Abstract: A power transmission mechanism transmits power of an external drive source to a rotary shaft. The transmission mechanism has a first rotor rotated by the external power source. A second rotor is connected to the rotary shaft. The second rotor is coaxial with the first rotor and coupled to the first rotor transmit power to the first rotor. A disconnecting body disconnects power transmission from the first rotor to the second rotor when an excessive transmission torque is generated between the rotors. A dynamic damper is provided in at least one of the rotors. The dynamic damper has a weight that swings like a pendulum. The axis of the pendulum motion of the weight is separated by a predetermined distance from and is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the corresponding rotor.

Abstract: A rotor has a main body including a rotation axis, a weight guide recessed in the main body, said weight guide having a weight guide surface and a weight that is accommodated in the weight guide and contacts with and rolls on a weight guiding surface. The weight swings like a pendulum about a second axis. The second axis is parallel to and offset from the rotation axis. The weight guiding surface guides the weight to keep the weight moving within the guiding surface.

Abstract: A torque receiving member is fixed to a rotary shaft of a compressor. A pulley, which is rotated by an external drive source, is rotatably supported by a housing of the compressor. The pulley is substantially coaxial with the torque receiving member. A rubber damper is located between the pulley and the torque receiving member. The rubber damper absorbs rotational vibration transmitted from the torque receiving member to the pulley. The pulley has a dynamic damper. The dynamic damper includes rollers, which swing like pendulums to reduce rotational vibration of the pulley. Stress produced due to displacement between the axis of the pulley and the torque receiving member is reduced by the rubber damper.

Abstract: A compressor that employs rollers to suppress resonance. The compressor includes a lug plate, which is connected to a rotary drive shaft by means of a rubber damper. The lug plate is arranged in a crank chamber. The lug plate has receptacles, which guide the pendulum movement of the rollers. When the rotary drive shaft rotates, the pendulum movement of each roller suppresses the resonance of the compressor.

Abstract: When an electric appliance unit functions as an electric motor, a rotary shaft is rotated by electric current supplied to the electric appliance unit. When the electric appliance unit functions as a generator, the generator generates electricity as the rotary shaft rotates. A first rotation permitting mechanism is located between the rotor and the rotary shaft to permit the rotor and the rotary shaft to rotate relative to each other. A one-way clutch is located between the rotor and the rotary shaft. The one-way clutch permits the rotary shaft to rotate in one direction relative to the rotor and prevents the rotary shaft from rotating in the other direction relative to the rotor. A second rotation permitting mechanism is located between the housing and the rotor. The second rotation permitting mechanism permits the rotor to rotate relative to the housing. Power transmitted from the external drive source to the rotor is transmitted to the rotary shaft via the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism has a first rotary body and a second rotary body. The first rotary body has a plurality of first elastic members. The first elastic members are layered. The second rotary body is arranged coaxially with the first rotary body, and has an engaging portion for engaging with the layered first elastic members to permit power transmission between the first rotary body and the second rotary body. The coefficient of elasticity of the layered first elastic members continuously varies with a relative rotational angle between the first rotary body and the second rotary body.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism has a first rotary body, a second rotary body and an elastic body. The second rotary body is located coaxially with the first rotary body. The first rotary body is operatively connected to the second rotary body through the elastic body for transmitting torque. The elastic body has a plurality of elastic members so as to stepwise change an elastic coefficient of the elastic body in accordance with the value of the torque.

Abstract: A mechanical rotational device includes a housing. An end portion of a rotary shaft protrudes from a front wall of the housing. An electric rotational device is coaxial with the rotary shaft and is coupled to the end portion of the rotary shaft. The electric rotational device functions as at least one of a motor and a generator. A rotational member is coupled to the rotary shaft and has a power transmitting mechanism for transmitting power between the rotational unit and an external device. A one-way clutch is located in the power transmitting path between the rotary shaft and rotational member. The one-way clutch is located inward of the rotational member. The electric rotational device is located on or forward of the housing. At least part of the electric rotational device is located outward of the power transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: A compressor has a pulley for transmitting torque from an external drive source to a rotary shaft to drive a compression mechanism. The pulley has a pulley body. The compressor has a mass body located in a range that is radially inward of the outer circumference of the pulley. The mass body swings about an axis that is spaced from the rotation axis of the pulley body by a predetermined distance and is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the pulley body.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism transmits power from an engine to a drive shaft of a compressor. A pulley is supported by the compressor and is coupled to the engine. A hub is attached to the drive shaft. Rollers are located on the pulley. Elastic transmission arms are located between the pulley and the hub. The distal end of each arm is curved, and the proximal end is coupled to the hub. When the rollers are engaged with the arms, power is transmitted between the pulley and the hub. When, due to excessive torque, the rollers escape from the corresponding arm, power transmission between the pulley and the hub is disconnected. The distal ends of the arms are movable in the radial direction. When the rollers disengage from the corresponding arms, the distal ends of the arms move radially such that the pulley and the hub relatively rotate without interference by the arms.

Abstract: A compressor that reduces pressure pulsation includes a mounting member for attaching the compressor to a vehicle support. The mounting member is integrally formed with an end wall of a rear housing member. A suction chamber and a discharge chamber are defined in the rear housing member. The discharge chamber is located outside the suction chamber and surrounds the suction chamber. An auxiliary chamber is formed in the mounting member. The auxiliary chamber is centrally located. The auxiliary chamber increases the volume of the suction chamber, which reduces pulsation. Since the auxiliary chamber is formed in the mounting member, neither the weight or the volume of parts that might interfere with other devices is increased.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism has a first rotating member rotating around an axis, a second rotating member rotating around the axis and an elastic member located between the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The first rotating member has a first rotating member surface, and the second rotating member has a second rotating member surface. The elastic member has at least a protrusion contacting at least the first rotating member surface. The protrusion extends in a circumferential direction of the first rotating member. The protrusion has gradually tapering shape toward the first rotating member surface. The elastic member is deformed by compression as the elastic member engages the first rotating member surface and the second rotating member surface by rotation of the first rotating member, thereby causing relative rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.

Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism for transmitting power of an external drive source to the drive shaft of a compressor. A coupler member is a spring frame that can be engaged with and disengaged from first and second engaging portions. When the spring frame is engaged with the engaging portions, power is transmitted from a pulley to a hub. When the load on the hub is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, the engaging state between the engaging portions and the spring frame changes such that power transmission is discontinued. Thereafter, part of the first and second engaging portions is destroyed such that the spring frame rotates relative to the engaging portions without interfering with the engaging portions.