With Spring Means To Move Clutch-element Axially Patents (Class 192/70.27)
  • Patent number: 11940013
    Abstract: A clutch device includes a clutch center, and a pressure plate movable toward or away from the clutch center, rotatable relative to the clutch center, and operable to press input-side rotating plates and output-side rotating plates. The pressure plate holds the output-side rotating plates and includes pressure-side fitting teeth projecting radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of an outer peripheral wall and arranged in circumferential directions, and an oil channel in an end portion of at least one of the pressure-side fitting teeth in a first direction. The oil channel allows clutch oil flowing at least at an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall to be discharged to the outside of the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kambara, Jun Komukai
  • Patent number: 11714285
    Abstract: Head-mountable devices can provide comfortable securement to a head of a user while also providing operative connections for communication across a hinge of the head-mountable device. The securement can be based on an arrangement of spring elements that have biased configurations and allow gentle retraction against a head of the user. Head-mountable devices of the present disclosure can provide adjustable securement against a head of a user by allowing custom fitting, for example with a tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Kalinowski, Cameron A. Harder, Brian S. Lau, Eric N. Vergo
  • Patent number: 11499669
    Abstract: A support structure supports a component mounted on a mounting surface of a structure by pressing the component to the mounting surface side and includes a first support tool and a second support tool used so that the component is pressed to the mounting surface side and supported and a fixing portion provided on the structure and fixing the first support tool and the second support tool. The first support tool and the second support tool are fixed to the same fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Yamaguchi, Kouji Kaneko, Koichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11460077
    Abstract: A power transmission device has an interlocking member 9 moving a pressure member 5 from an inactive position to an active position. A release spring (m) applies an urging force, while allowing movements of the interlocking member 9 and the pressure member 5, until drive-side clutch plates 6 and driven-side clutch plates 7 reach an engaged state before the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 are pressed against each other. A clutch spring 11 is compressed in a process where the interlocking member 9 moves after the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 have reached the engaged state. The clutch spring applying a press-contact force between the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 while allowing movements of the interlocking member 9 and the pressure member 5. The set load of the clutch spring 11 is set to be smaller than the maximum load of the release spring (m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Makoto Kataoka, Masataka Murai
  • Patent number: 11434966
    Abstract: A power transmission device has a first pressure member (5a), a second pressure member (5b) and a back-torque transmitting cam. The first pressure member (5a) presses the drive-side clutch plates (6) and the driven-side clutch plates (7) against each other. The second pressure member (5b) releases a press-contact force between the drive-side clutch plates (6) and the driven-side clutch plates (7). The back-torque transmitting cam moves the second pressure member (5b) relative to the first pressure member (5a) to keep pressing the drive-side clutch plates (6) and the driven-side clutch plates (7) against each other when a rotational force is input to the clutch member (4), via the output shaft (3), in a process where the weight member (8) moves from the radially-outer position to the radially-inner position and the first pressure member (5a) moves to follow the interlocking member (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Katsu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 11415190
    Abstract: A power transmission device has a first clutch member 4a coupled to an output member 3. A second clutch member 4b has a plurality of driven-side clutch plates 7. A back-torque transmitting cam presses the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 against each other by moving the second clutch member 4b when a rotational force is input to the first clutch member 4a. A cushioning member 12 is interposed between the first clutch member 4a and the second clutch member 4b. The cushioning member 12, by being compressed, applies an urging force while allowing movements of an interlocking member 9 and a pressure member 5 in a process where the interlocking member 9 moves and the pressure member 5 moves from the inactive position toward the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Makoto Kataoka, Masataka Murai
  • Patent number: 11231074
    Abstract: Provided is a clutch device configured so that close contactability between a cam surface of a center clutch and a cam surface of a pressure clutch can be improved and torque transmission can be stabilized accordingly. The clutch device (100) includes a center clutch (105) and a pressure clutch (112). The center clutch (105) includes center-side cam portions (107), a pressure clutch slide portion (106), and a lifter plate slide portion (110). The pressure clutch (112) includes pressure-side cam portions (114), a lifter plate (116), and a second center clutch slide portion (113). The lifter plate (116) includes first center clutch slide portions (120). A clearance (C2) between the second center clutch slide portion (113) and the pressure clutch slide portion (106) is set greater than a clearance (C1) between the first center clutch slide portion (120) and the lifter plate slide portion (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Isobe, Kenichiro Takahashi, Katsu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 11215237
    Abstract: Provided is a clutch device configured so that different desired torque values can be set without influence between assist torque and slipper torque. A clutch device 100 includes a center clutch 105 holding clutch plates 104 arranged facing friction plates 103 to be rotatably driven by a drive shaft, and a pressure clutch 111. The center clutch 105 includes center-side assist cam surfaces 106a and center-side slipper cam surfaces 106b. The pressure clutch 111 includes pressure-side assist cam surfaces 112a and pressure-side slipper cam surfaces 112b. A contact surface between the center-side assist cam surface 106a and the pressure-side assist cam surface 112a and a contact surface between the center-side slipper cam surface 106b and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 112b are formed at different positions in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yuki Kobayashi, Keisuke Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10302150
    Abstract: In a lock-up clutch of a starting device, a one-sided friction plate is adopted as a first friction engagement plate fitted with a clutch hub on the power input side and a second friction engagement plate fitted with a clutch drum on the power output side; an engagement oil chamber is defined between a lock-up piston and a flange member; a supply oil passage through which working oil is supplied to the first and second friction engagement plates and is defined between the lock-up piston and a front cover; a return oil passage for the working oil which has passed through the first and second friction engagement plates and is defined on the side of the flange member opposite to the lock-up piston; and the return oil passage communicates with the supply oil passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Ito, Keizo Araki, Mayuko Matsukage
  • Patent number: 9759271
    Abstract: A dry-plate clutch (single or dual) of inverted construction for a vehicle transmission includes a clutch structure with a connecting device arranged to be connected to a prime mover; a pressure plate rotationally fixed and axially displaceable relative to the clutch structure, and a driven disc connected to a driven shaft and located between the clutch structure and the pressure plate. An actuator is arranged to displace the pressure plate between an engaged state, where the driven disc is clamped between the clutch structure and the pressure plate, and a disengaged state, where the disc is rotatable relative to the clutch structure. The connecting device has hollow sections at a number of angular locations extending into a radial surface facing the pressure plate. The pressure plate has corresponding axially extending protrusions in a radial surface facing the connecting device; and the protrusions at least partially extend axially into the hollow sections in the disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Anders Hedman
  • Patent number: 9746025
    Abstract: An axial roller bearing assembly is provided. The axial roller bearing assembly includes a first axial washer including a contact surface, a bearing element engaging the first axial washer, and a spring plate connected to the first axial washer and including a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is in contact with at least a portion of the contact surface. The spring plate is configured to deflect under a load applied to the first surface such that an increasingly larger portion of the second surface abuts the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Clayton Brzezinski, James Kevin Brown, Trevor Yorick
  • Patent number: 9546698
    Abstract: A dual clutch for coupling an engine drive shaft with a transmission shaft and/or an auxiliary power take-off. A first friction clutch presses a first clutch plate that is couplable with the transmission shaft between a first contact plate, displaceable in an axial direction to engage the first friction clutch and a first counter plate. A second friction clutch presses a second clutch plate that is couplable with the auxiliary power take-off between a second contact plate, displaceable in the axial direction to engage the second friction clutch and a second counter plate. First and second actuating elements move the first and second contact plates; respectively. The second contact plate is connected to a thrust ring connected to the second actuating element to transfer displacing movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Simon Sebastian Fünfgeld, Patrick Weydmann, Gerhard Gander, Alexander Obitz
  • Patent number: 9447825
    Abstract: A clutch device for arrangement in a drive train of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission is provided. The clutch device may include a multiple-disk clutch arrangement for selective torque transfer between the drive unit and the transmission. The multiple-disk clutch arrangement may be actuable via a force transfer element supported on a disk carrier of the multiple-disk clutch arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Hauck, Tobias Zacher
  • Publication number: 20150129347
    Abstract: A wheel clutch includes a clutch pack mounted in a housing wherein either the friction plates or clutch plates of the clutch pack are fixed for rotation with a corresponding drive wheel, and the other of the friction plates or clutch plates is fixed for rotation with a drive shaft of the vehicle, a resilient member within the clutch housing normally biasing the clutch pack into a fully locked mode, a selectively actuable actuator within the clutch housing engaging the resilient member to selectively and progressively reduce a resilient force or to selectively and progressively allow the increase of the resilient force applied by the resilient member to the clutch pack, whereby the clutch pack is completely or progressively unlocked or locked respectively to provide an optimized amount of rotational traction versus rotational slippage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Gebhard Charles Wager
  • Patent number: 8944229
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a clutch housing including a substantially cylindrical housing wall and an opening in the housing wall. The opening is operatively arranged to accept at least a portion of a lever spring for a clutch assembly and at least a portion of a protrusion for a torque-transmitting element in the assembly. The present invention also broadly comprises a clutch housing including a first and second protrusions extending from a substantially cylindrical housing wall, axially displaced from each other, and arranged to engage a torque-transmitting element in a clutch assembly. The first protrusion is arranged to receive torque from the element and to support the clutch housing in an axial direction. The second protrusion is arranged to preload a lever spring. The present invention further includes a clutch assembly with the preceding clutch housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 8925704
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a clutch device that keeps a half-clutch range wide for a long time. A clutch device 1 is arranged in such a manner that an intermediate ring 24 is disposed on the pressure plate 23 so as to be slightly movable in a direction of pressing by a diaphragm spring 21; air passageways 31 are radially disposed at regular circumferential intervals between the intermediate ring 24 and the pressure plate 23 so as to let the inner and outer peripheries communicate with each other; plate springs 25 are disposed in the air passageways 31 to bias constantly the intermediate ring 24 and the pressure plate 23 in a direction of separating from each other; and a force of the pressing operation by the diaphragm spring 21 is transferred to the pressure plate 23 via the intermediate ring 24 and the plate springs 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: OS Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaharu Okazaki
  • Patent number: 8919519
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes a rotating electrical machine and an engagement device, which are disposed on a power transmission path linking an input member drive-coupled to an internal combustion engine and an output member drive-coupled to a wheel. The engagement device includes an engagement input coupled to the input member, an engagement output that forms a pair with the engagement input and is coupled to the rotating electrical machine, a friction member disposed between the engagement input and the engagement output, and a pressing member that presses the friction member in a pressing direction. An oil pressure chamber is formed between the pressing member and either the engagement input or the engagement output. A biasing spring biases the pressing member in the pressing direction when no oil pressure is supplied to the oil pressure chamber and is disposed on an exterior of the oil pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Toshihiko Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8820505
    Abstract: A pivot ring for a clutch assembly which has a first annular segment, a second annular segment, and a radial segment. The first annular segment has a first face on a front side of the pivot ring and the second annular segment has a second face, predominately opposing the first face, on a back side of the ring. The radial segment is disposed between the first annular segment and the second annular segment, connecting the first annular segment and the second annular segment. The first annular segment, the second annular segment, or both the first annular segment and the second annular segment can include axial protrusions with arcuately shaped pivot portions. Preferably, in the clutch assembly, the pivot ring is disposed between the diaphragm spring and the pressure plate, allowing for rotational freedom between the pressure plate and the diaphragm spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hodge, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 8689959
    Abstract: A fully contained, drop-in clutch assembly, which includes a clutch cover which has slots, a moveable pressure plate with radially outwardly directed tabs that engages the slots of the clutch allowing axial movement, a fixed pressure plate which is fastened to the clutch cover by fastening elements, a clutch disc disposed between the movable pressure plate and the fixed pressure plate, and a diaphragm spring. By fastening the fixed pressure plate to the clutch cover, the clutch assembly is fully contained, allowing easy assembly to transmission housing and a flexplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Steven Olsen
  • Publication number: 20130306427
    Abstract: One embodiment may include a multiplate clutch with a first plate set connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a first plate carrier, and with a second plate set connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second plate carrier, wherein the plates of the two plate sets are arranged consecutively in an alternating manner in the axial direction and can be brought into frictional engagement with one another. At least one spring device is provided for at least one pair of plates consisting of two adjacent plates of the first plate set, by means of which, when the multiplate clutch is open, the two adjacent plates of the pair of plates can be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, forming an axial spacing (a) which is greater than the width (b) of the in-between and optionally unstressed plate of the second plate set in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Goetz Nicklas, Hans Juergen Hauck, Christian Pilz
  • Publication number: 20130256084
    Abstract: A slip clutch, including: a flywheel; and a vibration damper including: first and second cover plates; a flange; and at least one spring engaged with the cover plates and flange. The clutch includes a slip assembly, with a first plurality of circumferentially aligned surfaces: fixedly connected to the flywheel or formed with the flywheel; and at an acute angle with respective to a circumferential line, and a second plurality of circumferentially aligned surfaces: formed by a portion of the first cover plate radially outward of the spring; at an acute angle with respective to a circumferential line; and in contact with the first plurality of surfaces, or engaged with the first plurality of surfaces via an intermediate element in contact with the first and second pluralities of surfaces. The slip assembly includes a resilient element applying a force to the first cover plate in an axial direction toward the flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Steinberger
  • Patent number: 8381891
    Abstract: A friction clutch has a clutch housing including a friction plate, a clutch boss including a clutch plate, and a pressure plate causing the friction plate and the clutch plate to contact each other by moving in a predetermined direction. A clutch spring applies a biasing force in a direction of causing the pressure plate to press the friction and clutch plates into contact with each other. An annular retainer receives a reaction force to the biasing force of the clutch spring by supporting one end of the clutch spring opposite to the pressure plate. A circlip of a notched ring shape is fitted into an inner peripheral side of the clutch housing. The circlip locks the retainer to the clutch housing by abutting on an opposite side of the retainer. The retainer is configured to suppress radially inward deformation of the circlip when a vehicle engine is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8317008
    Abstract: A clutch 44 has a clutch boss 441, a clutch housing 442, a friction plate 64, a clutch plate 65, and a pressure plate 450. The clutch boss 441 is attached to the main shaft 41 so as to be integrally rotated therewith. The clutch housing 442 encloses the periphery of the clutch boss 441 and is attached to the main shaft 41 so as to be rotated with respect to the main shaft 41. The friction plate 64 has a plate main body and a friction material and rotates together with the clutch housing 442. The clutch plate 65 faces the plate main body via the friction material and rotates together with the clutch boss 441. The pressure plate 450 rotates together with one of the clutch boss 441 the clutch housing 442 which is engaged with the friction plate 64.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Publication number: 20120228078
    Abstract: A multiple-disk clutch has inner and outer clutch members, and a plurality of driving and driven friction disks. The driven and driving friction disks are arranged alternately. A first axially movable pressure member is biased to urge the driving and driven friction disks together in a compression direction. A first actuation system is connected to the first pressure member. The first actuation system is adapted release the compression force exerted by the first pressure member on the driving and driven friction disks. A second actuation system includes a second pressure member and is axially movable to compress the driving and driven friction disks together. The driving and driven friction disks are disposed between the first and second pressure members. The second actuation system is a centrifugal actuation system. The first actuation system is connected to and is axially movable with the second pressure member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Fritz EINBOECK
  • Patent number: 8201676
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly (1) is a clutch cover assembly for pressing and releasing a friction member of a clutch disk assembly against and from the flywheel of an engine, and includes a clutch cover (2), a pressure plate (3), a diaphragm spring (4), a cone spring (14), and a limiting mechanism (10). The limitation mechanism (10) limits movement of the pressure plate (3) to the flywheel (51) side when the amount of wear of the friction member (53) has reached a maximum allowable wear amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventor: Norihisa Uenohara
  • Patent number: 8181761
    Abstract: A clutch unit including a clutch hub that is non-rotatably mounted to a shaft. The clutch unit has at least two clutch elements that can be brought into frictional engagement with one another in order to transmit torque when the clutch unit is actuated through a mechanical actuation device. The actuation device is mounted and supported at the clutch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mavinkal Jayaram, Philip George
  • Patent number: 8162120
    Abstract: A friction clutch for a drive train, the clutch including a pressure plate rotatably fixed and axially displaceable relative to a housing. A disc spring is provided between the housing and the pressure plate to axially act on the pressure plate. An adjusting device is effective between the housing and the disc spring to compensate for friction lining wear of a clutch plate that interacts with the pressure plate when the clutch is operated in the drive train. The disc spring is pivotable relative to an annular support carried by the housing. An axial force is applied to the disc spring in the direction of the support by springs that include a leaf-spring, a sensor spring, and an additional spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Yannick Simon, Christoph Raber
  • Patent number: 8146724
    Abstract: A vehicle clutch includes a clutch outer member, a clutch inner member, and a clutch center member movable in an axial direction between a first position and a second position. A cam mechanism is provided between the clutch inner and outer members. The cam mechanism generates an axial pulling force for moving the clutch center member to the first position when positive torque acts on the clutch inner member from the clutch center member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Miyazaki, Hideo Senmyo
  • Publication number: 20110073432
    Abstract: A pressure plate is movable in an axial direction to cause multiple driving friction plates and driven friction plates to come in pressure contact with each other. The pressure plate is biased by a clutch spring in a direction to bring the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates in pressure contact with each other. When acceleration torque is changed, an assist mechanism increases the pressure-contact force of the pressure plate. A pressure plate and a clutch inner are connected together and are capable of being separated from each other in an axial direction. When an assist mechanism increases a pressure-contact force of the pressure plate, the pressure plate is moved in a direction to bring driving and driven friction plates into pressure contact with each other, while the clutch inner is moved relative to the pressure plate in the same direction so as to be detached from the pressure plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu GOKAN, Jun Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Publication number: 20110031086
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. A hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Douglas Scott Burchett, Rayman Eton Bazilio
  • Publication number: 20110017566
    Abstract: A pull-type racing clutch has an integrated clutch release device. A piston which can be actuated hydraulically is formed directly by an outer ring of a rolling bearing arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jan WITTHOLZ
  • Publication number: 20100261574
    Abstract: An automatic variable transmission with normally engaged disc clutches includes a main transmission pump connected to the transmission and at least one clutch located within the transmission. The clutch is in an engaged position when the main transmission pump is not operating. The clutch assembly includes a piston moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and at least one spring is operably connected to the piston. The piston is operable to move the at least one spring between the engaged position and a disengaged position. A plurality of clutch plates may transfer torque when the at least one spring is in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Gary L. Jones, Andrew L. Bartos
  • Publication number: 20100230229
    Abstract: A starting clutch, particularly for racing and sports vehicles, has clutch plates, of which at least one is non-rotatably coupled with a clutch cage of the starting clutch and at least one is non-rotatably coupled with a clutch hub of the starting clutch. A set of springs composed of at least two diaphragm-spring-type spring elements, which presses the clutch plates together when the starting clutch is closed and permits a torque transfer from the clutch cage to the clutch hub and vice-versa. Viewed from the clutch plates, the first or second spring element has at least a first elevation on its side facing the respective second or first spring element, which elevation presses against the respective second or first spring element when the starting clutch is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20100206681
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly (1) comprises a clutch cover (2), a pressure plate (3), a diaphragm spring (4), a cone spring (30), a support plate (20), and stud pins (10). The cone spring (30) is disposed on the flywheel side of the diaphragm spring and generates a load against the biasing force of the diaphragm spring. The support plate (20) is disposed on the flywheel side of the cone spring (30) and supports the cone spring (30) and the diaphragm spring (4). The stud pins (10) connect the support plate (20) to the clutch cover (2). Each stud pin (10) has a first fixture part (16) fixed to the clutch cover (2) and a second fixture part (17) holding the support plate (20) in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Komori, Hiroshi Uehara
  • Publication number: 20100084241
    Abstract: {Problem} To provide a friction engagement apparatus for effectively restraining a piston from being deformed with a cut-off recession formed in the piston to prevent the piston from interfering with other neighboring members {Problem Solving Means} The friction engagement apparatus comprises a case 11 forming part of a power transmission apparatus, a plurality of friction plates 12 splined to the case 11, a plurality of friction plates 14 splined to a rotation element 13, an annular piston 15 having a cylindrical wall portion 15b imparting the urging pressure to the friction plates 12, 14, urging means 17 having a return spring 18 intervening between the case 11 and the piston 15 to urge the piston 15 in one axial direction, the cylindrical wall portion 15b having a first pressure receiving section A1 formed with a cut-off recession, and a second pressure receiving section A2 formed with no cut-off recession, and the return spring 18 being coaxially arranged with the piston 15 and having a bending stiffness
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Morishita
  • Publication number: 20090229905
    Abstract: A driving force transmission device for four-wheel-drive vehicle based on the two-wheel drive of front wheels is provided. In the case of the two-wheel drive of front wheels, a multi-disc clutch mechanism for controlling the driving force distribution to a rear wheel output shaft, and a disconnection/connection mechanism for disconnecting and connecting a rear wheel differential and a right rear wheel drive shaft are provided, and in the two-wheel drive of front wheels, the dragging torque of the multi-disc clutch mechanism is made smaller than the friction torque of a rear wheel driving force transmission section, and the front wheel differential and the right rear wheel drive shaft are disconnected by the disconnection/connection mechanism, thereby the rotation of the rear wheel driving force transmission section is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Tadahiko Kato, Satoru Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080196991
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a bolt threadably received by a drive shaft and configured to secure the blade on an inner washer disposed about the drive shaft. The clutch mechanism also includes a spring assembly that is generally annularly disposed around the bolt. When the spring assembly is compressed, the spring assembly is configured to grip the blade inner washer and the spring assembly. At least one shallow pocket and at least one deep pocket are disposed in a lower surface of an upper retainer, and at least one geometric spacer extends from the spring assembly. In the coupled condition, the geometric spacer is engaged with the shallow pocket, and in the uncoupled condition, the plug structure is engaged with the deep pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Erin F. Eppard
  • Publication number: 20080185255
    Abstract: A plate clutch for motor vehicles especially motorcycles, which are arranged to ensure its pressure plate is centered, to ensure that a release force is concentrically applied, and to permit use of a spring type which reduces clutch release force and thereby improves operator comfort. The plate clutch includes a primary gear driven by an engine and rotatably mounted on a clutch shaft, a clutch cage connected to the primary gear and corresponding driver connected to the clutch shaft, a pressure plate splined to the driver, a pressure pad rigidly connected to the pressure plate, a belleville spring supported on the driver and on the pressure pad, annular clutch plates, stacked between the pressure plate and the driver, a throwout bearing which transfers an axial release force to the pressure plate, and a pressure mushroom inserted into the internal ring of the throwout bearing and lying against it with an annular flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johannes Mintzlaff
  • Patent number: 7325662
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes a dry friction clutch connected between an engine output member and a transmission input member. The dry friction clutch is selectively engagable to transfer torque from the engine output member to the transmission input member to launch the vehicle. A method of redesigning a powertrain is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel M. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20070193845
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a clutch housing including a substantially cylindrical housing wall and an opening in the housing wall. The opening is operatively arranged to accept at least a portion of a lever spring for a clutch assembly and at least a portion of a protrusion for a torque-transmitting element in the assembly. The present invention also broadly comprises a clutch housing including a first and second protrusions extending from a substantially cylindrical housing wall, axially displaced from each other, and arranged to engage a torque-transmitting element in a clutch assembly. The first protrusion is arranged to receive torque from the element and to support the clutch housing in an axial direction. The second protrusion is arranged to preload a lever spring. The present invention further includes a clutch assembly with the preceding clutch housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Adam Uhler
  • Publication number: 20070193844
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a spring-retaining clutch housing including a housing wall and at least one opening in the wall. The opening is arranged to accept at least a portion of a lever spring for a clutch assembly. The lever spring includes at least one protrusion, extending from an outer circumference of the spring, with top and bottom sides. The opening defines edges in the housing wall axially displaced one to the other. The edges are arranged to be contacted by the top and bottom sides, respectively. In some aspects, contact with edges is arranged to provide forces in two, opposite axial directions. In some aspects, the housing is arranged for installation in a clutch assembly with a bearing and a clutch and the forces are for a pre-load force for the assembly bearing or with respect to an axial force generated during operation of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Todd Sturgin, Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 7178650
    Abstract: A multiple disc clutch including a clutch outer and a clutch inner, for enabling a gentle releasing/engaging operation. The multiple disc clutch includes a clutch inner having a clutch center and a clutch piston, and outer and inner friction discs being alternately arranged between the clutch center and the clutch piston. A clutch spring performs energization to narrow an interval between the clutch center and the clutch piston. A clutch release mechanism reduces friction force between the outer and inner friction discs and releases an engaged state of the clutch by widening the interval between the clutch center and the clutch piston. A release spring is provided between the clutch piston and the clutch release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Tsukada
  • Patent number: 7066313
    Abstract: A friction clutch wherein a rotary housing supports a tiltable diaphragm spring and confines a pressure plate that is axially movably but non-rotatably mounted therein for movement toward and away from friction linings on a clutch disc between the pressure plate and a prime-mover-driven counterpressure plate. The diaphragm spring is arranged to urge the pressure plate in a direction to engage the clutch and is maintained in stressed condition within the housing, even when not installed in the power train of a motor vehicle. The diaphragm spring is installed so that it is operatively associated with the pressure plate in an elastically stressed condition. The pressure plate includes an annular portion that supports the diaphragm spring, and further supports a biasing arrangement that is radially offset relative to the supporting portion and that serves to maintain the diaphragm spring on the pressure plate in the resiliently stressed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Karl-Ludwig Kimmig, Philippe Mih, Mathieu Jordan
  • Patent number: 7048105
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes a housing arrangement connectable to a drive element for rotation in common about an axis of rotation, a plurality of first friction disks connected to the housing arrangement such that the first friction disks are fixed with respect to rotation and axially movable relative to the housing arrangement, a hub rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the housing arrangement and having a plurality of radially outward-projecting connection arms, a plurality of second friction disks defining engagement opening therein being closed on radial inner sides thereof, wherein the connection arms of the hub engage the engagement openings of the second friction disks such that the second friction disks are fixed with respect to rotation and axially movable relative to the hub, and a force-exerting arrangement exerting a force for urging the first friction elements and the second friction elements into contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sachs Race Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Friedrich, Werner Selzam, Klaus-Peter Oberle, Michael Istschenko
  • Patent number: 7044283
    Abstract: A dry multiple-disk clutch for transmitting power from the crankshaft of a motorcycle to a transmission input shaft and cutting off power transmission includes an outer clutch member interlocked with the crankshaft so as to be driven for rotation, a plurality of driving friction disks interlocked with the outer clutch member, a plurality of driven friction disks alternated with the driving friction disks and interlocked with the transmission input shaft, and a pressure member disposed opposite to the outer clutch member with the driving and the driven friction disks arranged alternately between the outer clutch member and the pressure member, and capable of moving in opposite axial direction to compress the driving and the driven friction disks together and to disengage the driven friction disks from the driving friction disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Hideaki Segami, Norihiro Sugita
  • Patent number: 7017725
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch includes a housing which is rotatable about an axis, the housing having a plurality of first supporting areas which each extend radially with respect to the axis; a pressing plate which is axially movable with respect to the housing and is coupled to the housing for rotation about the axis; and a supporting element which is axially movable with respect to the housing, the supporting element having a plurality of second supporting areas which each extend radially with respect to the axis, each second support area being separated from a respective first support area by an axial distance which decreases with radial distance from the axis. A plurality of centrifugal members are supported between respective pairs of first and second support areas, each the centrifugal member being radially displaceable by centrifugal force along the respective pair of support areas to exert force along a force transmission path between the supporting element and the pressing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Weidinger, Winfried Stürmer
  • Patent number: 7014025
    Abstract: A housing arrangement can be connected to a flywheel for rotation in common around an axis of rotation, and a pressure element is connected to the housing arrangement for rotation in common around the axis of rotation but is able to shift in the axial direction. A release spring arrangement includes at least one spring element which acts on the pressure element and is supported against the flywheel after the housing arrangement has been attached to the flywheel. Each spring element is held in place on the pressure element by means of a fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Alfred Schauer, Bernd Kuhn, Thomas Schubert, Jürgen Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 6986415
    Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a friction clutch includes a housing connectable with an abutment arrangement for rotation therewith about an axis of rotation. The housing has an outer axial side and an inner axial side. A pressure plate is mounted in the housing so that it faces the inner axial side. The pressure plate is rotatable with the housing about the axis of rotation. The pressure plate includes actuating sections which extend past a radially outer edge of the housing. An energy storage element is mounted on the outer side of the housing such that the energy storage device exerts a force on the actuating sections for urging the pressure plate away from the inner axial side. An assembly pretensioning arrangement is operative for holding the energy storage element in a pretensioned assembly position in which the energy storage device does not exert a force on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Waldemar Mensch, Sebastian Vogt, Andreas Orlamünder
  • Patent number: 6892870
    Abstract: A friction clutch, particularly for a motor vehicle, has a rotatable clutch disk which is connected to a transmission input shaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it and which can be clamped in axially between two clutch pressure plates. The pressure plates, which may be a clutch pressure plate and a flywheel, have annular friction surfaces which can act upon the clutch disk. The annular friction surfaces comprise the friction surfaces of a plurality of friction segments which are arranged in a uniformly distributed manner so as to form a ring, wherein every friction segment is arranged so as to be axially flexible in a springing manner to a certain extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Michael Peterseim, Ingrid Hoffelner, Matthias Diemer
  • Patent number: 6877596
    Abstract: A diaphragm spring for a friction clutch includes a ring-like body area and a plurality of spring tongues arranged in a row in the circumferential direction and extending radially inward from the body area. A stiffening rib formed in at least one of the spring tongues extends radially into the body area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Martin Pährisch, Ronald Beck, Alfred Schraut, Erwin Ziegler, Frank Hirschmann