Resilient Torque Connection (e.g., For Damping Vibration) Patents (Class 192/70.17)
  • Publication number: 20020179395
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to suppress an increase in an inner diameter of a friction facing of a clutch disk assembly, which may be caused by fixing portions of a plate member pair of a clutch disk assembly 1. The clutch disk assembly 1 is provided to couple to a flywheel 2 of an engine. The clutch disk assembly 1 includes a friction facing 20, a pair of plates 15 and 16, a hub 8, and coil springs 11. The plates 15 and 16 have fixing portions 34 fixing their outer peripheral portions together. The coil springs elastically couple the paired plates 15 and 16 to the hub 8 in the rotating direction. The fixing portions 34 project radially outward beyond the inner periphery of the friction facing 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6484860
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a friction torque device with an improved damper for attenuating torsional vibrations. The improved damper provides the desired axial load for damping while reducing the weight, cost, complexity and size of a driven disk for a friction torque device. A friction torque device comprises a driving member having of rotation, a cover coupled to the driving member for rotation therewith, a pressure plate coupled to the cover for rotation therewith and a driven disk coupled to an axially extending driven shaft for rotation therewith. The driven disk is interposed between the driving member and the pressure plate, the driven disk includes a rotatable disk assembly and a hub assembly. The driven disk comprises at least one reinforcing plate having a plurality of undulations disposed therein for providing a load between the disk assembly and hub assembly. The reinforcing plate may be coupled to the disk assembly, the hub assembly or the plate may not be attached to another component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6481552
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus 1 includes a clutch cover assembly 8 and a damper mechanism 24. The clutch cover assembly 8 includes a pressure plate 51, a clutch cover 28, and a cone spring 52. The damper mechanism 24 includes elastic members 30 that are retained by a crankshaft 2 or the clutch cover assembly 8 and axially releasably engages the other. A release mechanism 10 includes a cover member 57, a release member 60, and a lever member 59. The inner peripheral end of the cover member 57 is supported by a member disposed on a transmission side. The release mechanism 10 moves the plate 51 away from the clutch disk 82 by applying a load to the assembly 8. The relative rotation limiting mechanism connects the assembly 8 to a member disposed on the crankshaft side by the load applied from the release mechanism 10 to the assembly 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20020153221
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes a driving gearwheel, a clutch hub, and a clutch cage. The clutch cage and the clutch hub are coupled together by way of non-positive frictional forces in the clutch cage. A driving disc is fixed to the clutch cage, and a gearbox input shaft is in toothed or splined engagement with the clutch hub. Torsional springs are interposed between the clutch cage and a driving gearwheel to permit the driving gearwheel to rotate within a limited range of motion with respect to the clutch cage. The driving gearwheel meshes with a primary gearwheel on a crankshaft. The crankshaft drives rotation of the gearbox input shaft through the driving gearwheel, the torsional springs, the clutch cage, and the clutch hub. A friction device is interposed between a collar of the driving gearwheel and the driving disc. The friction device damps torsional vibrations by non-positively coupling the driving gearwheel with the driving disc in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schnepf
  • Patent number: 6450314
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations in the power train of a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the engine and the other of which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable relative to each other against the resistance of a damper. Certain features of the apparatus reside in the dimensioning and distribution of its parts in the radial and axial directions of the flywheels to reduce the dimensions of the apparatus. The torque transmitting connection between at least one pair of neighboring rotary parts of the apparatus employs a slip clutch which yields when the applied torque exceeds a certain value. An intermittently or continuously active hysteresis device is utilized to operate in parallel with the energy storing springs of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Daniel Niess
  • Publication number: 20020125093
    Abstract: A toraue-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Honemann
  • Patent number: 6446780
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for arrangement in a clutch disk includes a hub element and a hub-disk arrangement arranged on the hub element. The hub-disk arrangement has a first transmission arrangement and a second transmission arrangement which is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the first transmission arrangement. A first damping arrangement acts between the first and the second transmission arrangement. A third transmission arrangement is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the hub element. A second damping arrangement acts between the third transmission arrangement and one of the first and second transmission arrangements and allows a relative rotation between the third transmission arrangement and the one of the first and second transmission arrangements. Furthermore, a first friction device acts between the third transmission arrangement and at least one of the first and second transmission arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Herbst
  • Patent number: 6443284
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and system for isolating torsional vibrations in a driveline having a friction torque device and a ratio-change transmission. The friction torque device includes a driven member having radially extending projections for coupling the friction torque device to a shaft. The apparatus comprises a rotatably supported input shaft having a first end, a second end and an inner bore. A plurality of projections are disposed adjacent to the first end of the input shaft for engaging the radially extending projections of a driven member. The apparatus further comprises a torsion bar having a torsional spring rate, where the torsion bar is at least partially disposed within the bore of the input shaft. The torsion bar has a first end and a second end, the second end of the torsion bar is coupled to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Dale A. Stretch
  • Patent number: 6439361
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus, particularly for motor vehicles, with a fluid coupling or a hydrodynamic torque converter and a damping system has an improved design providing the advantages of stress-free mounting of the damper, technical and cost improvements in the manufacture of the apparatus, modular assembly, capability to transmit large torque and attenuate rotational perturbations over a wide RPM range so as to minimize wear to prolong the useful life of the entire unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 6431336
    Abstract: In vibration attenuating apparatus and method for use on damper springs of a clutch disc, the clutch disc includes clutch plates, a clutch hub splinedly connected to a clutch shaft, frictional facings mounted on front and rear surfaces of the clutch plates, and damper springs mounted on the clutch plates. The apparatus further includes variable damping means inserted into each damper spring. The variable damping means controls a damping coefficient of the damper springs in accordance with an intensity of an electric current provided by an electronic control unit in order to prevent the transmission of abnormal vibration of an engine to a transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hong-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 6427819
    Abstract: In a clutch for a motor vehicle, an axially displaceable contact-pressure disk has a number of driver elements guided by a guide and further driver elements which are supported with spring elements in another guide. In the disengaged state of the clutch, the spring elements preload the contact-pressure disk into a central position, in which the guided driver element is remote from a stop. This prevents the driver element from digging into the stop and hence prevents sticking of the contact-pressure disk in the engaged state of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Andreas Orlamünder
  • Patent number: 6416417
    Abstract: A dual mass vibration damping flywheel includes a primary mass flywheel and a secondary mass flywheel connected to the primary mass flywheel. A drive plate having a characteristic shape is positioned between the primary mass flywheel and the secondary mass flywheel, the drive plate being rotated in response to rotation of the primary mass flywheel. A spring assembly is provided having a roller member at one end thereof, the roller member being in contact with the characteristic shape of the drive plate and compressing the spring assembly upon rotation of the drive plate. The drive plate is formed as an axe shape such that the roller of the spring assembly rolls in contact with the characteristic shape of the drive plate upon rotation of the drive plate and the primary mass flywheel. The effect of the spring assembly and roller against the characteristic shape of the drive plate is to dampen the vibration of the dual mass flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Hyunsik Kim
  • Patent number: 6409002
    Abstract: A pressure plate subassembly for a friction clutch includes a housing connectable to an abutment arrangement for joint rotation about an axis of rotation, a pressure plate arranged in the housing so that the pressure plate is rotatable together with the housing about the axis of rotation (A) and so that the pressure plate is displaceable relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation, and a force accumulator for generating a pressure force, the force accumulator being supported on the housing and on the pressure plate. The force accumulator is arranged outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Orlamünder, Achim Link, Wolfgang Reiber, Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 6401897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transmitting torque, more particularly from an internal combustion engine to a transmission on the output side in a motor vehicle, and to a method for assembling and dismantling as well as maintaining this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Stefan Bornefeld
  • Patent number: 6401894
    Abstract: A multiple-clutch assembly includes a housing and a first clutch having a first drive member rotatably supported within the housing on a drive hub and a first driven member rotatably supported within the housing on a first driven shaft. A first clutch pack is interposed between the first drive and driven members and operable to selectively connect and disconnect the first drive and driven members for transferring and interrupting torque between the first drive and driven members. A second clutch is supported within the housing coaxial with respect to the first clutch and includes a second drive member rotatably supported within the housing on the drive hub and a second driven member rotatably supported within the housing on a second driven shaft. The first and second driven shafts are disposed concentrically relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Merkel, Thomas Edward Braford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6397996
    Abstract: In a starting clutch comprising a wet type multi-plate clutch having a clutch case, a housing attached to an output shaft of an engine and adapted to cover the wet type multi-plate clutch, and a damper disposed between the wet type multi-plate clutch and the housing, the damper is constituted by a spring, a retainer plate for holding the spring, and a pawl portion elastically engaging with the spring, and the retainer plate is attached to the housing and the pawl portion is attached to the clutch case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yabe
  • Publication number: 20020060118
    Abstract: The torque transmitting connection between the output shaft of the prime mover and the input shaft or shafts of the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is established by a torsional vibration damper and a clutch assembly. The damper has an input member affixed to the output shaft and an output element separably coupled to a counterpressure plate of a single friction clutch or of one of two friction clutches of the clutch assembly by an axial plug-in connection. The output element(s) of the clutch(es) is or are connected to a single input shaft or to discrete input shafts of the transmission. The plug-in connection renders it possible to assemble the torsional vibration damper with the prime mover and to assemble the clutch assembly with the transmission prior to the establishment of a torque transmitting connection between the damper and the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Sebastien Beneton, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 6390263
    Abstract: The clutch includes a crown ring (22) integral with an annular rim of axial orientation, which a guide washer (17) has externally, this guide washer being coupled elastically of [sic] a web (14) integral in rotation with the output element (1) of a hydrokinetic coupling apparatus. The crown ring (22) meshes with a drive disc intended to be integrated in rotation, in such a way that it can be de-clutched, with the input element (2) of the said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Rabah Arhab
  • Publication number: 20020056600
    Abstract: In a torque converter provided with a lockup device, performance of a torsion spring is improved, preferably by increasing its size, while suppressing an increase of an axial dimension of the torque converter. The torque converter includes a toric fluid actuating portion having an impeller, a turbine, and a stator. A ratio (D2/D1) of an inside diameter D2 to an outside diameter D1 of the fluid actuating portion is equal to or greater than 0.61.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Takao Fukunaga, Kozo Mori
  • Publication number: 20020046916
    Abstract: A torsion damping mechanism with a torsion damper with an input side and an output side, where the input side and the output side are connected elastically to each other by spring-type stored energy elements for rotation in common auxiliary mass which can rotate coaxially to the torsion damping mechanism is connected frictionally to the torsion damping mechanism by way of a friction area, where the frictional connection between the torsion damping mechanism and the auxiliary mass has a predetermined frictional moment. When this moment is exceeded during the occurrence of peaks in the torque being applied to the torsion damping mechanism, the auxiliary mass can slip or slips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Bernd Peinemann, Jurgen Weth, Cora Carlson, Paul Kraus, Reinhard Feldhaus, Hartmut Bach
  • Publication number: 20020038751
    Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch in which an input side element and an output side element are joined together by applying an axial load thereby to transmit a power, which clutch comprises urging means for always providing the axial load, and releasing means for releasing the input side element and the output side element from the axial load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Masao Shoji, Yoshio Kinoshita, Shiro Takeuchi, Tadashi Watanabe, Tatsuro Miyoshi, Hirofumi Nakagomi, Hiroshi Yabe, Shigeharu Nishimura, Nobuhiro Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6360861
    Abstract: A clutch having a friction spring for exerting a frictional torque for restraining resonance of the damper spring utilizing a small pressing force. The friction spring is disposed at a portion of the clutch member which is radially outward from the damper spring. This arrangement reduces the amount of spring force required of the friction spring. Also, the contact areas between the clutch member and the driven gear are located radially outwardly of the damper spring, which increases the annular contact area between the driven gear and the clutch member, and reduces wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromi Sumi, Norikazu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20020033313
    Abstract: Drive system torsional vibration resonance while an engine is idling is prevented. An input clutch pack is connected to a rotating drive plate connected to the engine. The input clutch pack is formed from a drive side comprising an input drum, metal plates, and a retaining plate and from a driven side comprising an input clutch hub and facing plates. When the input clutch pack is disengaged, the inertial mass on the engine side with the engine serving as the vibration source, the coil spring, and the inertial mass on the drive side form a single-degree-of-freedom drive system torsional vibration model. By increasing the thickness in the axial direction of the metal plates, the drive side inertial mass is made to be 50% to 100% of the engine side inertial mass. As a result, drive system torsional vibration resonance during idling is prevented while the weight increase is kept to a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: JATCO TransTechnology Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Katou, Nobushi Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20020020598
    Abstract: A clutch disk including a hub area and a plurality of friction lining elements carried on the hub area, which are arranged in sequence around the circumference relative to the clutch disk rotational axis, and provide at least part of the friction surface area, where the friction lining elements are designed to make frictional contact with the associated opposing friction surface of a flywheel, a pressure plate, or the like. At least one friction lining element is carried on the hub area with freedom to shift position essentially in the circumferential direction relative to the rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Matthias Diemer, Andreas Orlamunder, Andreas Dau
  • Patent number: 6332521
    Abstract: In a starting clutch having input side elements and output side elements that are frictionally engaged with each other by receiving an axial load, urging means for permanently urging such elements is provided. Further, in a starting clutch comprising a multi-plate clutch having a hub, a damper device and a housing for covering the multi-plate clutch and the damper device, an outer peripheral side of the hub of the multi-plate clutch is connected to drive side elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventor: Masao Shoji
  • Patent number: 6325191
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter including a turbine wheel arranged inside of a housing, a torque converter lockup clutch, an axially mounted piston, a torsional vibration damper and a hub. The turbine wheel and the piston are rotationally fixed to the input component of the damper. The input component is connected to the hub by means of a connection provided with a circumferential backlash. The output component of the damper is connected to the hub without circumferential backlash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Meisner, Stephan Maienschein, Uwe Wagner, Frank Uhlmann, Wendy Boman, Thomas Heck
  • Patent number: 6302253
    Abstract: Torque transmission unit includes an input shaft and an output shaft with a torsion damping device functionally arranged between the input shaft and an output shaft. A shift clutch is also operatively arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft for selectively varying the torque transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft. The torsion damping device has at least a primary mass and a secondary mass, the primary mass being effectively connected to the input shaft and the secondary mass being effectively connected to the output shaft. The torque transmission unit further comprises an electric machine with a stator and a rotor effectively connected to the input shaft. At least one of the shift clutch and the torsion damping device is arranged within an annular space delimited by the rotor and the stator of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Achim Link, Wolfgang Reisser, Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 6299541
    Abstract: A double flywheel vibration damper including two coaxial masses free to rotate relative to each other and acting against elastic parts, in which one of the masses, referred to as the first mass, is intended to be fastened to a drive shaft, whereas the other mass, referred to as the second mass, includes a reaction plate assuring rotational connection to a driven shaft, and in which the first mass has a central hub projecting axially and carrying bearing member operating between the second mass and the central hub to enable the second mass to rotate on the first mass, wherein the central hub comprises two aligned coaxial parts, namely a first hub supporting the second mass rotationally via the bearing member fitted on this first hub, and a second hub intended to be fastened to the drive shaft, and wherein the second hub constitutes an axial spacer between the drive shaft and the first hub. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle transmission systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Patrice Bertin, Daniel Fenioux, Giovanni Grieco
  • Patent number: 6293380
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic coupling apparatus (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (12) provided with a wall (24), with globally transverse orientation, a turbine wheel (30), and a locking engagement (16), including a piston (50) linked in rotation with the housing (12) and a set (56) of parallel friction discs (120, 124, 122), which comprises two front (120) and rear (122) discs linked in rotation with the turbine wheel (30) and an intermediate disc (124) which is linked in rotation with the two elements constituted by the piston (50) and the transverse wall (24) of the housing (12). The piston (50) and the transverse wall (24) of the housing (12) are linked in rotation by straps (104) substantially elongated tangential to a circumference of the assembly and whereof the opposite ends are attached to these two elements, and the intermediate friction disc (124) is driven in rotation by means (114, 138) attaching the ends of the straps (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Rabah Arhab
  • Patent number: 6287205
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dual mass damping flywheel comprising a secondary flywheel (13) including a torque limiter (19) interposed between a hub (18) external periphery and the internal periphery a reaction plate (16) Whereon is directly mounted an internal ring (160) made of different material. The invention is applicable to motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Ciriaco Bonfilio, Jean-Claude Bochot, Daniel Fenioux
  • Patent number: 6283262
    Abstract: A flywheel assembly 1 includes a flywheel 2, a flexible plate 3 and a dynamic damper 4 to reduce the noise of an engine during acceleration of the speed of the engine. The flexible plate 3 connects the flywheel 2 with a crankshaft 5 so as to be able to oscillate in a bending direction. The dynamic damper 4 includes a mass body 13, and a plate 14 which connects the mass body 13 with the flywheel 2 so as to be able to oscillate in a bending direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Kozo Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20010004956
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations in the power train of a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the engine and the other of which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable relative to each other against the resistance of a damper. Certain features of the apparatus reside in the dimensioning and distribution of its parts in the radial and axial directions of the flywheels to reduce the dimensions of the apparatus. The torque transmitting connection between at least one pair of neighboring rotary parts of the apparatus employs a slip clutch which yields when the applied torque exceeds a certain value. An intermittently or continuously active hysteresis device is utilized to operate in parallel with the energy storing springs of the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jackel, Daniel Niess
  • Publication number: 20010003323
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping torsional vibrations having at least two relatively rotatable elements which can rotate against a torsion vibration damper mounted between same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Oser, Albert Birk
  • Patent number: 6244401
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 6234288
    Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus which can be used in the power train between the prime mover and the transmission of a motor vehicle has a first flywheel connectable to the prime mover, a second flywheel coaxial with and receiving torque from the first flywheel by way of a damper, and a friction clutch which can be engaged to transmit torque between the second flywheel and the input element of the transmission. The energy storing elements of the damper and the bearing between the two flywheels are installed radially inwardly of the friction surfaces of the second flywheel and the axially movable pressure plate of the friction clutch. This renders it possible to reduce at least the radial dimensions of the apparatus without reducing the diameters of the friction surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reik, Johann Jäckel
  • Patent number: 6216838
    Abstract: The invention concerns a torque damper arranged between an input element and a rotating output element, and comprising resilient members (60), with circumferential action, two guide washers associated with one of the elements and axially arranged on either side of a disc associated with the other element, the resilient members (60) operating between the two guide washers and the disc, by being placed in windows (64, 65), located opposite provided in the guide washers and in the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Michel Bacher, Josip Kovac, Patrick Lucsak
  • Patent number: 6213270
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping torsional vibrations in the power train of a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the engine and the other of which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch. The flywheels are rotatable relative to each other against the resistance of a damper. Certain features of the apparatus reside in the dimensioning and distribution of its parts in the radial and axial directions of the flywheels to reduce the dimensions of the apparatus. The torque transmitting connection between at least one pair of neighboring rotary parts of the apparatus employs a slip clutch which yields when the applied torque exceeds a certain value. An intermittently or continuously active hysteresis device is utilized to operate in parallel with the energy storing springs of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Daniel Niess
  • Patent number: 6186898
    Abstract: The invention concerns an elastic coupling device comprising a first guide washer (1) integral in rotation with the drive washer and a disc (10) integral with a hub (17) oriented towards the first guide washer (1), which bears at its outer periphery a second guide washer. The invention is applicable to motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Carlos Lopez
  • Patent number: 6182809
    Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus which can be used in the power train between the prime mover and the transmission of a motor vehicle has a first flywheel connectable to the prime mover, a second flywheel coaxial with and receiving torque from the first flywheel by way of a damper, and a friction clutch which can be engaged to transmit torque between the second flywheel and the input element of the transmission. The energy storing elements of the damper and the bearing between the two flywheels are installed radially inwardly of the friction surfaces of the second flywheel and the axially movable pressure plate of the friction clutch. This renders it possible to reduce at least the radial dimensions of the apparatus without reducing the diameters of the friction surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reik, Johann Jäckel
  • Patent number: 6167999
    Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus which can be used in the power train between the prime mover and the transmission of a motor vehicle has a first flywheel connectable to the prime mover, a second flywheel coaxial with and receiving torque from the first flywheel by way of a damper, and a friction clutch which can be engaged to transmit torque between the second flywheel and the input element of the transmission. The energy storing elements of the damper and the bearing between the two flywheels are installed radially inwardly of the friction surfaces of the second flywheel and the axially movable pressure plate of the friction clutch. This renders it possible to reduce at least the radial dimensions of the apparatus without reducing the diameters of the friction surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reik, Johann J{umlaut over (a)}ckel
  • Patent number: RE37465
    Abstract: A torsion damping apparatus between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission of a motor vehicle has two flywheels one of which is driven by the crankshaft and the other of which drives the input shaft by way of a friction clutch which generates heat. In order to prevent the transfer of heat from the friction clutch to the antifriction bearing between the flywheels, which are rotatable relative to each other against the opposition of a damper, the bearing is at least partially surrounded by a thermal barrier of synthetic plastic, ceramic or metallic material which prolongs the useful life of the bearing and enhances the torsion damping action of the damper. The thermal barrier can constitute or form part of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reik, Hans-Dieter Elison