhiro Itou, Yoshihiro Takikawa, Yoichi Oi
  • Patent number: 10271911
    Abstract: A surgical system (200) includes a surgical instrument (260) that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument (260) is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240). From the drive output disk (545) in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk (964) of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cooper, Anthony K McGrogan, Robert E Holop
  • Patent number: 9920812
    Abstract: To prevent response delay and to damp torsional vibration transmitted to a power transmission route. A vibration damper includes a first route R1 provided with a coil spring 43 as an elastic member, and a second route R2 provided with a sun gear 5s as an inertial body formed to be parallel as power transmission routes between an engine 10 to a transmission 20, and by switching the first route R1 and the second route R2 by a first clutch C1 and a second clutch C2, switchover to a state in which an inertial torque acts on the power transmission route by the sun gear 5s and a state in which the inertial torque is not generated is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Sekiguchi, Naoyuki Kishimoto, Fusahiro Tsukano, Atsushi Honda
  • Patent number: 9822828
    Abstract: An improved expanding friction disk for use in a clutch of a power transmission system. The improved expanding friction disk accommodates multiple clutch pack configurations including clutch packs utilizing novel improved friction disks, is compatible with wear liners and operates with reduced friction including a reduced difference between the static and dynamic coefficients of friction in the ramp mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rekluse Motor Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert James Youngwerth, Sean G. Brown, Karl E. Jensen, Logan P. Krueger
  • Patent number: 9500259
    Abstract: A torsional vibration isolator for a motor vehicle includes an input member having an engine drive component. An output member defines a transmission input shaft. A component group connecting the input member to the output member includes a first spring engagement element connected to a ring gear. At least one pinion gear is engaged to the ring gear. A sun gear is engaged to the at least one pinion gear. A second spring engagement element is connected to a carrier, the carrier also connected to the at least one pinion gear. At least one spring contacts both the second spring engagement element and the first spring engagement element to permit the second spring engagement element and the carrier to angularly deflect with respect to the first spring engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Shushan Bai
  • Patent number: 9429211
    Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine and a torsional vibration damping arrangement. The internal combustion engine is switchable between operating modes of different performance capability, and the torsional vibration damping arrangement comprises a flywheel mass arrangement and at least one deflection mass pendulum unit with a deflection mass carrier and a deflection mass arrangement supported at the deflection mass carrier such that it can deflect out of a basic relative position with respect to the latter by means of a deflection mass coupling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Orlamünder, Daniel Lorenz, Michael Kühner, Thomas Dögel
  • Patent number: 9132832
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device is disposed on a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor, the vehicle power transmission device includes a first member having one of outer circumferential teeth disposed around one axial center or inner circumferential teeth meshing with the outer circumferential teeth and a second member having the other teeth, the inner circumferential teeth and the outer circumferential teeth meshes with each other to limit relative rotation around the one axial center between the first member and the second member, the relative rotation between the first member and the second member is limited to transmit torque of the electric motor to drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akitaka Ichikawa, Yoshimitsu Yokouchi, Masahiro Kojima, Ryuji Ibaraki, Michitaka Tsuchida, Shinichiro Suenaga, Hiromichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 9102319
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device is disposed on a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor, the vehicle power transmission device includes a first member having one of outer circumferential teeth disposed around one axial center or inner circumferential teeth meshing with the outer circumferential teeth and a second member having the other teeth, the inner circumferential teeth and the outer circumferential teeth meshes with each other to limit relative rotation around the one axial center between the first member and the second member, the relative rotation between the first member and the second member is limited to transmit torque of the electric motor to drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akitaka Ichikawa, Yoshimitsu Yokouchi, Masahiro Kojima, Ryuji Ibaraki, Michitaka Tsuchida, Shinichiro Suenaga, Hiromichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8978857
    Abstract: A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle to reduce the rotational inertia of the clutch system, provide torsional damping within the system, and minimize vibration (e.g., rattling) between a floater and a flywheel. In one embodiment, the friction clutch system includes a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances. The first disc assembly may be positioned adjacent to a pressure plate assembly or a flywheel. A floater plate may be located between the first and second friction disc assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: TNMJ Caliber, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Wilson, Kevin C. Payne, William F. Baty
  • Patent number: 8967353
    Abstract: A transmission includes a housing defining a sealed interior and an input hub rotatably coupled to the housing. A gear set is disposed within the housing and configured for receiving a torque from an engine. The transmission further includes an isolator assembly and a bypass clutch, each disposed within the sealed interior of the housing. The isolator assembly is configured for selectively damping drivetrain inertia and/or vibration. The bypass clutch selectively engages and disengages the isolator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Victor M. Roses, John A. Diemer, Randy Lewis Melanson, Douglas John Dwenger, Randal William Arndt, Pete R. Garcia, Michael L. Duhaime
  • Patent number: 8919509
    Abstract: A torque transfer device, in particular in the power train of a motor vehicle, for transferring torque between a drive unit and a shaft that is rotatable around an axis of rotation, in particular a transmission input shaft, having a hydrodynamic torque converter, which includes a converter cover that is connectable to or connected to the drive unit, which converter cover may be coupled via an impeller to a turbine wheel to transfer torque, which turbine wheel is bridgeable, to transfer torque, by a torque converter lockup clutch, which includes a piston that is movable to a limited extent in the axial direction and is constructed as a multi-plate clutch with a plate pack that includes outer plates which are connected to an outer plate carrier in a rotationally fixed connection, and inner plates which are connected to an inner plate carrier in a rotationally fixed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 8758147
    Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber includes a first plate member being rotatable, a second plate member positioned to be axially separated from the first plate member, the second plate member being rotatable relative to the first plate member, a first friction member arranged between the first plate member and the second plate member and slidably pressed against the first plate member and the second plate member, and a first guide portion restricting the first friction member from moving radially inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Saeki, Yusaku Nishio, Hiroaki Suezaki, Hiroshi Kawazoe, Tsutomu Sekine
  • Publication number: 20140138203
    Abstract: A vehicle damper device has a disc plate rotatable around an axial center, a hub member rotatable around the same axial center as the disc plate, and an elastic member interposed between the disc plate and the hub member comprises a friction element configured to include a friction plate portion in sliding contact with the hub member and a pressing portion pushing the friction plate portion against the hub member; and a stopper defining a relative rotation amount between the friction plate portion and the disc plate, the friction element being disposed on an outer circumferential end portion of the hub member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masataka Sugiyama, Hiroaki Kimura, Tadashi Takemura
  • Publication number: 20140138202
    Abstract: A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle to reduce the rotational inertia of the clutch system, provide torsional damping within the system, and minimize vibration (e.g., rattling) between a floater and a flywheel. For example, a damping assembly secured to the floater may engage a locator pin secured to the flywheel and thereby reduce vibration. The friction clutch system may include a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick R. Wilson, Kevin C. Payne, William F. Baty
  • Patent number: 8616356
    Abstract: A friction clutch device for coupling a first rear motor shaft to a second front forced shaft by allowing free relative axial displacement between the two shafts. The clutch device includes a double shock-absorbing steering wheel having a primary couple input assembly which is fixedly mounted axially to the motor shaft, a secondary couple output assembly which is rotatably connected to a reactive plate of the clutch device which is supported by the forced shaft. An elastic circumferential action member is arranged in a cavity that is peripheral to the primary assembly to rotatably connect the secondary assembly, with circumferential shock absorption, to the primary assembly. The secondary assembly is fixedly mounted axially relative to the reactive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayaes
    Inventors: François Thibaut, Patrice Bertin, Daniel Fenioux, Patrice Merou, Ivan Dutier
  • Patent number: 8594901
    Abstract: An estimating method for transmitting torque of a dry type clutch in a vehicle, may include a slip determining step of determining by a processor whether only one clutch slips between an engine and a transmission, a transmitting torque estimating step of estimating a current transmitting torque of the dry type clutch by using a torque observer when the only one clutch slips as a result of performing the slip determining step, and an updating step of reflecting the current transmitting torque of the dry type clutch estimated in the transmitting torque estimating step and an actuator torque in the transmitting torque estimating step to a T-S (Torque-Stroke) curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Young Min Yoon, Sung Hyun Cho, Ho Young Lee, Seung Sam Baek
  • Patent number: 8573374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter having an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel and an oscillation damper which is accommodated in the converter housing, and a converter lockup clutch. Two damper stages are arranged here as a serial damper between the output hub of the torque converter and the converter lockup clutch, and a damper stage is arranged between the turbine wheel and the output hub. In order to improve the damping properties, a rotary oscillation absorber is additionally provided which is arranged between the dampers and is also connected to the turbine wheel in a rotationally fixed fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heiko Magerkurth, Christian Huegel, Andreas Meissner
  • Patent number: 8567367
    Abstract: This disclosure provides crankshaft damper and tone wheel assembly having a low noise characteristic. The crankshaft damper and tone wheel assembly can provides both damping of vibrations excited in a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and an indication of the rotational speed or position of the crankshaft. The crankshaft damper including a hub portion and a ring-shaped portion connected to the hub portion by plural spokes, and the ring-shaped portion has an inner circumference that surrounds an area including the hub portion and the plural spokes. The tone wheel includes an annular-shaped portion connected to the crankshaft damper and having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, plural teeth arranged at an equal pitch along the outer diameter, and a same rotational axis as the crankshaft damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Hayes, Matt Reeves, Dhanesh Purekar
  • Patent number: 8534440
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement includes a housing filled with fluid, a first friction surface formation rotatable with the housing around an axis of rotation, a second friction surface formation rotatable with a driven element around the axis of rotation, a pressing element rotatable with the housing around the axis of rotation and which divides an interior space of the housing into a first spatial area and a second spatial area. Depending on fluid pressure in the first and fluid pressure in the second spatial areas, the pressing element is movable with respect to the housing for producing and canceling a frictional engagement between the and the second friction surface formations. A fluid supply system for the first spatial area and/or the second spatial area includes at least a first fluid flow path. The fluid can be supplied to the associated spatial area via at least one fluid flow path and fluid can be removed from the associated spatial area via at least one fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jörg Sudau, Rüdiger Lotze, Arthur Schröder, Angelika Ebert, Michael Kneuer, Gregor Sueck
  • Patent number: 8430222
    Abstract: A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle while reducing the rotational inertia of the clutch system and yet still providing torsional damping within the system. In one embodiment, the friction clutch system includes a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances. The first disc assembly may be positioned adjacent to a pressure plate assembly or a flywheel. A floater plate may be located between the first and second friction disc assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: TNMJ Caliber, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Wilson, Kevin C. Payne, William F. Baty
  • Patent number: 8408373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch unit, which has two subunits. One subunit is connected to the output shaft of an engine, and the other subunit is pre-mounted on the side of the transmission. Both subunits are coupled to one another via an axial plug-type connection, which includes meshing first profiles and second profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Philippe Mih, Bin Zhou, Matthias Zink
  • Patent number: 8327990
    Abstract: A clutch unit including a torsional vibration damper and having at least friction clutch, but can have two friction clutches combined into a twin clutch. The torsional vibration damper includes an input component that extends axially over the at least one friction clutch at the outer circumference of the friction clutch, so that a counterpressure plate of the at least one friction clutch is disposed axially between the drive engine and energy accumulators carried by the torsional vibration damper. Thus, the clutch unit has a smaller axial extent and can be accommodated in limited installation spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oswald Friedmann
  • Patent number: 8297422
    Abstract: A multiple clutch device which includes a drive unit, a downstream transmission connected to a drive shaft of the drive unit and accommodated in a clutch bell that does not co-rotate with the drive shaft, two wet multi-plate clutches, which include a plate support at the input and output end and plates alternating axially, and an actuation mechanism. A housing of the actuation mechanism is supported on the clutch bell, and the plate support at the input end of at least one of the multi-plate clutches is connected to the housing by a supporting metal sheet or a supporting pot and a footstep bearing such that a flow of an actuation force generated by the actuation mechanism is redirected to the housing of the actuation mechanism via the supporting metal sheet or the supporting pot and the footstep bearing, thus creating a closed force flow within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Oliver Noehl, Ivo Agner
  • Patent number: 8276728
    Abstract: A clutch unit (1) including at least one wet clutch (28, 29) and a torsional vibration damper (12) which are accommodated in a housing (8) driven by the drive unit. In order to simplify assembly, pre-assembled modular units (3, 4, 5) are formed that are joined together during the final assembly process. Advantageously, a separation point is provided between two modular units in the torsional vibration damper, wherein one modular unit (3) includes the energy accumulators (11) captively accommodated in a housing part (6), while the other modular unit (4) includes the output part of the torsional vibration damper as an input part (13) of the at least one wet clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Oliver Nohl, Philippe Schwederle
  • Patent number: 8261898
    Abstract: Construction machine, with working drum mounted at a machine frame, combustion engine for driving the working drum, drive train between the combustion engine and the working drum, and clutch in the drive train, where the clutch is arranged between a drive shaft and output shaft of the drive train, clutch elements on drive side capable of being engaged with clutch elements on output side, where clutch elements on the drive side or on output side are provided with several clutch part elements that are permanently engaged with one another via at least one mechanical coupling, it is provided that a braking device acting between the drive shaft and the output shaft is arranged at the clutch, said braking device being additionally engaged during engagement of the clutch in order to eliminate or reduce any rotary vibrations caused by play of mechanical coupling between clutch part elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Mahlberg, Lothar Schwalbach, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 8235191
    Abstract: A force transfer device with an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component, disposed between input and output, comprising at least one pump shell and one turbine shell and a device for bridging the power transfer through the hydrodynamic component, and a device for damping vibrations. The invention further relates to a drive train with such force transfer device and to a process for controlling the operation of a force transfer device in a drive train, comprising a first drive engine and an electrical machine, which can be operated at least as a generator. The invention is characterized in that an actuatable clutch device is disposed between the turbine shell and the output for decoupling the turbine shell from the output, and said clutch device is disposed in parallel with the lockup clutch. During braking operations through the electrical machine the lockup clutch and the turbine clutch are being deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gregory Heeke
  • Publication number: 20120152684
    Abstract: A clutch device for arrangement in a drive train of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission is provided. The clutch device may include a multiple-disk clutch arrangement for selective torque transfer between the drive unit and the transmission. The multiple-disk clutch arrangement may be actuable via a force transfer element supported on a disk carrier of the multiple-disk clutch arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Hauck, Tobias Zacher
  • Publication number: 20110315501
    Abstract: The powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, and a transmission having a transmission input member. A damper assembly is included that has an engine-side cover plate facing the engine, a transmission-side cover plate facing the transmission, and a retaining member between the cover plates. Resilient members are positioned between the engine-side cover plate and the transmission-side cover plate and supported by the retaining member. The engine-side cover plate is directly connected to the crankshaft for common rotation therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 8051964
    Abstract: A torque converter including: a pump shell; a cover; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch fixed by contact with the cover and the pump shell. In some aspects, the backing plate is fixed by axial pressure exerted by the cover and the pump against the backing plate. A torque converter including: a plurality of components axially disposed between a pump shell and a cover; and a pump hub fixedly secured to the pump shell. The position of the pump hub with respect to the pump shell is selected to establish respective axial distances between components in the plurality of components. A torque converter including: turbine shell; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch, the backing plate rotationally connected to the turbine shell and forming a portion of a boundary between first and second pressure chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Steven Olsen, Jonathan G. Jameson, Kevin Parks
  • Patent number: 8047345
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch (2) having a first plate carrier (48) and second plate carrier (50) and one or more first plates (52) received by the first plate carrier and one or more second plates (54) received by the second plate carrier, a pressure element (58) which can especially be actuated hydraulically for generating an axial load on the clutch pack configured by the first and second plates and closing the multi-plate clutch, in which the pressure element configuring the second plate carrier and/or being connected to the second plate carrier in a rotationally fixed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Patent number: 8042667
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter device comprising a torsional vibration damper, an impeller, a turbine, a stator, and a converter lockup clutch. The torsional vibration damper has first and second energy accumulating devices with one or more first energy accumulators, and second energy accumulators, respectively. The converter lockup clutch and the first and second energy accumulating devices are connected in series. The turbine has an outer shell that is rotationally fixed to an intermediate part between the first and second accumulating devices. An input element of the first energy accumulating device is used to transmit torque via the lockup clutch for loading the first energy accumulating device. The input element of the first energy accumulating device has at least one lug having a free end and a non-free end, with the non-free end of the lug radially inside the free end of the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Patent number: 8033370
    Abstract: A device for damping vibrations, especially a torsional vibration damper, comprising at least one primary part and a secondary part that are coaxial in relation to each other and limited rotatably relative to each other in a peripheral direction, whereby the primary part and secondary part (4) are coupled with each other by a vibration damper, and the secondary part can be at least indirectly coupled to a connecting element, especially a transmission input shaft. A ramp is provided that is at least indirectly connected to the secondary part, extends in a peripheral direction over a section, has an axially changing slope and acts on at least one counter element braced against a connecting element via a pretensioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mario Degler
  • Patent number: 7992696
    Abstract: Construction machine, with working drum mounted at a machine frame, combustion engine for driving the working drum, drive train between the combustion engine and the working drum, and clutch in the drive train, where the clutch is arranged between a drive shaft and output shaft of the drive train, clutch elements on drive side capable of being engaged with clutch elements on output side, where clutch elements on the drive side or on output side are provided with several clutch part elements that are permanently engaged with one another via at least one mechanical coupling, it is provided that a braking device acting between the drive shaft and the output shaft is arranged at the clutch, said braking device being additionally engaged during engagement of the clutch in order to eliminate or reduce any rotary vibrations caused by play of mechanical coupling between clutch part elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Mahlberg, Lothar Schwalbach, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 7971696
    Abstract: In order to realize an idling disengagement by simple structural means in a dual mass clutch flywheel, a separation is provided between the damper system and spring system of a torsional vibration damper in this dual mass clutch flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ulrich Rohs
    Inventor: Ulrich Rohs
  • Patent number: 7905337
    Abstract: A force transmission device including an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component, having at least one pump shell and one turbine shell, and a device for damping vibrations including a primary component and a secondary component, rotatable relative to each other in circumferential direction, wherein the secondary component is connected at least indirectly torque proof with the output, and the turbine shell is connected at least indirectly torque proof with the output. The connection between the turbine shell and the output, or an element coupled torque proof with the output, is performed through the intermediary element connected with the turbine shell in a first coupling section and coupled in a second coupling section with the output, or with the element coupled torque proof with the output, wherein the intermediary element is characterized by a substantially constant wall thickness, and the two coupling areas are disposed offset relative to each other in axial and in radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 7886887
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a friction clutch apparatus that includes a disk assembly disk. The disk assembly has a disk portion selectively coupled to a first member, and a hub portion selectively coupled to a second member. The hub portion is generally axially aligned with the disk portion. The disk portion is rotatable relative to the hub portion. The disk assembly selectively transmits a torque between the first member and the second member. The disk assembly also includes an energy storage member selectively damping the relative rotation between the disk portion and the hub portion. The damping includes relative rotation between the disk portion and the hub portion. The energy storage member is preloaded, thereby requiring a preselected amount of torque to be applied by one of the disk portion and the hub portion to the other of the disk portion and the hub portion prior to the relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Bassett, Christopher D. Cole, Clinton J. McClellan, Kevin Schlosser, Douglas G. Woolcott
  • Publication number: 20100288596
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a clutch device that keeps a half-clutch range wide for a long time. A clutch device 1 is arranged in such a manner that an intermediate ring 24 is disposed on the pressure plate 23 so as to be slightly movable in a direction of pressing by a diaphragm spring 21; air passageways 31 are radially disposed at regular circumferential intervals between the intermediate ring 24 and the pressure plate 23 so as to let the inner and outer peripheries communicate with each other; plate springs 25 are disposed in the air passageways 31 to bias constantly the intermediate ring 24 and the pressure plate 23 in a direction of separating from each other; and a force of the pressing operation by the diaphragm spring 21 is transferred to the pressure plate 23 via the intermediate ring 24 and the plate springs 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: OS GIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaharu Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20100252390
    Abstract: A torsion damper including a plurality of elastic elements, a first plate drivingly engaged with the plurality of elastic elements and adapted to drivingly engage with a transmission shaft, a gear, and a second plate drivingly engaged with the gear and the plurality of elastic elements. At least one of the first or second plate is adapted to hydraulically seal with respect to a housing for the transmission. The gear may be adapted to be a power take-off gear for the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventor: Philip George
  • Publication number: 20100243400
    Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber includes a first plate member, ring-shaped second and third plate members, a fourth plate member, a resilient member and a predetermined member. The resilient member absorbs torque fluctuation between the second or third plate member and the fourth plate member. The predetermined member on a power transmission path between at least two of the first, second and third plate members has a stopper section. The stopper section allows relative rotation between the second or third plate member and the fourth plate member within a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the second plate member. The stopper section prevents relative rotation between the second or third plate member and the fourth plate member by contacting to the fourth plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Inoshita, Tomohiro Saeki, Satoshi Nakagaito, Hiroaki Suezaki, Toshiyuki Saburi
  • Publication number: 20100243399
    Abstract: The torque fluctuation absorber includes a flywheel fixed on a first rotating shaft by a fixation member, a damper unit connected with a second rotating shaft and absorbs fluctuation of torque occurred between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft by elastic force, and a limiter unit provided on a power transmission path between the flywheel and the damper unit and inducing a slide when the fluctuation of the torque exceeded a predetermined value. A predetermined member rotates with the first rotating shaft on a power transmission path between the first rotating shaft and the limiter unit. The predetermined member has a side plate at the damper unit and a guide portion that prevents movement radially of a hub member, and the guide portion is provided at radially internal side of the fixation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro SAEKI, Satoshi NAKAGAITO, Toshiyuki SABURI, Masanori SUZUKI, Hiroaki SUEZAKI
  • Publication number: 20100175963
    Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus provided between a driving source and a transmission and transmitting torque from the driving source to the transmission, the apparatus absorbing fluctuations in the torque and limiting a maximum value of the torque, the apparatus includes a flywheel, a supporting member, a first plate having a sliding surface, a second plate having a sliding surface, a disc spring supported by the supporting member and biasing one of the first and second plates towards the other one thereof, a friction material sandwiched tightly between the sliding surface of the first plate and the sliding surface of the second plate, a damper mechanism connected to the friction material and transmitting the torque from the driving source to an input shaft of the transmission, and a cover member demarcating the sliding surfaces of the first and second plates from an exterior of the torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Saeki, Satoshi Nakagaito, Makoto Takeuchi, Masanori Suzuki, Masaru Ebata
  • Patent number: 7753183
    Abstract: A torque converter with a casing, a turbine, and a piston having a first friction surface located at a radially outer portion of the piston, and a first drive ring having second and third friction surfaces. The piston is displaceable to engage the first and second friction surfaces. The torque converter also includes a second drive ring having fourth and fifth friction surfaces. The first drive ring is displaceable to engage the third and fourth friction surfaces. The second drive ring is driveably connected to the piston and to an elastic member of a damper. The torque converter includes a sixth friction surface for the casing. The second drive ring is displaceable to engage the fifth and sixth friction surfaces, the first drive ring and the casing are nonreleasably connected, and the first drive ring is axially displaceable with respect to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Kevin Parks, Craig Kneidel
  • Patent number: 7743900
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic clutch arrangement is provided with a drive-side transmission element and a takeoff-side transmission element, which can be deflected around a certain angle of rotation relative to the drive-side element against the action of energy storage devices, where at least one driver element with an actuating function is assigned to each energy storage device. To realize a multi-stage action of the energy storage device, at least some of these driver elements arrive in working connection with an assigned final turn of the corresponding energy storage device only after using up a predetermined clearance gap in the circumferential direction. For this purpose, at least one transmission element has openings to accommodate energy storage devices, and at least one circumferential boundary of each opening is provided as a driver element for the assigned energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Horst Breier
  • Publication number: 20100116613
    Abstract: A force transmission device including at least one input and one output, a hydrodynamic component disposed there between, and a vibration damper disposed subsequent thereto in the force flow, which vibration damper comprises at least one damper input connected torque proof to the hydrodynamic component and at least one axial bearing disposed between the damper input and an element forming a support surface in axial direction. The damper input in the portion of its inner circumference includes a bearing seat for the axial bearing. The bearing seat for the axial bearing is formed by at least one rim portion, folded over at the inner circumference of the damper input and forming a fold-over portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventor: Stephan MAIENSCHEIN
  • Patent number: 7708126
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic coupling device is intended, in particular, for a motor vehicle. The hydrokinetic coupling device comprises a casing rotationally connecting a driving shaft and an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel fixed to a turbine hub rotationally connected to a driven shaft, a clutch locking the coupling of the driving and driven shafts, and a damping element comprising elastic washers for restricting the essentially-radial circulation of the fluid at least inside a front axial space which is located between a front guide washer and a web, such that the fluid circulates though the lockup clutch of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Norberto Termenon, Daniel Bonnel