Coil Spring Patents (Class 192/212)
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Patent number: 6105744Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub, an annular spring plate, an annular disc assembly, a plurality of drive springs, and a disc assembly. The hub has an axis of rotation. The annular spring plate rotatably is fixed to the hub. The annular disc assembly is mounted concentric with the axis of rotation for rotation relative to the spring plate. The plurality of drive springs is operably disposed between the spring plate and the disc assembly. The disc assembly has a reinforcing plate with spring pockets which receive the drive springs. The reinforcing plate has oppositely facing faces. The annular disc has a friction element fixed thereto and also has a plurality of attachment apertures passing therethrough. The weld bead is disposed in each of the attachment apertures and fixes the annular disc to one of the reinforcing plate faces.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andrzej Szadkowski, Kevin F. Schlosser, Daniel V. Gochenour, Greg W. Batterton, Michael L. Bassett, Loren H. Uthoff
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Patent number: 6106430Abstract: A rotary vibration damping device for damping rotary vibrations in a drive train through which the output torque of an internal combustion engine is transmitted in a drive power flow direction to driving wheels ot a motor vehicle. The damping device includes a first inertial mass arrangement that is connected to a crank shaft of the internal combustion engine for the purpose of rotation around a rotational axis, a second inertial mass arrangement that is connected via a spring device to the first inertial mass arrangement for common rotation around the rotational axis and for relative rotation with respect to the first inertial mass arrangement, and at least a third inertial mass arrangement that is connected to the drive train before the spring device in the drive power flow direction for rotation around the rotational axis. The third inertial mass arrangement can be disconnected from the drive train, with respect to rotary drive, when a predetermined operating state is attained.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventor: Bernd Peinemann
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Patent number: 6068096Abstract: A lock up dampening mechanism (2) includes a piston (17), a driven plate (20), a torsion spring (21) and a retaining plate (19). The piston (17) is connected to a front cover (3). The driven plate (20) is connected to a turbine (5.) The torsion spring (21) connects the piston (17) and the driven plate (20) elastically in a circular direction. The retaining plate (19) is divided into at least two parts in a circular direction and regulate the movement of the torsion spring (21) outward in a radial direction while fixed to the piston (17) or the driven plate (20). An end part of the face of the divided part of the retaining plate (19) to regulate the torsion spring (21) is chamfered.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Shinji Morita
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Patent number: 6062359Abstract: The hydraulic power transformer has a controllable, non-slip jumpering of the hydrodynamic system with insertion of a torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper exhibits a device that varies the damping based on a liquid pressure acting in the vicinity of the device. This device preferably has a piston, which can be moved by the liquid pressure against a surface, and hence generates a damping.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Rohs-Voigt Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mbHInventors: Ulrich Rohs, Dietmar Heidingsfeld
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Patent number: 6056092Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventor: Rudiger Hinkel
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Patent number: 6056093Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventor: Rudiger Hinkel
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Patent number: 6056099Abstract: A selected portion of a surface of a metallic workpiece such as the end surface of a tubular workpiece, is provided with one or more recesses by resorting to a tool having a preferably pointed tip and being driven into the surface to displace the material of the workpiece substantially transversely of the thus obtained recess. The latter can be used to facilitate the establishment of a separable connection between the workpiece and a substantially disc-shaped section of a cover or housing in a friction clutch for use in motor vehicles. The tool can be left in the recess to serve as a locating or centering device for the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Johann Jackel, Heinz Molt
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Patent number: 6044943Abstract: A crankshaft decoupler has a mounting hub, a pulley rotatably mounted on the mounting hub, an annular carrier mounted within said pulley, a biasing device mounted therebetween, and a one way clutch mounted between the annular carrier and the pulley. The biasing device cushions the belt drive from crankshaft impulses and lowers the angular resonant frequency of the belt system. The one way clutch prevents sudden reversal of the belt tension in the drive due to start/stop of the engine or sudden deceleration of the engine and prevents momentary reverse slip belt squeal as a result of the tensioners' inadequate output for the reverse mode. The one way clutch limits the maximum amount of torque which may be transmitted preventing belt slippage during momentary overload.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Litens Automotive PartnershipInventors: Klaus Bytzek, K. Mats Lipowski, Jacek S. Komorowski, Henry W. Thomey
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Patent number: 6019683Abstract: A two part flywheel having a torsional vibration damper with a plurality of inertial masses, for installation in the drive train of a motor vehicle. The torsional vibration damper has three inertial mass systems. A first and a second inertial mass system are oriented so that they can rotate jointly and also relative to one another around a common first axis of rotation. The first inertial mass system and the second inertial mass system are connected rotationally elastically to one another by means of a spring system. A third inertial mass system which is movable relative to the first and the second inertial mass systems is rotationally connected by a transmission system to the first and/or second inertial mass systems. One of the inertial mass systems, in particular the first inertial mass system, is designed to be connected to the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventor: Jorg Sudau
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Patent number: 6006878Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and a bypass clutch. A drive ring is located between adjacent surfaces of the cover and a clutch piston, which deflects flexurally axially. The piston is welded to the cover at a radially inner position, which is supported at another radial location on the cover. The piston deflects into engagement with the drive ring, and the drive ring engages with the cover. When clutch apply pressure is reduced, energy, in the form of elastic bending potential energy stored in the piston, is used to move the piston out of engagement with the drive ring and cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Fraser John Macdonald, David Hargrave
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Patent number: 5984789Abstract: A torsion damping assembly which is installed between the crankshaft of the engine and the input element of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the crankshaft and the other of which can transmit torque to the transmission in response to engagement of a friction clutch. The transmission of torque between the two flywheels takes place by way of a damper and a slip clutch which latter is effective only within a selected range of possible angular movements of the two flywheels relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Reik, Oswald Friedmann
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Patent number: 5975261Abstract: In the case of an arrangement of a 2-path torsion damper unit and a friction disk clutch in a hydrodynamic torque converter, a coupling member for the torque transmission from the clutch to the torsion damper unit as well as the latter are fixed in their position with respect to the hub of a turbine wheel, particularly for avoiding wobbling.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Otto Woerner, Heinz Schultz
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Patent number: 5964328Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and bypass clutch located within the impeller housing. The impeller cover has welded to it a clutch plate, which carries friction material adjacent the clutch piston. The piston has legs that extend axially into engagement with helical springs carried in a damper assembly arranged in series with the damper between the impeller cover and the input shaft of the transmission. The springs are located in a retainer that accommodates two, three or four springs, as required by the torque requirements of the clutch and damper. The spring constant of the damper can be linear or piecewise linear over the full displacement range of the damper springs.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Techologies, Inc.Inventors: John William Fallu, Fraser John MacDonald, Stephen Harold Henning
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Patent number: 5944610Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a flywheel with two inertial masses has two rotating elements which can rotate together and relative to one another. The rotating elements are connected to one another with rotational elasticity by a spring. The spring is located in a channel which is formed on the outside periphery of one of the two rotating elements. The channel is filled at least partly with lubricant. A filling passage for the lubricant is contained in one of the two rotating elements in the vicinity of the hub. The filling passage is closed by the annular surface of a component which, at least in the operationally fully assembled condition, is in contact with one of the two rotating elements and/or the hub. It is thereby possible to eliminate a separate closing cap, along with the corresponding work step which is necessary for the installation of such a closing cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventor: Jorg Sudau
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Patent number: 5937978Abstract: A torque converter is provided with both a lock-up clutch and a disengaging clutch for use with a manual transmission. When the disengaging clutch is engaged, torque is transmittable through a torque converter impeller and turbine fluid coupling. When the lock-up clutch is engaged, torque is mechanically transmitted through the lock-up clutch to a manual transmission input shaft. A single control mechanism effects selective engagement and disengagement of both the lock-up clutch and the disengaging clutch. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a weight may be engaged and disengaged from various components within the torque converter to change the ratio of a moment of inertia of a power input mechanism and a power output mechanism defined by portions of the torque converter. A lock-up clutch in the alternate embodiment and the weight are also engaged and disengaged by a single control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventor: Hirotaka Fukushima
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Patent number: 5934426Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Rudiger Hinkel, Uwe Dehrmann, Roland Illig, Horst Breier
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Patent number: 5911628Abstract: A flywheel device has a first flywheel mass that is drivable and rotates around a rotational axis and a second flywheel mass that can be deflected relative to the first at least by a limited rotational angle. The second flywheel mass is drive-connected to the first flywheel mass by a torsional damping device. At least one flywheel mass has a grease chamber which at least partially accommodates the torsional damping device and is equipped with at least one seal against the escape of viscous medium. A first sealing part of the seal is connected to one of the flywheel masses and a second sealing part of the seal is connected to the other flywheel mass. The second sealing part is arranged in a radially offset manner relative to the first sealing part and has at least two fixed arms extending from an annual base in the direction of the first sealing part.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventors: Jorg Sudau, Joachim Lindner, Bernd Forster, Bernhard Schierling
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Patent number: 5908095Abstract: An apparatus for damping torsional vibrations, particularly between coaxial primary and secondary masses of a composite flywheel in the power train between the engine and the transmission of a motor vehicle, has at least one coil spring or torsion spring which extends around the common axis of the two masses, which is stressed at least in the radial direction, and which is in a mere frictional (rather than positive) torque transmitting engagement with at least one of the masses. The spring can be installed to transmit torque from the secondary mass to the primary mass and/or vice versa, and such spring can operate in series with a damper between the primary and secondary masses.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Johann Jackel, Andreas Raimann, Hartmut Mende
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Patent number: 5863253Abstract: A torsional vibration damping assembly, comprising a rotating driving disk and a driven disk having a jacket surface with a polygonal cross-section. The driven disk is arranged coaxially with the driving disk and rotates in the same direction as the driving disk. The driving disk has an overlapping ring-shaped portion that partly grips over the driven disk. A plurality of radial pockets having wedge-shaped ends are disposed around the circumference of the inside face of the ring-shaped portion of the rotating driving disk. A pair of wedge-shaped thrust pistons are arranged in each of the radial pockets. The pistons are slightly curved or planar on their sides facing the jacket surface of the driven disk. There is at least one pressure spring arranged in each pocket that keeps the pistons apart from one another. There is also a plurality of devices such as pressure springs for effecting a reset moment from the driving disk to the driven disk during idle run, that exerts almost no frictional force.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1996Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Patentverwertungsgesellschaft Rohs Voigt mbHInventors: Ulrich Rohs, Dietmar Heidingsfeld
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Patent number: 5860500Abstract: The rotary output element of a hydrokinetic torque converter can receive torque with limited play from the turbine or directly from the housing by way of a damper which operates in series with a lockup clutch. The lockup clutch can be engaged to transmit torque from the housing of the torque converter to the damper and the latter then transmits torque to the output element.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Steven Olsen, Rudolf Honemann, Wendy Boman
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Patent number: 5857914Abstract: A damper disk assembly includes a clutch plate 4, a retaining plate 5 arranged coaxially and parallel to the clutch plate 4, a separate flange 3 arranged coaxially between the plates 4 and 5, a plurality of plate coupling portions 30 extending integrally from an outer peripheral portion of the clutch plate 4 to an outer peripheral portion of the retaining plate 5 and being arranged at the clutch plate 4 with a circumferentially equal space between each other, a ring member 35 arranged coaxially to the retaining plate 5 for cooperating with the plate coupling portions 30 to fix the plates 4 and 5 together, and coil springs for circumferentially elastically coupling the plates 4 and 5 to the separate flange 3.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
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Patent number: 5857552Abstract: The retaining plate (3) is disposed in a clutch disc assembly in which torque is transmitted through a coil spring and is intended for transmitting torque from an input member to the coil spring. The retaining plate (3) is formed with a first window portion (3a). The first window portion (3a) includes a tunnel portion having a convex shape so as the coil spring to be disposed therein. The tunnel portion (21) of the first window portion (3a) is integral with the retaining plate (3) in the radial direction and is formed with the second holes (23) on its circumferentially opposite ends. A circumferential support portion (22) is formed on the circumferentially opposite ends of the tunnel portion (21).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Yasuyuki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 5848938Abstract: A twin mass flywheel comprising two co-axially arranged flywheel masses which are mounted for limited angular rotation in a drive and over-run direction relative to each other, and a plurality of pivotal linkages. Each pivotal linkage comprises a first link pivotally connected to one of the flywheel masses, a second link pivotally connected to the other of the flywheel masses and a pivot pivotally connecting the first and second links. The action of the links controls relative rotation of the flywheel masses, and the controlling action of the links is supplemented by one or more assister springs which operate over a significant proportion of the full drive direction range of relative rotation. The twin mass flywheel may further include end stops to positively limit relative rotation of the flywheel masses in the drive and over-run directions and may additionally include end stop resilient means which cushion the relative rotation of the flywheel masses just prior to contact of the end stops.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Automotive Products, PLCInventors: Anthony John Curtis, Rober John Murphy
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Patent number: 5848937Abstract: A clutch disk assembly includes axially opposed clutch and retaining plates 3 and 4. A flange having a plurality of circumferentially long recesses is arranged between clutch and retaining plates. A plate coupling portion 30 extends through a recess at the flange and connects the clutch and retaining plates 3 and 4 together.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Mizukami, Norihisa Uenohara
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Patent number: 5829561Abstract: The hydrokinetic coupling device has a locking clutch comprising a torsion damper, the web of which is at least partially fixed at its outer periphery to a shell of the turbine wheel by folded lugs engaged in slots formed in a part of the said web matching the surface of the said shell, this web is fixed mechanically at its inner periphery to one of the elements consisting of shell and plate carrying the said shell, the coupling device having a pre-assembled subassembly comprising the turbine wheel, the web, the guide washer and the circumferentially acting springs.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: ValeoInventor: Rabah Arhab
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Patent number: 5826688Abstract: A torsion damper for a locking clutch able to act between the driving element and the driven element of a hydrokinetic coupling device, has two coaxial parts able to move with respect to each other and counter to circumferentially acting springs, namely an input part provided with a guide washer and an output part provided with a web. The guide washer has a holding portion in the shape of a half-shell and bearing portions bordering on circumferentially extending apertures receiving the springs, to respectively hold the springs and enable them to bear. The web also has bearing portions to enable the springs to bear. The guide washer consists of two parts, a first part and a second part, assembled by crimping.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: ValeoInventors: Rabah Arhab, Luc Thevenon
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Patent number: 5823311Abstract: A flywheel comprising a first and second coaxial body (1, 2) movably mounted in relation to one another against an elastic member (8) and friction device (50, 150). The first body (1) is mounted to a drive shaft while the second body (2) includes a reaction plate (21) for a friction clutch. The first body (1) includes a member (60) on its outer periphery, a stiffener, extending close to the second body (2). The friction devices (50, 150) are inserted between the member (60) and the second body (2). The flywheel is adapted for use with a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: ValeoInventors: Ayman Mokdad, Giovanni Grieco
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Patent number: 5823880Abstract: A first flywheel and a second flywheel in a flywheel assembly are configured to be connected to each other such that they rotate together with generally no relative rotation therebetween in a predetermined low RPM region. The flywheel assembly (1) includes the first flywheel (2), the second flywheel (3), a damper mechanism (5) and a lever mechanism (7). The second flywheel (3) is disposed rotatable relative to the first flywheel (2). The damper mechanism (5) elastically connects the first flywheel (2) and the second flywheel (3) to allow for limited relative rotary displacement therebetween. The lever mechanism (7) is mounted on the first flywheel (2) and pivots about a pivot bolt connected to the first flywheel (2). The lever mechanism (7) pivots between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the lever mechanism (7) connects the first flywheel (2) and the second flywheel (3) such that the two flywheels may not undergo relative rotary displacement with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Koji Kajitani, Hiroshi Mizukami
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Patent number: 5816973Abstract: A flywheel mass arrangement having a flywheel mass on the driving side, a planetary gear unit having at least one planet carrier provided with at least one planet gear that engages with at least one additional toothed wheel of the planetary gear unit, and with a flywheel mass on the driven side which can be rotationally deflected relative to the flywheel mass on the driving side. At least one of the flywheel masses has a control structure for elastic elements of a damping arrangement which act in the circumferential direction. A mass is provided at the planet gear to project radially beyond the toothing diameter of the planet gear and is arranged at an axial offset relative to at least one additional toothed wheel such as the ring gear or the sun gear of the planetary gear unit, in particular relative to the toothing engagement of the additional toothed wheel with the planet gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventors: Jorg Sudau, Bernhard Schierling, Hilmar Gobel
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Patent number: 5816924Abstract: A first flywheel and a second flywheel in a flywheel assembly are configured to be connected to each other such that they rotate together with generally no relative rotation therebetween in a predetermined low RPM region. The flywheel assembly (1) includes the first flywheel (2), the second flywheel (3), a damper mechanism (5) and a lever mechanism (7). The second flywheel (3) is disposed rotatably relative to the first flywheel (2). The damper mechanism (5) elastically connects the first flywheel (2) and the second flywheel (3) to allow for limited relative rotary displacement therebetween. The lever mechanism (7) is mounted on the first flywheel (2) and pivots about a pivot bolt connected to the first flywheel (2). The lever mechanism (7) pivots between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the lever mechanism (7) connects the first flywheel (2) and the second flywheel (3) such that the two flywheels may not undergo relative rotary displacement with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventors: Koji Kajitani, Hiroshi Mizukami
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Patent number: 5810138Abstract: In a hydrokinetic torque converter the clutch disc (11) of a lock-up clutch is connected non-rotatably by carriers (16) to a transfer disc (15) which for its part is connected non-rotatably through the carrier plate (18) of a damping system to a shaft hub (6') of a gearbox input shaft (6) of a vehicle gearbox, so that the damping system is included in the torque delivery path when the lock-up clutch is disengaged as well as when it is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Bertram, Vladimir Premiski
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Patent number: 5799761Abstract: A lock-up clutch (10) comprising a piston (12) axially movable relative to a fixed drive wall (13), friction means (14) between the piston and the drive wall (13), a driven wall (15) on the opposite side of the piston from the drive wall (13), and resilient damping means (16) acting circumferentially between the piston (12) and said driven wall (15). At least on a level with the resilient damping means (16), said driven wall (15) extends on the side of the resilient damping means (16) axially facing the piston (12) and is adjacent to said piston (12). The clutch is useful in hydrokinetic coupling devices, especially for motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: ValeoInventor: Rabah Arhab
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Patent number: 5788041Abstract: A clutch friction element having elongate elastic elements (24) interposed circumferentially between two guide washers (18) and a shell (20). Recesses (27), which the shell (20) has for the elongate elements (24), are open radially. The guide washers (18) are connected to each other by an arch (45) and, on the internal surface of this arch, a lining (46) of synthetic material is applied radially.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: ValeoInventors: Paolo Viola, Fabrice Tauvron
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Patent number: 5779550Abstract: A torsion damping device having two coaxial parts (12, 3) mounted so as to move angularly with respect to each other counter to elastic member (7), including members (71, 72, 73) acting between radial lugs (55, 65) offset circumferentially and belonging to two phasing washers (5, 6). The phasing washers (5, 6) are mounted in reverse orientations and concentrically, the outer washer surrounding the inner washer. The inner washer (5) is pivotally mounted on a first one (3) of the coaxial parts (3, 12), while the outer washer (6) is pivotally mounted on the first or the second of the coaxial parts (3, 12).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: ValeoInventors: Pascal Annic, Michel Ginaldi, Gustave Chasseguet
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Patent number: 5762172Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission unit includes a casing connected to an engine, a pump member fixed to the interior of the casing and a turbine mounted within the casing and connected to an output shaft, whereby the output torque of the engine is transmitted to the output shaft through fluid in the casing. A damper mechanism includes damper springs mounted directly on the inner face of the casing at its outer circumference. A damper disc serves to transmit the power of the engine to the output shaft through the damper springs. A lock-up clutch mechanism is also housed within the casing and includes a frictional engagement element arranged between the damper disc and the output shaft. The lock-up clutch mechanism is operated, i.e. frictional engagement element selectively applied and released, by a clutch piston slidably mounted within a cylinder defined by the damper disc.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Koji Maeda, Yutaka Teraoka, Makoto Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 5762557Abstract: A damped flywheel having two coaxial masses (1, 2) which are mounted for movement with respect to one another against the action of a resilient damping device (3, 130, 230) including at least one resilient member (31 to 33; 133; 231, 232) mounted for articulation on both sides of the coaxial masses. The resilient member acts generally in a radial direction between the coaxial masses in a rest position of the flywheel to occupy a stable rest position. A second coaxial mass is mounted for rotation on the first coaxial mass through bearing members (14, 114) which are arranged at either the outer or inner peripheries of the first mass.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: ValeoInventors: Frank Chazot, Jacques Feigler
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Patent number: 5762558Abstract: A balance weight (20) is fixed to a damper disc assembly (1) together with a stop pin (10) and is used for balancing an imbalance in the rotational operation of the damper disc assembly (1). The balance weight (20) includes a hole (20a) through which the head portion of the stop pin (10) extends and recesses (20b) which engages a caulked portion of the stop pin (10), the recess (20b) formed on the peripheral portion of the hole (20a) therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Yasushi Takehira
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Patent number: 5752885Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus includes a torque input member coaxially assembled with an output member through a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced resilient elements in such a manner that the resilient elements are enclosed by the torque input member and maintained in engagement with the torque input and output members to transmit input torque from the input member to the output member. The output member has a hub portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced through holes through which a plurality of mounting bolts are inserted and threaded into a hub portion of the torque input member for connection to a drive shaft. The through holes of the output member are each formed to contain the head portion of one of the mounting bolts in such a manner as to permit relative rotaion of the torque input and output members.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyonori Kobayashi, Makoto Takeuchi, Toshiaki Katsu
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Patent number: 5743365Abstract: A lock-up damper includes a driving plate or flange formed integrally with a radially outer flange of a lock-up piston, a driven plate fixed to an outer peripheral portion of a turbine shell, and coil springs which are mounted between the driving and driven plates, such that the inner, front and rear sides of the coil springs are supported by the driven plate, and the outer sides thereof are supported by the inner surface of the driving plate.The driven plate consists of a single annular plate having inner, front and rear support faces for supporting the coil springs, and the front and rear faces do not extend beyond two orthogonal lines that are tangent to the coil spring and extend in parallel with the lock-up piston and the outer flange, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Jatco CorporationInventor: Tetsuya Makino
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Patent number: 5697846Abstract: A clutch plate (4) and a retaining plate (5) are disposed to face each other. A separate flange (3) is interposed between the two plates and has cutaways (3d) extending in the circumferential direction at its outer circumferential edge. Large coil springs (7) couple the two plates and the separate flange (3) with each other in the circumferential direction. A plate coupler (30) includes a sleeve portion (31) and fastener portions (32) for coupling outer circumferential portions of the two plates with each other, and projections (33) extending radially inwardly from the sleeve portion (31) and contactable with both ends in the circumferential direction of the cutaways 3d of the separate flange (3) to overcome the problems associated with conventional stop pins and to increase a relative twist angle between an input member and an output member.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Norihisa Uenohara
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Patent number: 5690208Abstract: A clutch disc assembly 1 includes a first disc member 2, second disc members 3, coil springs 11, a first coupling mechanism 4, a second coupling member 7 and a spline hub 6. The second disc members 3 are placed on sides of the first disc member 2, and they are provided in inner circumferential portions with spline teeth 3a laterally protruding. Coil springs 11 are disposed between the first disc member 2 and the second disc members 3 in circumferential directions so as to be elastically deformed. The spline hub 6 is provided in its outer circumference with outside spline teeth 6a which mesh with the spline teeth 3a. The second coupling member 7 includes a third friction washer 21 and a spring 20. The third friction washer 21 frictionally slides on one of the spline hub 6 and the second disc members 3. The spring 20 is placed between the spline hub 6 and the second disc members 3 so as to be elastically deformed and urges the third friction washer 21 against the adjacent second disc member 3.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Uehara
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Patent number: 5682969Abstract: An hydrokinetic torque converter (10) which has a clutch for driveably releasing and locking the cover (12) and turbine (26). The clutch is comprised of a first annular member (74) having a first friction surface (80) driveably connected to the turbine (26) and a second annular member (60) having a second friction surface (61) resiliently connected (69) to the cover (12). The second friction surface (61) frictionally engages the first friction surface (80) to provide a driving engagement therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ching-Chung Ling
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Patent number: 5667042Abstract: The rotary output element of a hydrokinetic torque converter can receive torque with limited play from the turbine or directly from the housing by way of a damper which operates in series with a lockup clutch. The lockup clutch can be engaged to transmit torque from the housing of the torque converter to the damper and the latter then transmits torque to the output element.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Steven Olsen, Rudolf Honemann, Wendy Boman
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Patent number: 5657845Abstract: A disclosed clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub having an axis of rotation. A driven disc of the assembly is rotatably disposed over the hub and has a friction element disposed thereon. The disc also has a plurality of spring openings radially disposed between the hub and the friction element. A reinforcing plate having a plurality of spring openings aligned with the spring openings in the disc is fixed to each side of the disc. A cover plate having a plurality of spring openings is disposed over each of the reinforcing plates with the spring openings of all parts aligned. The cover plates are fixed to the hub for rotation therewith. A plurality of compression coil springs are disposed in the spring openings with the springs oriented such that relative rotation between the hub and the disc tends to compress the springs.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Andrew Szadkowski, Michael J. Hall, Rock L. Hartshorn
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Patent number: 5655641Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a clutch disc for a friction clutch, in which two identical cover plates are used, each of which has areas with different outside diameters, whereby the area with the larger diameter has the openings for fastening rivets for lining carriers and the openings for the location of balancing rivets, and the areas with the smaller diameter make it possible to have access with a tool for peening the rivet heads from the other side. The individual cover plates are also assembled to one another in mirror inversion.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventors: Norbert Ament, Dieter Bernhard
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Patent number: 5655635Abstract: A torque converter includes a subassembly that comprises a lock up clutch and a torsional damper. The torsional damper has an input plate that is part of the lock up clutch. Front and back sheet metal retainers are attached to the input plate to retain a plurality of torque transmitting springs. An outer castellated margin of an output plate is disposed between the front and back sheet metal retainers and engages the torque transmitting springs for being driven by the input plate via the sheet metal retainers. In one embodiment the plates are also connected by a lost motion drive connection that limits relative angular travel to protect the torque transmitting springs from being overloaded. In another embodiment two identical sheet metal retainers are flange driven to simplify construction further and conserve more space.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth C. Yuergens, John P. Yanko
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Patent number: 5651442Abstract: A method for automated assembly of a frictionally engaging clutch disc subassembly, employing a tooling jig in conjunction with appropriately configured subassembly friction facings and cushioning plate, whereby need for post-manufacture rotational balancing is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventors: Ikuo Murata, Hiroshi Teramae
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Patent number: 5634851Abstract: An apparatus which can transmit torque between the crankshaft or the camshaft of a combustion engine and the input shaft of a variable-speed transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle employs a damper having a rotary input member normally receiving torque from the engine, an output member rotatable with and relative to the input member and normally transmitting torque to the transmission, and a set of arcuate coil springs which yieldably oppose angular movements of the input and output members relative to each other with a first force which increases in response to increasing angular movements of the input and output members relative to each other and with a second force which is generated by centrifugal force and increases in response to increasing RPM of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1994Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Albert Albers, Johann Jackel, Hartmut Mende
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Patent number: 5622245Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus which can be used in the power train between the prime mover and the transmission of a motor vehicle has a first flywheel connectable to the prime mover, a second flywheel coaxial with and receiving torque from the first flywheel by way of a damper, and a friction clutch which can be engaged to transmit torque between the second flywheel and the input element of the transmission. The energy storing elements of the damper and the bearing between the two flywheels are installed radially inwardly of the friction surfaces of the second flywheel and the axially movable pressure plate of the friction clutch. This renders it possible to reduce at least the radial dimensions of the apparatus without reducing the diameters of the friction surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1994Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Reik, Johann Jackel
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Patent number: 5620373Abstract: A torque variation absorbing device comprises a drive body for connecting to a drive member, a driven body for connecting to a clutch mechanism, a damping mechanism disposed between the drive body and the driven body, a hysteresis mechanism disposed between the drive body and the driven body and including an elastic member, and a bearing disposed between the drive body and the driven body and including an inner race and an outer race, wherein any one of the inner race and the outer race is pressed by an elastic force of the elastic member in the direction of the drive member from the side of the clutch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1994Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junji Kagiyama, Masakazu Kamiya