Resilient Torque Connection (e.g., For Damping Vibration) Patents (Class 192/70.17)
  • Patent number: 7703591
    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: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Ulrich Rohs
  • Publication number: 20100096237
    Abstract: A damper clutch of a torque converter of the present invention can reduce generation of abnormal vibration and a booming noise in low speed and also, can lower engaging torque and enhance fuel efficiency with multiple elastic damping force. A damper clutch of a torque converter includes a plurality of damper spring that are disposed along radial direction and a plurality of spring supporter that are disposed between the damper springs and pressurizes the damper springs along radial direction when power is delivered from a piston to a turbine, wherein each two spring supporters, putting opposite, form a group and each group has different length for supplying multiple elastic damping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Yeol Kim, Jin Hyun Kim, Sung Yop Lee
  • Patent number: 7699150
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch includes a housing which can be brought into working connection with a drive; a hydrodynamic circuit formed by a pump wheel and a turbine wheel; a torsional vibration damper having a drive side transmission element, a takeoff side transmission element, and at least one energy storage group between the transmission elements; and a bridging clutch including first friction elements connected to the housing and second friction elements connected to the drive side transmission element. A first flow route extends from a first flow passage to the friction elements, and a second flow route extends from the hydrodynamic circuit to a second flow passage. A sealing arrangement cooperates with the drive side transmission element to separate the first flow route from the second flow route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Frey, Michael Heuler, Edgar Reinhart, Bernd Reinhardt, Stefan Mundt, Thomas Baier, Frank Zerner
  • Patent number: 7690489
    Abstract: A clutch for effectively prevents a clutch outer from tilting at the time when torque is varied. The clutch includes damper springs for transmitting, to a clutch outer, torque inputted to a driven gear, and a thrust washer for regulating positional change of a position of the clutch outer with respect to the driven gear in a direction of the shaft axis. The thrust washer is disposed between the driven gear and the clutch outer in an axial direction. The thrust washer is disposed only outward of the damper springs in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Yoshinaga, Masaki Yoneyama, Isamu Takahashi, Yoshiki Nagahashi, Ken Yamanaka, Kazumitsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7665590
    Abstract: A coupling system including at least two sub-units, one of which is pre-assembled on the engine side of a motor vehicle drive train, namely on the output shaft of the engine, and the other sub-unit is pre-assembled on the transmission side of the drive train. The pre-assembled sub-units each include respective interengaging teeth to provide a positive drive connection, and the teeth are biased toward each other to reduce circumferential play and thereby reduce noise that would be generated during operation of the drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteriligungs KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Kroll, Hartmut Mende, Bin Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100032259
    Abstract: A damper device includes damper portions arranged in series with each other in a power transmission path and absorbing torsion by means of elastic force, hysteresis portions arranged in parallel with the damper portions at the power transmission path and absorbing the torsion by means of friction force, an input plate inputting rotational torque into one of the damper portion closest to the input side and the hysteresis portion closest to the input side, an intermediate plate transmitting the rotational torque from the damper portion, arranged at the input side, and the hysteresis portion, arranged at the input side, to the damper portions, arranged at the output side, and the hysteresis portions, arranged at the output side, and an output plate outputting the rotational torque from the damper portion closest to the output side and the hysteresis portion closest to the output side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro SAEKI, Satoshi Nakagaito, Yoshitaka Inoshita
  • Publication number: 20100025178
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes a drive-side primary element having at least one primary dog, an output-side secondary element having at least one secondary dog, and at least one spring device between the primary and secondary dogs for spring-elastic coupling of the primary element to -the secondary element. The primary element has also an inner part and an outer part, on which the primary dog is arranged, and at least one damping part for vibration damping between the inner and outer parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Jochen Boelling, Christian Bernhard Halm, Frank Guenter, Volker Heinz
  • Patent number: 7650975
    Abstract: A clutch disk arrangement for a multi-disk clutch has a hub rotatable about an axis of rotation and a plurality of friction lining assemblies connected to the hub by a torsional vibration damper arrangement. The torsional vibration damper arrangement includes a central disk element on the hub and a cover disk element on each side of the central element, where the cover disk elements are permanently connected to each other and are connected by a damper element arrangement to the central disk element for transmitting torque. A driver formation is provided on at least one of the cover disk elements and an opposing driver formation is arranged on at least one of the friction lining assemblies. The driver formation engages the opposing driver formation so that the at least one of the friction lining assemblies is fixed with respect to rotation and is axially displaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerald Buer, Winfried Bokisch, Michael Kühner, Thorsten Müller, Andreas Orlamünder
  • Publication number: 20100000834
    Abstract: In order to be able to design a connection between a drive side and a transmission side, in particular a damper side, in a drivetrain between a main driveshaft and a torsional vibration damper to be structurally stronger while at the same time having a small installation volume, the invention proposes a drivetrain with a main driveshaft and a torsional vibration damper, wherein the main driveshaft and the torsional vibration damper rotate substantially about a common rotational axis and are connected by means of a connection, wherein the connection can be released in a non-destructible fashion and/or is self-connecting, and wherein a wall is arranged axially between the driveshaft and the torsional vibration damper, which wall is sealed off against the drivetrain by means of a seal, and the drivetrain is characterized in that the connection is arranged radially further remote from the common rotational axis than the seal and than the main driveshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Georg Quartier, Peter Nissen, Tim Bartling
  • Publication number: 20090321211
    Abstract: A clamping device with mechanical damping for a traction mechanism drive is provided. The device includes a clamping arm which carries a tension roller on one end thereof and is rotatably mounted in a housing at the other end thereof via a shaft connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner, and is elastically supported on the housing by a torsion spring. A free end of the shaft is connected to a friction disk in a rotationally fixed manner, and a friction lining is arranged between the friction disk and an axial abutment surface of the housing. The invention reduces the friction lining wear and increases the damping capacity thereof. To accomplish this, a separate friction disk (7??) is connected to a separate friction lining (8??) in a positively locked manner without play, and the separate friction lining ((8??) is in frictional contact with the axial abutment surface (10) of the housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Stefan Mack, Bernd Hartmann, Thomas Mennerat, Jorg Kaiser, Manfred Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7614483
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device of a disk brake, in particular a pneumatically actuatable disk brake. The adjusting device is in embodied in such a manner that it can rotate at least one rotatable spindle which acts upon at least one pressure piece on the brake lining and which comprises an output toothing arrangement. The output toothing arrangement comprises at least one tooth which engages in a groove of the rotatable spindle. The invention is characterized in that the output toothing arrangement and/or the groove are embodied in such a manner that they can be elastically compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Klingner, Georg Kempinger, Wlodzimierz Macke
  • Publication number: 20090272614
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a power input member that rotates when torque is applied thereto, a power output member that puts out the torque, and a transmitting member that transmits the torque of the power input member to the power output member. The power input member and the power output member have substantially the same axis of rotation. The power transmission device has twisting characteristics with which the magnitude of the torque generated from the power output member continuously changes along a curve, with respect to a relative angle of twist between the power input member and the power output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinichiro Watarai
  • Publication number: 20090223771
    Abstract: To accomplish a superior characteristic for absorbing and damping torsional vibrations in a damper disk assembly and a flywheel assembly. A damper disk assembly includes a pair of plates 11 and 12, a flange 20, coil springs 16 and 17, and friction plates 58 and 59. The pair of plates 11 and 12 is fixed to each other. The flange 20 is disposed between the pair of plates 11 and 12 in the axial direction. The coil springs 16 and 17 elastically couple the pair of plates 11, 12 and flange 20 in the rotational direction. The friction plates 58 and 59 are disposed to operate in parallel with the coil springs 16 and 17 between the pair of plates 11, 12 and the flange 20 in the rotational direction, frictionally engage with the pair of plates 11 and 12, and engage with the flange 20 to be relatively rotatable in only range of the small torsional angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Michitomo Masaki, Takashi Harada, Hiroshi Uehara
  • Publication number: 20090205923
    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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Oswald Friedmann
  • Patent number: 7543694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrokinetic coupling device (10) characterized by the fact that the web (74) comprises, at the inner radial end thereof, a collar (86), which axially extends toward the front between the turbine wheel (32) and the turbine hub (40) and which is rotationally joined by friction welding respectively: at the front, to the turbine wheel (32) by a first weld joint (88) provided between a front annular contact face (90) of the collar (86) and a rear welding face (92) opposite the inner radial periphery of the turbine wheel (32) and; at the rear, to the turbine hub (40) by a second rear weld joint (96) provided between a rear annular contact face (98) of the collar (86) and a front welding face (100) opposite the outer radial periphery of the turbine hub (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Norberto Termenon
  • Publication number: 20090107792
    Abstract: A series damper, including: a first damper with a flange and a cover plate; and a second damper with first and second cover plates and a flange. The flange and the cover plate for the first damper are rotationally frictionally engaged and the flange for the second damper rotates free of frictional engagement with the first and second cover plates. The series damper includes a resilient element arranged to cause the frictional engagement of the flange and the cover plate for the first damper. In some aspects, the resilient element is frictionally engaged with the cover plate for the first damper and is arranged to frictionally engage a turbine hub for a torque converter. In some aspects, the resilient element is rotationally connected to the flange for the first damper. In some aspects, the flange for the first damper includes the second cover plate for the second damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Craig Kneidel, Andre Soto, Patrick Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20090110475
    Abstract: A spacer assembly for a series damper, including: at least one fastening element with protrusions arranged to be fixedly secured to first and second cover plates for the damper; and at least one spacer element fixedly secured to the at least one fastening element and arranged to be axially disposed between the second cover plate and a flange for the damper. The at least one fastening element is arranged to be partially rotatable with respect to the flange. A damper assembly, including: a first damper with first and second cover plates and a flange; and a modularity spacer assembly including at least one fastening element fixedly secured to the first and second cover plates and partially rotatable with respect to the flange and at least one annular spacer element fixedly secured to the at least one fastening element and axially disposed between the second cover plate and the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Andre Soto, Brian Zaugg
  • Publication number: 20090107793
    Abstract: A method of forming a torsional vibration damping disk, including the steps of: stamping a concave surface at a periphery of a disk; heat treating the stamped disk; placing at least one forming element at least partially in contact with at least a portion of the concave surface; and curling the periphery to partially surround the at least one forming element so that the at least one forming element is removable from the disk. In a second embodiment, the method includes the step of removing the at least one forming element after curling the periphery and includes the step of replacing the at least one forming element with at least one spring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Timothy Simon
  • Publication number: 20090098944
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a disk for the transmission of a torque in a torque transmission device of a motor vehicle. The disk has a radial inner area that can be connected to a first structural component part, a radial outer area that can be connected to a second structural component part, and a quantity of bore holes for the passage of fastening elements for connecting the radial outer area to the second structural component part. In the area between the radial inner area and the radial outer area, the disk has an offset that offsets the two areas relative to one another in axial direction. To employ a long-lasting rivet connection for fastening the disk in an economical manner, the invention incorporates at least one recess in the disk in the area of the offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Weigand
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090045025
    Abstract: A torsional damper with a hub assembly and a disc assembly has coil springs disposed therebetween. The coil springs are disposed in pockets defined in part by apertures in opposed cover plates. The apertures have sharply angled end portions providing deflection relief near the ends of the coil springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20080314710
    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 means for transmitting torque and means for damping coupling, 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: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen Und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Mario Degler
  • Patent number: 7445552
    Abstract: A flywheel assembly with an improved bearing structure is provided. The flywheel damper (11) is a flywheel assembly for transmitting torque from the crankshaft of an engine, and has a first flywheel assembly (4), a second flywheel assembly (5), a damper mechanism (6), and a needle bearing (43). The first flywheel assembly (4) is fixed to the crankshaft (2). The second flywheel assembly (5) is disposed so as to be able to rotate relative to the first flywheel assembly (4). The damper mechanism (6) elastically connects the second flywheel assembly (5) to the crankshaft (2) in the rotation direction. The needle bearing (43) is a bearing to support rotatably the second flywheel assembly (5) on the crankshaft (2), and has a plurality of needles (44) disposed between the peripheral surfaces (21d) and (37b) of both members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Kozo Yamamoto, Hiroyoshi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 7438166
    Abstract: A flywheel assembly that receives torque from a crankshaft of an engine includes a flywheel, a damper mechanism, and a frictional resistance generation mechanism. The damper mechanism elastically connects the flywheel to the crankshaft in a rotational direction. The damper mechanism includes an input member, an output member, elastic members to connect elastically the input member and the output member in the rotational direction. The frictional resistance generation mechanism is located functionally in parallel with the damper mechanism in the rotational direction. The frictional resistance generation mechanism utilizes a portion of the flywheel as a friction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Tsuruta, Hiroshi Uehara, Kozo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7434300
    Abstract: A process for producing a clutch friction plate in which a plurality of friction material segments are bonded to an annular flat face of an annular core plate so that oil channels are formed between the segments, the process including: a step of forming a plurality of strip-shaped friction materials by cutting a band-shaped friction material along its longitudinal direction; a step of aligning and holding portions, corresponding to the segments, of leading edge parts of the materials in positions above the core plate while positioning the portions in the peripheral direction and in the direction along one diameter of the core plate; a step of forming the segments by cutting off the leading edge parts of the materials positioned above the core plate along a cutting-off line that includes at least an arc line that follows the outer periphery of the core plate, and a step of pressing and bonding the segments onto the face coated with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kensuke Oguri, Tsutomu Tsuboi, Akihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7434672
    Abstract: A hub for a clutch disk arrangement having a friction lining unit with a radially inner set of teeth, the hub including a hub element which can be connected non-rotatably to a shaft; a torque-transmitting arrangement connected to the hub element and having a radially outer set of teeth; and a ring-shaped connecting element made of sheet metal and having a plurality of axially extending tabs and a plurality of openings between the tabs. The outer teeth of the torque transmitting arrangement and the inner teeth of the friction lining unit engage in the openings so that torque can be transmitted from the friction lining element to the hub. The connecting element is preferably fixed to the torsional vibration damper and the inner teeth are preferably axially moveable in the openings so that the friction lining unit can move axially with respect to other friction lining units in a multi-disk clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerald Buer
  • 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: 7426984
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes: a primary mass defining a substantially, ring-shaped chamber that is divided into at least two portions; a secondary mass relatively rotatably connected to the primary mass; and a plurality of damping units disposed in the divided portion of the ring-shaped chamber for coupling the primary and secondary masses to each other in a rotatable elastic manner. Each of the damping units includes a plurality of coil springs, and outer and inner wedge-shaped friction guides. The coil springs are situated in series and disposed one after the other within the divided portions of the ring-shaped chamber. The outer and inner wedge-shaped friction guides face each other along facing surfaces thereof. Each of the facing surfaces of the outer and inner wedge-shaped friction guides are entirely slanted with respect to a radial direction of the primary mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Han Jee, Jae Hoon Jung, Young Rae Song
  • Publication number: 20080179160
    Abstract: A bump stop device comprises a bearing 20 provided with two bottom 22 and top 24 metal washers between which rolling bodies 26 are arranged. A friction ring 34 is fixed to the first of the bottom and top metal washers and rubs against the other metal washer in order to create a static frictional torque that is greater than that of the rolling bodies and, in practice, greater than 1 Nm. The friction ring 34 makes it possible to generate a controlled resisting torque that limits the transmission to the steering column of the torque generated when driving the vehicle on a convex road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Beauprez, Fabien Corlet, Ludovic Saunier
  • Publication number: 20080110716
    Abstract: A clutch damper includes a one-way clutch in combination with a tuned torsional damper incorporated into an accessory belt pulley assembly configured for mounting to the outboard end of the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The clutch damper is advantageously applicable for use with electric hybrid vehicles having automatic engine off periods during normal vehicle operation. The clutch damper permits belt driven accessories to be electrically driven when the engine is off. The damper is tuned to dampen torsional vibration present at the crankshaft, thereby extending the life of the crankshaft and the one-way clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Paul John Gelazin, Gary E. McGee
  • Publication number: 20080087516
    Abstract: A device is provided for damping vibrations, in particular a torsion vibration damper with a primary component and a secondary component, coupled together through a torque transfer device and a damping coupling device. The torque coupling device includes a ramp mechanism for converting a rotation of one of the two elements, primary component, or secondary component, into an axial force proportional to the input moment, which acts upon the other element, the secondary component or the primary component. A device for compensating the resulting axial forces for generating an opposing force, opposing the resulting axial force, wherein the means are designed for a mean input torque. A conversion device is provided, which directly converts an occurring force difference between the resulting axial force and the opposite force into a control variable for operating an actuation device in the device for damping vibrations, whereby an adaptation of the opposite force is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Eugen Kremer, Laurent Ineichen, Christian Huegel
  • Patent number: 7325291
    Abstract: A method for assembling a clutch system on a drivetrain is proposed in which the clutch system is mounted on the transmission and in which the transmission is then connected to the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Gerd Ahnert
  • Publication number: 20080006502
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes a housing which can be filled with liquid; a first friction element carrier which can be connected to a drive component via a first path of torque transmission and carrying a first group of friction elements for rotation in common around an axis of rotation; a second friction element carrier which can be connected to a takeoff component via a second path of torque transmission and carrying a second group of friction elements for rotation in common around the axis of rotation; and a pressure exerting arrangement for bringing the friction elements of the second group into frictional engagement with the friction elements of the first group. A first torsional vibration damper arrangement is located in the first path of torque transmission, and a second torsional vibration damper arrangement is located in the second path of torque transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jorg Sudau
  • Publication number: 20070295572
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a torque converter for an automatic transmission. The torque converter includes an electronically controlled converter clutch disposed within a torque converter housing. A release passage in fluid communication with the electronically controlled converter clutch is defined between standard functional torque converter components. The release passage is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to release the electronically controlled converter clutch. An apply passage in fluid communication with the electronically controlled converter clutch is also defined between standard functional torque converter components. The apply passage is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to engage the electronically controlled converter clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Richard W. Carlson, Andrew L. Bartos
  • Patent number: 7296667
    Abstract: A torque converter with a rotary oscillation damper has two or more rotary damper components that are rotatable in relation to each other. A friction-reducing component is arranged between the rotary damper components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 7287632
    Abstract: A clutch basket is provided having an upper side with upstanding fingers. The fingers include opposing side edges that are engaged by tabs that extend from the periphery of a clutch drive disc. Each finger is provided with a wear resistant shield structure that overlies at least portions of the side edges that are contacted by the tabs. The basket underside includes shock absorbing springs fitted in pockets which are lined with wear-resistant inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Barnett Tool & Engineering
    Inventor: Michael F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7267212
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a lockup clutch of a hydrodynamic clutch arrangement is provided with a drive-side transmission element and a driven-side transmission element which can deflect around a rotational angle relative to each other against the action of energy accumulators. The transmission elements have recesses for receiving an energy accumulator, respectively, which can be supported by its respective end coils at respective circumferential ends of the recess. The circumferential ends of every recess are oriented, respectively, substantially along a first connection line to a first center of curvature. However, the circumferential end coils of every energy accumulator are oriented substantially along a second connection line to a second center of curvature in the absence of a relative rotational deflection of the transmission elements. The second connection line is oriented at an initial set angle relative to the first connection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Erwin Wack, Horst Breier
  • Patent number: 7267211
    Abstract: In a damper device of a lock-up clutch-equipped torque converter which has at least two rotating members that have a common rotation axis and are rotatable relatively to each other via an elastic member, an axial-direction support portion that supports the at least two rotating members in the direction of the rotation axis with respect to each other, and a radial-direction support portion that supports the rotating members in a radial direction with respect to each other are disposed on circumferences that are substantially equidistant from the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiya Yamashita, Ryuji Ibaraki, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroaki Kimura, Yasunori Nakawaki
  • Patent number: 7263912
    Abstract: A flywheel system includes an annular rim mounted for high speed rotation on a flywheel hub. The hub has a radially splined exterior surface facing radially outwards. The rim includes an annular rim liner having an axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of rotation of the hub, and having an inner surface facing radially inward. The inner surface of the rim liner has integral splines projecting radially inward and extending axially. The rim liner splines mate with the hub splines. The flywheel rim liner has a modulus of elasticity el, and a density ?l, and a liner ratio Rl equal to El/?l. The flywheel rim has a modulus of elasticity er in the hoop direction and a density ?r; and a rim ratio Rr equal to Er/?r. The materials and configuration of the rim and rim liner are designed so that Rl is less than or equal to Rr, so said flywheel rim liner grows radially with the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Toray Composites (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Gabrys, Dennis G. Simmons
  • 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
  • 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: 7240413
    Abstract: A process for producing a clutch friction plate in which a plurality of friction material segments are bonded to an annular flat face of an annular core plate so that oil channels are formed between the segments, the process including: a step of forming a plurality of strip-shaped friction materials by cutting a band-shaped friction material along its longitudinal direction; a step of aligning and holding portions, corresponding to the segments, of leading edge parts of the materials in positions above the core plate while positioning the portions in the peripheral direction and in the direction along one diameter of the core plate; a step of forming the segments by cutting off the leading edge parts of the materials positioned above the core plate along a cutting-off line that includes at least an arc line that follows the outer periphery of the core plate, and a step of pressing and bonding the segments onto the face coated with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kensuke Oguri, Tsutomu Tsuboi, Akihiro Yamashita
  • 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: 7207888
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle clutch, said device comprising a disc (60) and a support (80) mounted mobile in rotation relative to each other about a common main axis, and linked in rotation via circumferential elastic members (90) damping torsional vibrations, said elastic members being interposed between the disc (60) and the support (80) and maintained in position circumferentially via lugs (65) of the disc (60) and lugs (82,84) of the support (80) whereon are supported the elastic members (90) and radially via a guide ring (100) passing through the elastic members (90) and integral with the disc (60). Said device is characterised in that the lugs (82,84) of the support (80) are mounted on either side of a section of the ring (100) and the lugs (65) of the disc (60) can move freely at the angle between the lugs (82,84) of the support (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Roël Verhoog, Daniel Bonnel
  • Patent number: 7195111
    Abstract: In a clutch device 1, a second flywheel assembly 5 is axially movable within a predetermined range relative to a crankshaft 2, and a flywheel 21 has a friction surface 21a on a side remote from an engine. The damper mechanism 6 elastically couples the flywheel 21 to the crankshaft 2. The clutch disk assembly 9 has a friction facing 54 neighboring the first friction surface 21a. The clutch cover assembly 8 is attached to the flywheel 21, and biases the friction facing 54 toward the first friction surface 21a. The release device 10 applies an axial load directed toward the engine to the clutch cover assembly 8, and thereby releases the load toward the friction facing 54. The relative rotation suppressing mechanism 24 couples the second flywheel assembly 5 to the disk-like member 13 when the clutch cover assembly 8 receives the axial load directed toward the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7191879
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus for a motor vehicle, including a hub designed to link in rotation an output shaft and a turbine wheel a clutch for locking the coupling between the input shaft and output shaft. A locking piston is axially mobile between a wall integral with the turbine wheel and a wall for locking a crankcase designed rotatable link the input shaft and an impeller wheel. A female member of sealing mechanism, linked to the piston axially about a male member of the sealing mechanism, linked to the hub. A damping mechanism is clamped between the piston and the wall and an output member linked to the hub. The male member and the damping output member are each mounted on the hub or born by a member mounted on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Norberto Termenon
  • Patent number: 7162989
    Abstract: An engine unit for an motorcycle is disclosed in which an accessory drive gear is disposed downstream of primary dampers in the engine power transmission path, and simultaneously upstream of a clutch mechanism in the engine power transmission path. In this engine unit, an accessory, for example, generator, is connected to an intermediate shaft that is parallel to a crank shaft and a counter shaft so as to rotate integrally with the intermediate shaft. An accessory driven gear is meshed with the accessory drive gear, and an accessory damper is disposed between the intermediate shaft and the accessory for absorbing rotational shocks. Furthermore, a starter motor is gear-engaged with the intermediate shaft via a one-way clutch, and the position of this gear engagement is provided between the accessory damper and the accessory driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7159703
    Abstract: In a clutch device 1, a clutch cover assembly 8 is attached to a second flywheel assembly 5 to bias elastically a frictional connection portion 54 against a friction surface 21a of a flywheel 21. A release device 10 releases the bias toward the frictional connection portion 54 by applying a load to the clutch cover assembly 8 in an axial direction toward the engine. A support plate 39 elastically supports the second flywheel assembly 5 such that the second flywheel assembly 5 can move in a bending direction. A bending direction movement suppression mechanism 24 suppresses bending movement of the second flywheel 5 by connecting the second flywheel assembly 5 to a disk-like member 13 when the clutch cover assembly 8 receives a load toward the engine in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Fukushima