Abstract: Rolling element bores are provided in the outer circumferential portion of a disk-like main body. Each rolling element bore has an arcuate outer rim. Rollers each have a groove formed on the peripheral edge and extending along the entire circumference of the roller. The outer rim of each rolling element bore engages with the groove of the associated roller so that the roller is loosely fitted in the rolling element bore. Shafts are respectively formed on both sides of each roller. The shafts project from the center of the roller. An elastic ring is mounted on each shaft. Annular guide plates are respectively mounted on both sides of the disk-like main body so that the shafts of the rollers are supported by the guide plates.

Abstract: A damper includes an outer cover having a front cover and a rear cover. The covers are joined to form a lubricant oil accommodation chamber for accommodating liquid. A damper device, a limiter mechanism, a first plate including a first collar portion located toward the front of the limiter mechanism, and a second plate including a second collar portion located toward the rear of the limiter mechanism are arranged in the outer cover. The limiter mechanism includes a first limiter plate, which is an input side on the torque transmission path, a second limiter plate, which is an output side on the torque transmission path, and a limiter disc spring, which presses the limiter plates.

Abstract: A torsional damper includes a torque limiter and a damper. The torque limiter includes at least two friction members, allows transmission of torque, and prohibits transmission of excessive torque. The damper absorbs torsional vibration through resilient deformation of a spring. The torque limiter is a wet torque limiter in which the friction members are arranged in an oil chamber filled with lubricating oil. The damper is a dry damper in which the spring is not immersed in the lubricating oil.

Abstract: A damper device includes a drive plate; a driven plate; and a torque transmission mechanism having different types of damper springs. The torque transmission mechanism transmits torque of the drive plate to the driven plate via at least one of the damper springs, wherein the torque transmission mechanism is structured to allow a combination of damper springs acting during torque transmission to be changed at lease three times as a rotation angle of the drive plate relative to the driven plate becomes greater. Each of the damper springs can be extended and compressed circumferentially about the rotation axis and is disposed at the same radial position about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A lock-up mechanism for a torque converter comprising a lock-up clutch secured thereto with a friction liner having a friction surface, and a front cover having an engaging surface adapted to be engaged with the friction surface, is wherein either the friction surface or the engaging surface is formed therein with a substantially annular circumferential groove.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for starting a vehicle without using a torque converter has a simple structure yet providing high reliability. In the clutch assembly, a clutch and a damper device are housed in a housing connected to a crank shaft of an engine. A boss serving as an output member is connected to an input shaft of an automatic transmission. An output of the engine is connected/disconnected to/from the input shaft upon engagement/disengagement of the clutch. The clutch includes a friction member and a piston fit oil tightly with the housing so as to apply pressure to the friction member. One end of the damper device is connected to a clutch hub, and the other end is connected to the output member. The clutch and the damper device are aligned on the axis of the housing.