Supports Patents (Class 192/115)
  • Patent number: 11680608
    Abstract: Disclosed is a double concentric clutch for a transmission having a power flow to both clutches that extends around an outer drive drum, and for an inner via an oil distributor. Parts are assembled using splines, and axial movements are limited using retaining rings which increases ease of assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: TRANSMISIONES Y EQUIPOS MECANICOS, S.A. DE CV
    Inventors: Ilse Moens, Jannick De Landtsheere, Didier Genouw
  • Patent number: 8978860
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle and a method of assembling the transmission of the vehicle are disclosed. The transmission includes a housing defining a cavity and a recess disposed inside the housing. The recess extends outwardly away from the cavity along a longitudinal axis. The transmission further includes a clutch disposed inside the cavity. In addition, the transmission includes a guide member disposed inside the cavity and defining a first path and a second path spaced from each other. At least one of the first and second paths is in fluid communication with the clutch. The guide member includes a mounting portion disposed in the recess and engaging the housing in an interference fit to secure the guide member to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Nina Khakham
  • Patent number: 8662273
    Abstract: A dual clutch for coupling an engine-side input shaft with a first transmission-side and/or a second transmission-side output shaft. A first clutch has a first pressure plate, which is axially mobile relative to a first counter plate, for coupling with a first clutch disk connected to the first output shaft. A second clutch has a second pressure plate, which is axially mobile relative to a second counter plate, for coupling with a clutch disk connected to the second output shaft. A clutch cover is connected to the first and second counter plates. An actuator displaces the first and/or the second pressure plate. The actuator is radially supported on the input side on the input shaft by the clutch cover and a torsional vibration damper, which is connected to the clutch cover and is radially mounted on the output side on one of the output shafts and/or on a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Florian Krebs, Oliver Noehl, Rene Daikeler, Bernhard Wolf, Luben Krahtov, Daniel Bosnjak, Ivo Agner
  • Patent number: 8620513
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a motor vehicle drive train has a control device, an electric actuator and a drive circuit for the actuator. The drive circuit receives at least one nominal signal relating to an actuator from the control device and converts it into a drive signal for the actuator. The control device is checked for faults by means of a monitoring device. The drive circuit and/or a power stage which is arranged between the drive circuit and the motor receives a reset signal when such a fault occurs. Further, the control device is configured to check the function of the drive circuit and to generate a reset signal for the drive circuit and/or for the power stage if a malfunction occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Martin Seufert, Michael Gerhard Ludwig, Volker Naegele
  • Patent number: 8544627
    Abstract: A magnet holder assembly for a clutch includes a magnet holder and first and second permanent magnets. The magnet holder includes a body portion, a first groove defined in the body portion, a second groove defined in the body portion adjacent to the first groove, and a flange extending from the body portion opposite the first groove and extending in a different direction than the first groove. The flange has a connection feature for securing the magnet holder to a rotatable component of the clutch. The first permanent magnet is radially retained by the first groove in the body portion, and the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the first groove. The second permanent magnet is radially retained by the second groove, and the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Horton, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Lawrence, Michael J. Bieber, John Philip Cinq-Mars
  • Patent number: 8544628
    Abstract: An assembly includes a support including a first passage having a opening along a length of the passage and facing outward from the passage, a clutch support including a second passage having a second opening along a length of the second passage and facing toward the opening, and a sleeve fitted over the first passage, enclosing said open length, and formed with a third passage that hydraulically connects the first passage and the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Janson, Jeffrey E. Maurer, Keith A. Devereaux
  • 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: 8479906
    Abstract: A clutch device comprises an engine-side input hub (6) including a driver disk (10) and a cutout (70), a transmission-side output hub (46) adapted to be indirectly coupled to the engine-side input hub (6), a fastener (68) for axially fixing the transmission-side output hub (46) to a transmission shaft (60) and adapted to be accessed for actuation through the cutout (70) after the engine-side input hub is indirectly coupled to the transmission-side output hub, and a cup-shaped stopper (72) for opening and closing the cutout (70) and, in an installed state, has a guide section (108) that projects in an axial direction out of the cutout (70) and can be supported in an end-side depression (110) of an engine output shaft (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Juergen Hauck
  • Patent number: 8397892
    Abstract: A clutch support for supporting a clutch hub of a clutch such that the clutch hub is rotatable is described. The clutch hub comprises a flange that is fixable at clutch housing or the like; a substantially cylindrical element for receiving the clutch hub such that the clutch hub is rotatable; and a sleeve with at least one groove formed therein for providing at least one channel that allows oil to be supplied to the clutch through this channel. The sleeve is manufactured substantially without any chip removing machining action. This achieves the goal to provide a clutch support that can be manufactured in a simple manner and at comparatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Franz-Xaver Schulz, Thomas Martin, Patrick Isele, Friedel Lauscher
  • Patent number: 8297422
    Abstract: A multiple clutch device which includes a drive unit, a downstream transmission connected to a drive shaft of the drive unit and accommodated in a clutch bell that does not co-rotate with the drive shaft, two wet multi-plate clutches, which include a plate support at the input and output end and plates alternating axially, and an actuation mechanism. A housing of the actuation mechanism is supported on the clutch bell, and the plate support at the input end of at least one of the multi-plate clutches is connected to the housing by a supporting metal sheet or a supporting pot and a footstep bearing such that a flow of an actuation force generated by the actuation mechanism is redirected to the housing of the actuation mechanism via the supporting metal sheet or the supporting pot and the footstep bearing, thus creating a closed force flow within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Oliver Noehl, Ivo Agner
  • Publication number: 20120267211
    Abstract: An outer plate carrier, including a cup-shaped embodied carrier plate (110) comprising a cylinder-shell shaped cylindrical section (130) and a circular-disk shaped bottom section (120). The bottom section (120) of the carrier plate (110) carries a cup-shaped hub section (140), arranged centrally. The cup-shaped hub section includes a cylindrical-shell shaped hub jacket (160) and a circular-disk shaped hub bottom (150). The hub bottom (150) has a smaller diameter than the bottom section (120) of the carrier plate (110). The hub bottom (150) is continuous and embodied in one piece with the carrier plate (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Noehl, Michael Schlosser, Thomas Gutt, Frank Feurer
  • Publication number: 20120217123
    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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Martin P. Keating
  • Patent number: 8225920
    Abstract: Installing of an SAE standard hydraulic clutch master cylinder, with a threaded push-rod, on an automobile firewall and operable by a pivotally mounted pedal/pedal arm assembly has a cylinder bracket with SAE standard cylinder mounting provisions and also provides a pivotal connection axis perpendicular to the cylinder axis for mounting the cylinder to a reinforcing plate which bolts to the firewall. The cylinder bracket pivots on a horizontal axis and is clamped in position with the push-rod extending to connect to the pedal so that it is aligned with the cylinder axis. The push-rod has a stop which limits fluid displacement by the master cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Gray G. Fredrick
  • Publication number: 20120181134
    Abstract: Adapter rings for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to different types of flywheels are disclosed. A single adapter ring may be installed on different types of stock or aftermarket flywheels. In one embodiment, a multiple-disc clutch assembly may be mounted onto the adapter ring. The multiple-disc clutch unit may fit inside a stock bellhousing to enable the user to utilize the stock clutch release mechanism and simultaneously increase the holding power capability while maintaining light pedal effort. Aftermarket replacement OEM clutch units including the adapter ring may be used with higher horsepower engines in automotive vehicles with manual transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: McLeod Racing, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Ghyrane Roberts, Paul William Lee
  • Patent number: 8162117
    Abstract: A torque transmission device in the drive train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque, which has a clutch, particularly a dual-clutch, and a support tube that extends in the axial direction towards a housing, essentially a gear mechanism housing, and is radially arranged within at least one actuator bearing, in particular two actuator bearings, as well as a bearing device for the clutch. Part of the clutch cover facing the housing is supported by the bearing device for the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schaffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Reimnitz
  • Patent number: 8123018
    Abstract: A power transmitting device includes a front housing member, an inner shaft, and a main clutch that selectively permits and shuts off transmission of torque between the front housing member and the inner shaft. The power transmitting device is rotatably supported by a bearing arranged outside the front housing member. An intermediate member having a thermal expansion coefficient lower than the thermal expansion coefficient of the front housing member is arranged between the front housing member and the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8056691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for axially positioning a clutch device, especially a dual-clutch device, on a rotary drive, wherein the clutch device is mounted so as to rotate about a rotational axis of said rotary drive. A retaining nut is coaxially screwed with the rotary drive, and the clutch device is indirectly or directly supported on said nut in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Eckart Gold, Johannes Heinrich, Marcus Hertel, Martin Gerlach, Götz Nicklas, Hans-Jürgen Hauck, Jens Henze
  • Publication number: 20110209965
    Abstract: A magnet holder assembly for a clutch includes a magnet holder and first and second permanent magnets. The magnet holder includes a body portion, a first groove defined in the body portion, a second groove defined in the body portion adjacent to the first groove, and a flange extending from the body portion opposite the first groove and extending in a different direction than the first groove. The flange has a connection feature for securing the magnet holder to a rotatable component of the clutch. The first permanent magnet is radially retained by the first groove in the body portion, and the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the first groove. The second permanent magnet is radially retained by the second groove, and the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: HORTON, INC.
    Inventors: Brian T. Lawrence, Michael J. Bieber, John Philip Cinq-Mars
  • Patent number: 7832536
    Abstract: A supporting structure for a one-way clutch supports the one-way clutch arranged between a stator of a torque converter for transmitting a torque from an engine to a transmission side via a fluid and a shaft at the transmission side. The supporting structure includes a first protrusion and a first contact plate. The first protrusion is provided at an inner periphery of the stator and protruding towards an inner-peripheral side of the stator. The first contact plate is fitted between the one-way clutch and the first protrusion of the stator and supports the one-way clutch while restraining an axial movement of the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhito Maeda, Ryousuke Iida
  • Publication number: 20100193314
    Abstract: A housing-piston assembly for a coupling device, especially a wet-running, multi-plate clutch or a bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic coupling device, wherein the piston (4) is attached to a housing (2) by means of connecting elements (8) in such a way that it has a certain freedom of movement, and rivets (10, 12) are provided as fastening elements between the piston (4) and the connecting elements (8) and/or between the connecting elements (8) and the housing (2), and wherein at least one support element (20, 36, 70, 86) can be positioned in a riveting position between the piston (4) and the connecting elements (8) and/or between the connecting elements (8) and the housing (2) in such a way that anvil sections (18, 44, 74, 92) of the support element (20, 36, 70, 86) lie behind the set heads (14) of their associated rivets (10, 12). A method of assembling a housing-piston assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Carsten ZUEHL, Mike Scordino, Claus Umnus, Juraj Cuperka, Bernd Reinhardt, Ray Hamblin, Oliver Walter, Matthias Münch
  • Publication number: 20100038202
    Abstract: A freewheel cage, which has a basic body with two annular, substantially radially extending edge disks which are connected to one another by a plurality of axially running connecting pieces which are adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction, as a result of which, intermediate spaces for at least partially holding clamp bodies are formed, and at least one means for fastening the basic body to a freewheel. The means is formed as at least one separate component is arranged on at least one of the edge disks. By this design, it is obtained that the basic body for the freewheel cage is produced with reduced expenditure, and subsequently, the means for fastening the basic body to a freewheel can, as a separate component, be produced, and arranged on the basic body for fastening to a freewheel, with likewise correspondingly reduced expenditure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Swen Doerrie, Wolfgang Fugel
  • Publication number: 20090145717
    Abstract: A holder for a sensor body for a position sensor. The holder has a holder housing. A circular cylindrical recess with a bottom in the holder housing. A head is connected to one end of the sensor body and the head is adapted, concentrically and by being to a limited extent tiltable from a normal position, to being accommodated and fastened in the cylindrical recess. A compression spring between the head and the bottom of the recess operable to flexibly to preload the head toward a normal position. To ensure that the sensor body cannot permanently change position in the recess and does not risk being subject to wear against a cooperating sensor body, the head has the shape of a central spherical segment with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the recess and the compression spring is a flat wire spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Magnus Hagberg, Sten Jiewertz
  • Patent number: 7527134
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having a construction enabling improved torque transfer characteristics. The device includes a rotor rotatably coupled to an input shaft and an armature coupled to an output member and configured for selective engagement with the rotor. The rotor includes a hub having a central bore into which the input shaft extends. A support member, such as a spacer or pulley hub is coupled to the rotor hub using an axially projecting lug and notch construction. The structure of the device provides greater clearance for the input shaft and may eliminate the need for keys on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventor: James A. Pardee
  • Patent number: 7510065
    Abstract: The assembly is characterized in that the casing (62) of the engine of the motor vehicle carries, fastened to it, an axially projecting sleeve (246), in that the crankshaft (11) is lengthened axially by an extension (111), which firstly penetrates into the interior of the sleeve (246), and secondly serves for fastening the flywheel(13) of the clutch, and in that a bearing (346) is interposed radially between the extension (111) and the sleeve (246), being located radially inwards of the rotor (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Gordon Taylor, Fabrice Tauvron
  • Patent number: 7493997
    Abstract: A drive train having a clutch assembly for transmitting torque between an engine and a transmission. The clutch assembly is selectable for transmitting torque between the engine and the transmission and includes at least one friction clutch, the clutch assembly being supported on the transmission housing so that the clutch assembly is radially fixed and displaceable in an axially limited manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Rolf Meinhard, Matthias Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080169167
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a drive shaft DS is fitted into an axle hub AH with the drive shaft DS and a jig assembly arranged on an axis. Accordingly, a separate working place is not required because the fitting is performed in an assembly line where the components of a vehicle are assembled. Further, because the drive shaft DS is axially pulled, damage to peripheral parts of the axle hub AH, such as a constant velocity joint, is prevented. In addition, it is possible to set axial load of the drive shaft DS using a load cell, so that it can be applied to axial load between about 700 kgf and 1600 kgf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gwuiseon LEE
  • Patent number: 7320390
    Abstract: A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure in or near the clutch assembly, e.g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventors: John H. Dahlin, Stephen J. Grotzinger
  • Patent number: 7314127
    Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for retaining a clutch hub and providing hydraulic fluid to actuate a clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., DaimlerChrysler AG, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Boris I. Burgman, Richard A. Pashnik, Patrick S. Portell
  • Patent number: 7309165
    Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying an adjustable load to internal rotating components of the hybrid transmission to maximize efficiency thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., DaimlerChrysler AG, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, Boris I. Burgman, John A. Diemer
  • Patent number: 7258215
    Abstract: Holes of a predetermined depth are formed in an outer peripheral surface of an outer ring. The outer ring is integrally connected to a housing by insert molding, so that a resin, forming the housing, is received in the holes. Alternatively, pins are fixedly inserted respectively in the holes, and are fitted respectively in grooves, notches or through holes formed in the housing. With this construction, a creep is positively prevented without the need for providing an interference fit between the housing and the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7243770
    Abstract: A clutch housing assembly for use in vehicle drivelines includes at least one strengthening member at an open end of the housing. The strengthening member preferably is formed by cutting away portions of the housing near the open end and then deforming the remaining portions. The deformed portions preferably are folded over and against a surface of the housing near the open end. The strengthening members provide additional strength to the housing at the open end to resist deformations that may otherwise occur because of forces incident on the assembly during operation of the vehicle driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Koppy Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Prater
  • Patent number: 7080721
    Abstract: A oneway clutch supporting structure comprises a oneway clutch which comprises a stationary race element and a rotational race element to be fitted in a rotational member, the race elements respectively having peripheral surfaces separated from each other in the radial direction to face each other, a plurality of bearings for coaxially retaining the race elements and disposed inside an annular space between the stationary race element and the rotational race element with separated from each other at a predetermined angle, torque transmission members disposed between the peripheral surfaces of the stationary race element and the rotational race element, and a stationary member for supporting the stationary race element. A clearance between the stationary member and the stationary race element is smaller than a clearance between the rotational member and the rotational race element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Norihiro Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Ohishi
  • Patent number: 7021443
    Abstract: A clutch system, especially for a motor vehicle, includes a housing that is or can be filled with a fluid, at least one first friction element that is linked with the housing to rotate with the same, and at least one second friction element that is or can be linked with a drive shaft to rotate with the same. The clutch system is radially mounted relative components of a drive system in at least two radial bearing zones that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of a rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventor: Jörg Sudau
  • Patent number: 6988603
    Abstract: A disk-packet unit comprising a pre-tensioned disk packet for mounting on guide elements in a transmission component. The packet comprises at least two adjacent elements that form frictional surfaces, which can be intercoupled in a frictional engagement by means of an intermediate element that forms a frictional surface and comprises an auxiliary mounting device. At least one spring device is located between at least two adjacent elements that form frictional surfaces. The auxiliary mounting device comprises a sleeve element and a tensioning device. The elements that form frictional surfaces are carried on the sleeve element and the latter comprises a stop. The tensioning device can be detachably connected to the sleeve element and produces a force for pre-tensioning the disk packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignees: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG, Miba Frictec GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Hörtenhuber, Gerhard Meier-Burkamp, Alexander Küruer
  • Patent number: 6868951
    Abstract: Slave cylinder for a pressure medium-actuated system for actuating the friction clutch of a motor vehicle, the slave cylinder including a cylinder housing, which is concentric to a transmission shaft and in which a ring-shaped piston is held, the piston being connected to a clutch-release bearing for actuation of the friction clutch. The cylinder housing is supported on a wall of the transmission to absorb the actuating forces acting on the clutch-release bearing by a mount which can absorb the wobbling movements of the cylinder housing. Wear on the guide and on the seals between the piston and the cylinder housing is reduced due to the ability of the clutch-release bearing to wobble jointly with the piston and the cylinder housing of the slave cylinder around a mount of spherical design and thus to its ability to follow the movements acting on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventor: Andreas Konrad
  • Patent number: 6854576
    Abstract: A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure in or near the clutch assembly, e.g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: John H. Dahlin, Stephen J. Grotzinger
  • Publication number: 20040238312
    Abstract: A clutch system, especially for a motor vehicle, includes a housing that is or can be filled with a fluid, at least one first friction element that is linked with the housing to rotate with the same, and at least one second friction element that is or can be linked with a drive shaft to rotate with the same. The clutch system is radially mounted relative components of a drive system in at least two radial bearing zones that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of a rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jorg Sudau
  • Patent number: 6814197
    Abstract: An actuating device for a friction clutch device installed in the drive train of a motor vehicle introduces actuating forces, especially clutch-engaging or clutch-releasing forces, to the friction clutch device to actuate at least one friction clutch of the friction clutch device in the engaging or releasing direction. At least one actuating element assigned to a friction clutch can be shifted axially relative to at least one support element, which is essentially fixed in the axial direction, to exert the actuating forces. The actuating element belongs to an actuator assigned to the clutch or can be shifted axially relative to the support element by the intermediate action of an actuator assigned to the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Markus Heiartz, Andreas Orlamünder, Sebastian Vogt, Olaf Pagels, Georg Zink, Christoph Kleuker
  • Patent number: 6729455
    Abstract: A structure and a method for supporting an electromagnetic coupling (1) onto a vehicle body (347) is disclosed as being interposed between a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (319) and a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (321). The center support bearings (37, 37) are fixedly mounted to the vehicle body via shock absorbing members (35, 35), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignees: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Hirota, Toshikazu Ubagai
  • Patent number: 6725991
    Abstract: A driving device, which can maintain a sufficient rated torque of the non-magnetization type electromagnetic clutch, comprises a driving motor and a driving gear. The driving motor and the driving gear are connected by a non-magnetization type electromagnetic clutch. The electromagnetic clutch comprises a driving shaft, wherein the driving shaft of the electromagnetic clutch is made of non-magnetic material. Because the driving shaft is made of non-magnetic material, therefore the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is not adversely affected or disordered, and a stable rated torque can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Murano, Kazuyoshi Matsumoto, Katsunori Shoji, Osamu Takashima, Toshiyuki Uchida, Kiyoshi Tsukamura
  • Patent number: 6725993
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a clutch-release mechanism which is concentric with respect to a longitudinal axis of a clutch arrangement includes a connecting line, which can be connected to the clutch-release mechanism for the purpose of control, and a fastening device for the detachable connection of the clutch-release mechanism to a support element by relative rotation between the clutch-release mechanism and the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventor: Hans Fliege
  • Patent number: 6719115
    Abstract: The friction clutch between the prime mover and the change-speed transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is actuatable by a slave cylinder cooperating with a master cylinder wherein the piston is movable by a clutch pedal or by an electric actuator. The casing of the slave cylinder is made, at least in part, of a plastic material and defines a plenum chamber arranged to receive pressurized fluid from the master cylinder by way of a conduit extending through a bell which contains the clutch and the slave cylinder. The annular piston of the slave cylinder surrounds the input shaft of the transmission. The plastic material of the casing of the slave cylinder can contain one or more additives which enhance its strength and/or influence its frictional engagement with the adjacent surfaces of the piston or of a lip seal which reciprocates with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Axel Rogner, Manfred Jansen, Wolfgang Fugel, Ulrich Helfmeier, Ernani Almeida, Dieter Adler, Uwe Abraham, Gerhard Meyer, Ludwig Winkelmann, Rainer Venz, Manfred Kraus, Peter Giese, Roland Welter, Jean-Francois Heller, Volker Lang, Wolfgang Sulger, Urban Panther
  • Patent number: 6668997
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a clutch operating device that has an elongated cylinder casing with a first end and a second end, and a transmission casing that has an opening. The first end of the cylinder casing extends into the opening of the transmission casing and is radially supported by interior wall of the opening of the transmission casing, and the second end of the cylinder casing is axially supported on the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Edmund Sander, Thomas Seiler
  • Patent number: 6637574
    Abstract: An improvement in a motor vehicle transmission/casing assembly where an end pressure plate of a clutch plate assembly, is positioned on a surface of an hydraulic piston located in the casing of the transmission/casing assembly. Spaced externally extending splines on the pressure plate are positioned in correspondingly spaced channels in the interior casing wall, for arresting the pressure plate from rotation. A loosely fitted buffer member or liner is positioned in each channel between the periphery of the externally extending splines and the walls of the channel for intercepting contact between the spline of the pressure plate and the wall of the channel. A groove in a circumference of the interior wall of the casing, supports a snap ring which transverses each channel and blocks the buffer member, positioned in the channel, from slipping out of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Alto Products Corp.
    Inventors: David Landa, Roy Baker
  • Patent number: 6497315
    Abstract: Modified friction pad and friction-pad receptale assembly for a brake/clutch module permitting greater ease inserting pad into and withdrawing it from the brake/clutch module. The pad is held into the receptacle by clips at the distal end of the receptacle rather than the proximal end. That configuration, in conjunction with finger-grip depressions near the proximal end of the pad, allow the pad to be removed with one hand. Additionally, the friction pad assembly protects the torque-resistor pad guides from wear by interposing the spring steel of the retaining clips between the pad assembly and these guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Montalvo Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan T. Peary
  • Patent number: 6474459
    Abstract: A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure near the clutch assembly, e.g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: John H. Dahlin, Stephen J. Grotzinger, Joseph H. Pistner
  • Publication number: 20020134633
    Abstract: A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure in or near the clutch assembly, e.g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: John H. Dahlin, Stephen J. Grotzinger
  • Patent number: 6453796
    Abstract: A fluid pressure operated actuating cylinder (11) for mounting in an aperture (13) in a wall (14) of a vehicle, the cylinder comprising a body (12) having first abutment tabs (17)(18) with a first locating surface (17a)(21a) facing in a first direction and second deflectable abutment lugs (17) and has a second locating surface (19a) facing in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction, the first and second locating surfaces (17a)(21a) being arranged to contact respective first and second oppositely directed surfaces (14a)(14b) of the wall 14 after insertion of the cylinder (11) through the aperture 13 with resulting deflection of the second abutment lugs (19) to locate the cylinder in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Products France, SA
    Inventor: Stephane Rocquet
  • Publication number: 20020079179
    Abstract: A structure and a method for supporting an electromagnetic coupling (1) onto a vehicle body (347) is disclosed as being interposed between a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (319) and a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (321). The center support bearings (37, 37) are fixedly mounted to the vehicle body via shock absorbing members (35, 35), respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: TOCHIGI FUJI SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Isao Hirota, Toshikazu Ubagai
  • Patent number: 6374977
    Abstract: A drum supporting structure in an automatic transmission has a drum support immovably installed in the transmission case. The drum support includes a cylindrical hollow shaft portion on which the drum is rotatably disposed and a circular wall portion which is concentrically and integrally formed on one end of the cylindrical hollow shaft portion. A first part of the circular wall portion is secured to the transmission case and has a plurality of hydraulic fluid passages defined therein, and a second, diametrically opposed part of the circular wall portion has a plurality of blind bores defined therein. The number of the blind bores is at least the same as that of the hydraulic fluid passages. With this arrangement, the circular wall portion and thus the drum supporting structure is able to have a well-balanced structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Jatco Transtechnology Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Inaba