Patents by Inventor Rudiger Hinkel

Rudiger Hinkel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7621384
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter comprises a pump wheel, a turbine wheel, and a stator, which combine to form a hydrodynamic circuit. The stator is centered with respect to an axis of rotation and has a freewheel hub so that it can be mounted on a freewheel, which hub is carried by a radially outer freewheel component and is connected by means of a transmission element part to a radially inner freewheel component with freedom of relative rotation. At least one first freewheel component has a damping device, which serves to reduce the ability of this freewheel component to rotate relative to the other, second freewheel component and which for this purpose can be brought into working connection with the second freewheel component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 7353924
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter with a pump wheel, a turbine wheel, and a stator, which combine to form a hydrodynamic circuit, where the flow conditions in the hydrodynamic circuit can displace the turbine wheel axially toward the pump wheel when the converter is operating in pull mode and in the opposite direction when operating in push mode, where at least one axial bearing on the drive side of the freewheel and at least one drive-side thrust washer establish a working axial connection between the turbine wheel and a component of the freewheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Hinkel
  • Publication number: 20060137952
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter comprises a pump wheel, a turbine wheel, and a stator, which combine to form a hydrodynamic circuit. The stator is centered with respect to an axis of rotation and has a freewheel hub so that it can be mounted on a freewheel, which hub is carried by a radially outer freewheel component and is connected by means of a transmission element part to a radially inner freewheel component with freedom of relative rotation. At least one first freewheel component has a damping device, which serves to reduce the ability of this freewheel component to rotate relative to the other, second freewheel component and which for this purpose can be brought into working connection with the second freewheel component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Publication number: 20060137953
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter with a pump wheel, a turbine wheel, and a stator, which combine to form a hydrodynamic circuit, where the flow conditions in the hydrodynamic circuit can displace the turbine wheel axially toward the pump wheel when the converter is operating in pull mode and in the opposite direction when operating in push mode, where at least one axial bearing on the drive side of the freewheel and at least one drive-side thrust washer establish a working axial connection between the turbine wheel and a component of the freewheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 6725988
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, particularly a hydrodynamic torque converter or fluid coupling, comprises a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel which is arranged in the housing arrangement so as to be rotatable with respect to the housing arrangement about an axis of rotation, a lockup clutch arrangement by means of which a torque-transmitting connection can be selectively produced between the housing arrangement and the turbine wheel, wherein the lockup clutch arrangement comprises a clutch element which is connected by a connection arrangement to the housing arrangement so as to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation but axially displaceable relative to it, wherein the connection arrangement comprises at least one elastically deformable connection element which is fixedly connected with the housing arrangement on the one hand and with the clutch element on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Rüdiger Hinkel, Sven Koepke, Ralf Rönnebeck
  • Patent number: 6564914
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling device for producing a torque transmission connection between a drive unit and a transmission is provided including a first coupling device attached to the drive unit for coupling the hydrodynamic coupling device with the drive unit for transmitting a torque between the hydrodynamic coupling device and the drive unit and a second coupling device attached to the transmission for coupling the hydrodynamic coupling device with the transmission for transmitting a driving and/or braking torque between the hydrodynamic coupling device and the transmission. A method of making a hydrodynamic coupling device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Glock, Rüdiger Hinkel, Christoph Sasse
  • Patent number: 6533088
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, especially a hydrodynamic torque converter, includes a pump impeller installed in a housing, a turbine impeller having a turbine shell connected nonrotatably to a turbine hub, and possibly a stator. The turbine hub consists of several individually manufactured parts such as a sheet-metal parts, and the turbine shell is designed and mounted on the turbine hub so that it assumes some of the functions of the turbine hub, such as the sealing and guide functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Hinkel
  • Publication number: 20030029685
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, particularly a hydrodynamic torque converter or fluid coupling, comprises a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel which is arranged in the housing arrangement so as to be rotatable with respect to the housing arrangement about an axis of rotation, a lockup clutch arrangement by means of which a torque-transmitting connection can be selectively produced between the housing arrangement and the turbine wheel, wherein the lockup clutch arrangement comprises a clutch element which is connected by a connection arrangement to the housing arrangement so as to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation but axially displaceable relative to it, wherein the connection arrangement comprises at least one elastically deformable connection element which is fixedly connected with the housing arrangement on the one hand and with the clutch element on the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Rudiger Hinkel, Sven Koepke, Ralf Ronnebeck
  • Patent number: 6435758
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for coupling a hydrodynamic torque converter to a rotating shaft so that the torque converter is fixed with respect to rotation relative to the rotating shaft includes at least one fastening element arranged at a converter housing. The at least one fastening element is arranged at the converter housing such that a fastening portion of the at least one fastening element meshes or interlocks in a positive engagement with a receiving portion of the converter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Hinkel
  • Publication number: 20010050204
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, especially a hydrodynamic torque converter, includes a pump impeller installed in a housing, a turbine impeller having a turbine shell connected nonrotatably to a turbine hub, and possibly a stator. The turbine hub consists of several individually manufactured parts such as a sheet-metal parts, and the turbine shell is designed and mounted on the turbine hub so that it assumes some of the functions of the turbine hub, such as the sealing and guide functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Publication number: 20010011621
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, particularly a hydrodynamic torque converter or fluid coupling, comprises a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel which is arranged in the housing arrangement so as to be rotatable with respect to the housing arrangement about an axis of rotation, a lockup clutch arrangement by means of which a torque-transmitting connection can be selectively produced between the housing arrangement and the turbine wheel, wherein the lockup clutch arrangement comprises a clutch element which is connected by a connection arrangement to the housing arrangement so as to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation but axially displaceable relative to it, wherein the connection arrangement comprises at least one elastically deformable connection element which is fixedly connected with the housing arrangement on the one hand and with the clutch element on the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Rudiger Hinkel, Sven Koepke, Ralf Ronnebeck
  • Patent number: 6123178
    Abstract: A torque converter according to the present invention includes a converter housing, a turbine wheel arranged in the converter housing so as to be rotatable relative thereto around a converter rotational axis (A), and a bridge coupling for the substantially rotation-proof selective connection of the turbine wheel to the converter housing. The bridge coupling has a coupling mechanism connected in substantially rotation-proof fashion to the turbine wheel and includes a friction surface which may be selectively brought to rest on a counter friction surface on the converter housing or selectively connected in rotation-proof fashion thereto. The friction surface is provided on a friction surface carrier connected in rotation-proof fashion to a coupling component that is rotatable with the turbine wheel. The coupling component is pivotable relative to the friction surface carrier around a circumferential line or a circumferential line region naming around the converter rotational axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 6116115
    Abstract: A converter housing of a hydrodynamic torque converter with a driver, is formed with a converter cover which is rotatable about a center axis. The driver is arranged at a side of the cover facing a drive in an area preferably extending substantially radially. The driver is in an operative connection with a receptacle of a drive element which is associated with the drive and having a center axis aligned with that of the converter cover. The driver has a platform which is fastened to the converter cover at a predetermined radial distance to the center axis of the converter cover without consideration of the radial distance of the receptacle of the drive element from the center axis of the drive element. At a side of the driver remote from the converter cover, a driver member projects in the direction of the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 6079529
    Abstract: A torque converter comprises a converter housing having a converter cover and an impeller wheel. The converter housing is connectable to a driving unit. A turbine wheel arranged in the converter housing is rotatably mounted for rotating about an axis of rotation with respect to the converter housing. The turbine wheel has a turbine wheel shell and a turbine wheel hub. The turbine wheel hub is connectable to a converter driven shaft. The turbine wheel shell is selectively connectable to the turbine wheel hub for connection with respect to rotation via a first coupling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Rudiger Hinkel, Christoph Sasse
  • Patent number: 6056092
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a converter housing and a turbine wheel arranged in the converter housing. The turbine wheel is rotatable relative to the housing around a rotational axis (A) and has a turbine wheel shell which carries a plurality of turbine blades as well as a turbine wheel hub connected to the turbine wheel shell. An optional bridge coupling selectively connects the converter housing to the turbine wheel. A torsional vibration damper via which torque can be conveyed to the turbine wheel hub from the turbine wheel shell and/or the bridge coupling includes a hub element with control regions, a first covering element section and a second covering element section having control regions on either circumferential side of the hub element, and spring elements circumferentially arranged and supported between control regions. The first and second covering element sections are provided on the turbine wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 6056093
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a converter housing and a turbine wheel arranged in the converter housing and rotatable relative thereto around a rotational axis. The turbine wheel has a turbine wheel shell which has a plurality of turbine blades and a turbine wheel hub connected to the turbine wheel shell. An optional bridge coupling selectively connects the converter housing to the turbine wheel. A torsional vibration damper is connected between the turbine shell and the turbine wheel hub and a coupling mechanism of the bridge coupling is connected to the turbine wheel for torque transmission via the torsional vibration damper. The turbine shell forms a component of the torsional vibration damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 6024195
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter with a lockup clutch in which links are provided at turbine blades for engagement of a driver provided at a piston. The transmission of torque from the converter housing via the piston is conducted via the driver to the link of the turbine blade and in turn to the outer torus of the turbine blade and via a turbine hub, to a driven shaft. A torsional vibration damper is arrangeable between the piston and the link of the turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 5988981
    Abstract: A pump impeller for a hydrodynamic torque converter with a flange and a hub located radially inside and extending in the axial direction. The hub has a seat for a bearing and a sleeve is connected by a pressure fit to the pump impeller. The sleeve extends in the direction of the hub and forms the seat of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Uwe Dehrmann, Wilfried Glock, Rudiger Hinkel, Rothard Schneider, Peter Volland, Reinhold Weckesser, Hans-Wilhelm Wienholt
  • Patent number: 5934426
    Abstract: A lockout clutch on a torque converter includes an axially deflectable piston through which torque can be transmitted from the drive side of the torque converter to its output side. The lockout clutch also has a torsional vibration damper having an input part connected to the piston and an output part connected to the turbine wheel of the torque converter. One of the input part and the output part includes a cover element with control elements for energy storage devices acting on the torsional vibration damper on at least one radial support of the cover element. The control elements are designed to project into the cover element with a depth at which the associated energy storage devices rests on a control element along substantially the extension width in the contact area of the control element. The control elements are also designed to avoid penetration to the axial support at least at the point where the other of the input and output elements engages the energy storage elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Rudiger Hinkel, Uwe Dehrmann, Roland Illig, Horst Breier
  • Patent number: 5813227
    Abstract: Hydrodynamic torque converter which comprises blade wheels in the form of a reactor, a pump wheel and a turbine wheel with individual blades which are connected to an outer wall, whereby a torque can be transmitted from the pump wheel to the turbine wheel by means of pressure medium which flows along a flow path from the pump wheel to the turbine wheel, and is transported via the reactor back to the pump wheel, whereby at least one blade wheel comprises at least one stabilizer ring which creates a connection of the individual blades on their exposed sides, and by means of which stabilizer ring the flow path of the pressure medium can be influenced to reduce the flow losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Uwe Dehrmann, Wilfried Glock, Rudiger Hinkel, Ruthard Schneider, Peter Volland, Reinhold Weckesser, Hans-Wilhelm Wienholt