Spline Connection For Multiple Clutch-elements Patents (Class 192/70.2)
  • Patent number: 11781602
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch is specified, with an outer plate carrier, an inner plate carrier and a plate pack which consists of alternately arranged outer plates and inner plates and is arranged radially between the outer plate carrier and the inner plate carrier, wherein a first group of the outer plates is mounted on the outer plate carrier and/or a first group of the inner plates is mounted on the inner plate carrier with a larger circumferential backlash than the other outer plates or inner plates, respectively, which are mounted on their plate carrier with no or smaller circumferential backlash, wherein the outer and/or inner plates with larger circumferential backlash in each case directly adjoin at least one plate with no or smaller circumferential backlash. Furthermore, an electrically operated drive train and a method for producing a multi-plate clutch are specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HOERBIGER ANTRIEBSTECHNIK HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Ansgar Damm, Sami Özkan, Jürgen Binder
  • Patent number: 11536321
    Abstract: The tooth part includes: a tubular portion having an inner tooth portion formed on an inner peripheral surface and an outer tooth portion formed on an outer peripheral surface; a plurality of inner peripheral wall portions that each extend in an axial direction of the tubular portion and form a tooth tip portion of the inner tooth portion and a tooth bottom portion of the outer tooth portion; a plurality of outer peripheral wall portions that each extend in the axial direction and form a tooth bottom portion of the inner tooth portion and a tooth tip portion of the outer tooth portion; and an annular rib that is joined to the outer peripheral wall portions and that extends in an annular shape on an open end side with respect to the inner peripheral wall portions in the axial direction and radially outward from the inner peripheral wall portions, at an open end of the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Matsumoto, Takuya Maruyama
  • Patent number: 11504762
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a forming system for producing a gear part through a rotational forming. According to the invention provision is made in that in a preforming step a rotationally symmetrical workpiece is set into rotation about its center axis and, at least through axial feeding and passing of at least one forming roller, a stretch-flow forming is carried out, wherein a cylindrical circumferential wall with a defined target wall thickness is shaped which is smaller than a basic wall thickness of the workpiece. Subsequently, in a finish-forming step the preformed workpiece is clamped onto an inner mandrel with external toothing and set into rotation and at least one profiled toothed roller is fed radially, by which the cylindrical circumferential wall, whilst substantially maintaining the target wall thickness, is formed into the external toothing of the inner mandrel, wherein a drum-shaped toothed region with a splined toothing is shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Leifeld Metal Spinning AG
    Inventor: Benedikt Nillies
  • Patent number: 11401979
    Abstract: An improved clutch hub assembly is disclosed. The improved clutch hub assembly provides improved wear resistance at the interfaces between separator plates and a clutch hub while allowing an operator to have improved clutch lever control and modulation when manually engaging or disengaging the clutch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Rekluse Racing, LLC
    Inventors: Albert James Youngwerth, Sean G. Brown, Karl E. Jensen, Logan P. Krueger, Gabriel Sutherland, Sarah Haight, Dayne Konrad, Calvin Brown
  • Patent number: 10989252
    Abstract: A clutch carrier assembly for a transmission is disclosed that comprises a clutch carrier and a ring gear carrier. The clutch carrier includes a plurality of tabs and the ring gear carrier includes a plurality of openings defined in, and extending through, an outer surface. The ring gear carrier is disposed within the clutch carrier. Each of the tabs is received within a corresponding one of the openings such that the ring gear carrier and the clutch carrier are held together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Venkata Sivaram Bitragunta, Rolf Mueller, Charles Schwab, Michael Hodge
  • Patent number: 10982724
    Abstract: A clutch carrier includes a first component and a second component. The first component has an undulating ring, a cylindrical ring, and a connector portion. The undulating ring has an inner surface, and an outer surface for mating engagement with a clutch plate spline. The connector portion is between the undulating ring and the cylindrical ring. A plurality of apertures are defined at least partially in the connector portion. The second component has a first radial wall, a plurality of segments, and a plurality of formable tabs. The plurality of segments extend axially from the first radial wall and contact at least a portion of the inner surface to radially position the second component within the first component. The plurality of formable tabs extend from the first radial wall through the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 10948059
    Abstract: An input drum of an automotive transmission for motor vehicles is formed from a plurality of components assembled together. The input drum has a hub having outwardly extending tabs, and a clutch cylinder having internal grooves for receiving the tabs when the hub is assembled to the clutch cylinder. The hub and the clutch cylinder are arranged such that openings in the hub and openings in an inwardly extending circumferential flange of the clutch cylinder are in axial alignment when the tabs of the hub are received in the internal grooves of the clutch cylinder. The hub and clutch cylinder are assembled together by connecting elements extending through the aligned openings in the hub and clutch cylinder. An input shaft is permanently or removably attached to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Transgo, LLC
    Inventor: David A Hardin
  • Patent number: 10920835
    Abstract: A clutch device includes an outer disk carrier, outer disks, an inner disk carrier, inner disks, and at least one lug. The outer disk carrier has first axially running grooves, a first edge, and a first edge side. Each of the outer disks has radial projections spaced apart by depressions and projecting into the first axially running grooves. The inner disk carrier has second axially running grooves, a second edge, and a second edge side. Each of the inner disks has radial projections spaced apart by depressions and projecting into the second axially running grooves. The lug is arranged between two grooves of the first axially running grooves and extending axially from the first edge side, or arranged between two grooves of the second axially running grooves and extending axially from the second edge side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marc Wagner
  • Patent number: 10774881
    Abstract: The invention relates to a friction device (1) comprising a cage-like support element (2), wherein the support element (2) comprises a cage casing which is formed from a plurality of a disks (4) which are arranged consecutively in axial direction (5), comprise an annular main disk body (6) and which each have on their outer periphery (7) or inner periphery (14) a plurality of torque transmission elements (8), wherein gaps (10) are formed respectively between the torque transmission elements (8) in peripheral direction (9) of the disks (4), and the torque transmission elements (8) of the respectively adjacent disk (4) engage in the gaps (10) of the disks (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Miba Frictec GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Astecker, Stefan Gaigg
  • Patent number: 10704611
    Abstract: A backing plate assembly includes a front cover and a rear cover. The front cover defines an inner surface and a front plane, and the rear cover terminates at a lip. A backing plate forms a body having an outer surface that terminates at a base portion. When the outer surface is coupled to the inner surface, the backing plate is rotationally but not axially coupled to the front cover. The lip contacts the base portion to define a maximum axial distance between the backing plate and the front plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Jezrah Horen, Michael Rietdorf, Thinh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10690194
    Abstract: Clutch kits and methods for converting a stock clutch assembly and the clutch assemblies resulting therefrom. Such a method entails modifying a stock clutch assembly comprising a stock drum and stock friction and driving plates installed in an interior cavity of the drum. The method includes securing a pressure plate to the drum with threads to enclose stock or modified friction and driving plates within the interior cavity of the drum. The pressure plate can be configured to axially externally extend the interior cavity of the drum so that additional friction and/or driving plates may accommodated within the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Mason Morris Smith
  • Patent number: 10415653
    Abstract: A clutch for a lift fan with input and output shafts on a common rotational axis, connected by disc shaped output clutch plates oriented normal to the axis. A keyway extends radially inward from a mouth at an outer diameter of each output clutch plate to a seat at an inner diameter of the respective clutch plate. At least one output shaft lug key may be positioned in the keyway and extends axially from one output clutch plate to the other output clutch plate, which couples the rotation of the output clutch plates to the rotation the output shaft and allows axial movement of the two output clutch plates relative the output shaft lug key, the output shaft has an outer radial surface and an inner radial surface. At least one input clutch plate positioned axially between the two output clutch plates and rotationally fixed to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Tyler Bouton, Kevin Beckner, Andy Copeland, Matt Starr, Doug Schwerin, Kyle Hassler
  • Patent number: 10156270
    Abstract: A friction clutch for coupling a drive shaft of a motor vehicle engine to a transmission input shaft of a motor vehicle transmission. An input disk carrier is couplable to the drive shaft and an output disk carrier is couplable to the transmission input shaft. A return spring positions the output part in a defined initial position relative to the input part. The return spring allows a higher pressing force between the input part and the output part in the engaged state when the friction lining is in a worn condition than when the friction lining is in the non-worn condition. Through the use of the return spring to also transfer torque, a pressing force that reduces as the friction linings become worn can be compensated for by changing the direction of force of the torque introduced through the return spring for reliable engagement of the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Marc Finkenzeller
  • Patent number: 10145425
    Abstract: A clutch carrier includes a stamped carrier and a hub portion. The stamped carrier has a first circumferential wall, a second circumferential wall axially and radially offset from the first circumferential wall, and a first radial wall extending radially inward from the second circumferential wall. The hub portion has a third circumferential wall extending from the first radial wall, a fourth circumferential wall axially and radially offset from the third circumferential wall, and a second radial wall connecting the third and fourth circumferential walls. In some example embodiments, the first circumferential wall includes a plurality of axially extending fingers for driving engagement with a clutch plate. In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of axially extending fingers includes a groove for receiving a retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: David Smith, Michael Hodge, Daniel Linton, Gregory Heeke, Matthew Frary
  • Patent number: 10132364
    Abstract: A backing plate configuration and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The backing plate configuration includes a main body having a reaction section connected to a perpendicularly disposed strength section. The thickness of the strength section may be less than or equal to the thickness of the reaction section. The friction clutch assembly includes interleaved first and second clutch plates. The main body (of the backing plate) is disposed adjacent to an end second clutch plate. The main body is piloted by and/or splined to the same transmission member as the end second clutch plate. In an engaged position, the end second clutch plate is compressed directly against and into contact with the main body. A method of forming the backing plate configuration is included, which includes stamping of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory W. Deneszczuk, Manuel Martinez Sanchez, Scott W. Heitzenrater, Angela R. Bertolini
  • Patent number: 9562573
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a replacement forward drum for Ford's 4R70E/W and 4R75E/W transmissions. In one embodiment, a replacement forward drum is provided that may include a high-strength structure with oil feed passageways configured to provide fluid communication with one of Ford's OE 4R70E/W or 4R75E/W stator tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan L. Bowman
  • Patent number: 9212701
    Abstract: A clocked retaining assembly for use in an automotive powertrain is provided. The clocked retaining assembly includes an inner component and an outer component. The inner component has an outer side having a plurality of inner spline teeth separated by a plurality of inner grooves formed in the outer side. The outer component has an inner side having a plurality of outer spline teeth separated by a plurality of outer grooves formed in the inner side. The outer component forms a continuous inner circumferential slot through the outer spline teeth around the inner circumference of the inner side. The inner spline teeth are disposed in the inner circumferential slot. A pin extension is disposed in an inner groove an outer groove. The pin extension prevents the inner component from rotating with respect to the outer component. A method for retaining the inner and outer components is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Alan Dziurda
  • Patent number: 9157488
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus including a compressive force boosting member for biasing a presser plate in a direction to compress friction plates between a pressure bearing plate and the presser plate upon accelerated rotation of a clutch inner member. A movable cam member is formed independently wherein the machinability thereof is enhanced. A compressive force boosting member includes a cam mechanism. The movable cam member is separate from a clutch inner member and a movable spring retainer member for movement independent of said clutch inner member in response to accelerated rotation of the clutch inner member. A pressure bearing plate is fixed to a clutch inner member rotatable relatively to an output shaft. A plurality of bosses extending through a presser plate have respective ends affixed thereto. A back torque limiter member has a cam mechanism disposed between a clutch inner member and an output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Miyazaki, Taito Kobayashi, Akira Tokito, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Patent number: 9068605
    Abstract: A clutch member of a torque converter of an automatic transmission fitted slidingly with a splined connection between a number of extending teeth of the clutch member and channels of a torque converter housing configured to slidingly engage the teeth. At least two of the teeth are elongated for a distance beyond engagement with a base of the respective engaging channels and bent at right angles to the original tooth extension direction. The extent of parallel engagement of the bent tooth and base of the channel of the splined connection is significantly increased and fretting wear between the teeth and the channels of the housing is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: TRI COMPONENT PROD. CORP.
    Inventor: Michael Ratner
  • Publication number: 20150053047
    Abstract: The inertia drive consists of a clutch subassembly including an input head shaft, a clutch plate stack, six clutch springs, and a clutch housing; and a screw shaft/pinion subassembly including a screw shaft, a pinion and a stop nut. Spline engagements and snap rings are used to couple the clutch housing and stop nut to the screw shaft. The use of splined engagements and snap rings eliminates the need for stop nuts to be threaded onto the screw shaft, reducing manufacturing cost and increasing durability. The use of splined engagements for coupling the screw shaft to the clutch housing and the stop nut to the screw shaft also allows both the clutch housing and stop nuts to be radially positioned on the screw shaft with incremental adjustability to selectively orientate the pinion relative to both the clutch housing and the stop nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Paul H. Sloan, JR.
  • Patent number: 8950557
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for improved torque tubes. In this regard, an apparatus is provided comprising a torque tube having an axis, a proximal terminus and a distal back leg, a first spline circumferentially disposed on the torque tube, a second spline circumferentially disposed on the torque tube, the first spline extending from a first location proximal to the distal back leg to a first terminal point, and the second spline extending from a second location proximal to the distal hack leg to a second terminal point, the second terminal point being distal to the first terminal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua Craig Houser
  • Patent number: 8919517
    Abstract: An annular core plate for a multiplate clutch assembly includes a main annular portion and an engagement annular portion extending from the main annular portion. The engagement annular portion has teeth extending therefrom. The teeth are thicker than the main annular portion. A multiplate clutch assembly is provided that includes at least one annular core plate or friction plate and at least one annular separator plate. A method of constructing at least one plate for a multiplate clutch assembly is also provided. The method includes forming an annular separator plate from sheet metal by removing a circular section from a separator plate main body portion of the sheet metal, removing a portion of the circular section to form teeth in the circular section, and attaching the circular section to an annular plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Alan Dziurda, Charles S. Davis
  • Patent number: 8905210
    Abstract: One variation may include a parallel, preferably wet, dual clutch device (2) for arrangement in a drive train of a motor vehicle, between a drive unit (4) and a transmission (6), which has a first multiplate clutch (30) assigned to a first transmission input shaft (10) and having a first plate assembly (38), a first actuating piston (46), a first inner plate carrier (36) and a first outer plate carrier (34) for selective torque transmission between the drive unit (4) and the first transmission input shaft (10), and has a second multiplate clutch (32) assigned to a second transmission input shaft (12) and having a second plate assembly (44), a second actuating piston (48), a second inner plate carrier (42) and a second outer plate carrier (40) for selective torque transmission between the drive unit (4) and the second transmission input shaft (12), wherein the actuating pistons (46, 48) have mutually opposed actuating directions (50, 52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Juergen Hauck
  • Patent number: 8905208
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a housing having an inner peripheral spline portion; an inner shaft having an outer peripheral spline portion; a main clutch including first outer and inner clutch plates respectively engaged with the inner and outer peripheral spline portions; a cam mechanism generating pressing force for pressing the main clutch by relatively rotating a pair of cam members; and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism including an armature engaged with the inner peripheral spline portion and applying rotation force to the cam mechanism for relatively rotating the cam members through energization of an electromagnetic coil. An end face facing the armature is formed in the inner peripheral spline portion between a first region engaged with the first outer clutch plate and a second region engaged with the armature. Movement of the armature toward the first region is regulated by contact of the armature with the end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Sawada, Mikiharu Oyabu, Yasunari Saito, Masakatsu Kani, Shun Ohno, Hirotake Ito, Yoshihiro Ikushima
  • Publication number: 20140339044
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Publication number: 20140339043
    Abstract: A clutch assembly including a housing having internal radial teeth including relatively sharp V-shaped crests and troughs and annular clutch plates having teeth of the same configuration, wherein the included angle between adjacent teeth is about 60°. The internal surface of the housing in the disclosed embodiment further includes generally straight segments between a plurality of adjacent teeth having a longitudinal oil slot. The radial teeth of the clutch plates are continuous to nest into the internal teeth of the housing and the relatively straight segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Patent number: 8813933
    Abstract: A composite, i.e., two element, two material clutch hub includes an inner sleeve of a heavy, high strength material to and about which is cast an outer element of a lighter, lower strength material. The sleeve typically includes a splined opening that is received on one or two complementarily splined shafts and a plurality of radially oriented pins or lugs or a discontinuous flange about which the outer element is cast. The outer element is splined to the friction plate of a clutch or other component. The high strength material is preferably, though not necessarily, steel and the lighter material is preferably, though not necessarily, an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the sleeve may be a high strength aluminum alloy such as a metal matrix composite (MMC) and the outer element may be a lower strength, different aluminum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Caleb G. Harmon, Scott William Heitzenrater
  • Patent number: 8813934
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Szuba Consulting, Inc., Value Extraction LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Patent number: 8757344
    Abstract: An automotive clutch housing and a method of manufacture thereof is provided. The clutch housing has a cylindrical body that is formed from a form folded strip metal sheet that is later formed into a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is then joined to a hub to form a clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Martin P. Keating
  • Patent number: 8746429
    Abstract: The present device is an improved clutch system that conveys rotational energy from a power source to the gearbox input shaft of a motorcycle. A clutch basket is mechanically coupled to the power source and slidably engaged to pronged clutch drive plates, which are frictionally engaged to splined steel driven plates. A clutch hub engages the splined steel driven plates when pressurized air moves a piston against a pressure plate, causing the clutch hub and splined steel driven plates to engage. The rotating splined steel driven plates will then rotate the clutch hub to convey rotational energy to the gearbox input shaft of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Todd Patterson
  • Patent number: 8701853
    Abstract: A housing for use with a clutch assembly includes an annular wall disposed around an axis and extending between an open end of the housing and a floor of the housing with the floor extending toward the axis. A plurality of splines are spaced around the annular wall and extends between the open end and the floor. The splines define a work surface for engaging teeth of a clutch plate with the work surface being fractured from the annular wall providing a substantially normal relationship to the annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Szuba Consulting, Inc., Value Extraction LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Publication number: 20140054125
    Abstract: A multiple plate friction clutch includes clutch plates or discs having reduced frictional (spin) losses and thus reduced heat generation and improved service life. The clutch plates include both leaf springs or spring tabs at the periphery of the clutch plate that axially bias adjacent plates away from one another and a reduced area of friction material that contacts an adjacent reaction plate. On a typical motor vehicle automatic transmission clutch, a total of six or eight leaf springs or tabs are utilized: with three or four offset to one side and three or four offset to the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Diemer, Todd R. Berger
  • Patent number: 8636129
    Abstract: An automotive clutch housing and a method of manufacture thereof is provided. The clutch housing has a cylindrical body that is formed from a form folded strip metal sheet that is later formed into a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is then joined to a hub to form a clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Martin P. Keating
  • Patent number: 8607952
    Abstract: A clutch has an outer aluminum housing and an inner housing arranged coaxially with respect to one another to support a plurality of first and second alternating, interiorly arranged, radially extending, friction members for axial movement between engaged and disengaged positions. The outer aluminum housing can have a cylindrical side wall and a radially inwardly extending end wall. A plurality of spline teeth can be formed at angularly spaced locations along the cylindrical side wall. Each spline tooth can have radial wall portions extending inwardly and longitudinally terminating at a circumferential wall portion extending between the radial wall portions to define the spline teeth. A sheet metal liner can be wrapped around to form a continuous, generally cylindrical, corrugated ring with inwardly extending spline teeth covers connected to a collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin P Keating, Kenneth C Yuergens, Yosuke Kimpara, Keith Honkala
  • Publication number: 20130313064
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: Value Extraction LLC, Szuba Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Patent number: 8540066
    Abstract: A rotationally fixed connection of first and second components (2, 4) of a transmission (1) for torque transfer. The fixed connection is produced by the combination of two different types of connection elements (6, 7, 8, 9), such that the connection elements (6, 8) of a first type ensures the mutual centering of the first and the second components (2, 4) to be connected and torque transfer, while the connection elements (7, 9) of a second type enable the first and the second components (2, 4) to be axially fixed and transfer axial operating forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin Brehmer, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt
  • Patent number: 8448768
    Abstract: A housing for a multi-stage clutch assembly is formed to include a shoulder upon which a backing plate of a first stage clutch pack may be positioned to transfer a load from the first stage clutch pack to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen S. Hawkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8434607
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device for transmitting torque between a first and second members includes an annular piston that defines an axis and an apply plate translatable along the axis between an unengaged position and an engaged position. The apply plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is in contact with the piston. An apply disc is rotationally coupled to the first member and is translatable between unengaged and engaged positions. The apply disc is disposed radially outward of the piston. A backing disc is rotationally and axially fixed to the first member and disposed radially outward of the piston. A friction plate is disposed between the apply disc and the backing disc. The friction plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is rotationally coupled to the second member. The friction plate is disposed radially outward of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anton W. Nausieda, Michael H. Welch, Charles S. Davis, Tami A. Curtis, Zhipeng Han
  • Patent number: 8336695
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus can include a clutch housing rotatable together with an input member and supporting a plurality of driving clutch plates. A clutch member can support a plurality of driven clutch plates alternately arranged between the driving clutch plates via spline fitting and connected to an output member. A pressure member can be mounted on the clutch member and axially movably therealong for carrying out the pressure-contact or release between the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates. Back-torque limiting cams can be configured to release the connection between the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates when the rotation speed of the output member has exceeded that of the input member. A rotational force input to the input member can be transmitted to or cut-off from the output member by carrying out the pressure-contact or release between the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kataoka, Shunichi Itou, Katsu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8281916
    Abstract: A housing for a multi-stage clutch assembly is formed to include a shoulder upon which a backing plate of a first stage clutch pack may be positioned to transfer a load from the first stage clutch pack to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen S. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8272115
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch includes a plurality of drive plates that are rotationally coupled to a concentric shell wherein keys radially extending from each drive plate are slidably received in axial channels formed in the interior surface of the shell. The enhancement of the wear resistance of the keys of single one of the drive plates serves to extend the service life of the entire clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Leif Lewis
  • 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: 8256596
    Abstract: An outer housing for a clutch assembly that allows for the housing to be placed over an already assembled multi-disc clutch pack. The outer housing incorporates a plurality of internally splined grooves, a lead-in chamfer to assist in the alignment of the center line between the housing and the center line of the clutch pack, and an index chamfer on elevated ridges that reside between the splined grooves to assist in the alignment of the splined teeth of outer clutch plates in the assembled clutch pack with said splined grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Borgwarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
  • Patent number: 8240446
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Szuba Consulting, Inc., Value Extraction LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Publication number: 20120181136
    Abstract: An annular core plate for a multiplate clutch assembly includes a main annular portion and an engagement annular portion extending from the main annular portion. The engagement annular portion has teeth extending therefrom. The teeth are thicker than the main annular portion. A multiplate clutch assembly is provided that includes at least one annular core plate or friction plate and at least one annular separator plate. A method of constructing at least one plate for a multiplate clutch assembly is also provided. The method includes forming an annular separator plate from sheet metal by removing a circular section from a separator plate main body portion of the sheet metal, removing a portion of the circular section to form teeth in the circular section, and attaching the circular section to an annular plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert Alan Dziurda, Charles S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20120048062
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus (1) includes: a front housing (8) and an inner shaft (3) coaxially with each other and rotatable relative to each other; a main clutch (4) transmitting torque between the front housing (8) and the inner shaft (3); and a cam mechanism (7) having a main cam (70) and a pilot cam (71) and using the main cam (70) to press the main clutch (4). Where a circumferential gap angle between each spline tooth (80b) of the front housing (8) and a corresponding first protrusion (41a) of outer clutch plates (41) is ?1, a circumferential gap angle between each spline tooth (30a) of the inner shaft (3) and a corresponding protrusion (40a) of inner clutch plates (40) is ?2 and a circumferential gap angle between each spline tooth (30a) of the inner shaft (3) and a corresponding protrusion (70b) of the main cam (70) is ?3, the inequality ?1+?2??3?1.0° is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Naoyuki Kokubo
  • Patent number: 8056694
    Abstract: A disc clutch assembly is provided that includes first and second sets of generally annular plates spaced alternately with one another. The plates of the first set have a friction interface. The first and second sets of plates are selectively engagable with one another at the friction interface for transferring torque loads. Separating devices are in contact with the plates radially inward of the friction interface. The separating devices are configured to bias the respective ones of the first and second sets of plates apart from one another when not selectively engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 8011487
    Abstract: A clutch outer member (1) for a multi-plate clutch is provided that includes an end wall (7), a large number of fins (30) extending axially from the outer peripheral part of the end wall (7) and arranged at equal intervals in the peripheral direction so as to define spline grooves (20B) therebetween, and an annular connecting part (31) formed on the outer periphery at the extremity of this group of fins (30) and connecting the fins (30) integrally to each other, the fin (30) having an axially-extending weight-cutting bottomed groove (33) formed, wherein the annular connecting part (31) is provided, on a part of its outer end face corresponding to each of the spline grooves (20B), with a reference notch (32) indicating the position of the spline groove (20B), and spline teeth (20A) of a friction plate (3) are fitted into the spline grooves (20B) corresponding to the reference notches (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Uchiyama, Tomoyasu Satou, Norihiro Sugita
  • 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: 7971500
    Abstract: A sheet metal cylinder (1) with an axis of rotation (a) and a synchronization profile extending in axial direction (a), which can be manufactured by sheet metal shaping. The synchronization profile (4, 5) has a circumferential supporting element (6) located along its axial length (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Martin Brehmer