Plural Axially Spaced Springs Patents (Class 192/213.1)
  • Patent number: 11703103
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a front cover arranged to receive a torque and a lock-up clutch engaged with the front cover. The torque converter further includes a damper assembly engageable with the lock-up clutch. The damper assembly includes an inner spring assembly, an outer spring assembly arranged radially outside of the inner spring assembly, and a lower cover plate supporting the inner spring assembly. The lower cover plat includes a chamfer configured to retain the outer spring assembly in a spring window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joshua Verdier
  • Patent number: 11592078
    Abstract: A damper for a torque converter is disclosed. The damper includes an outer spring and an inner spring coaxial with the outer spring; and a retaining plate to retain the outer spring and the inner spring. The retaining plate includes an upper spring guide, a lower spring guide, an outer spring support, and an inner spring support, wherein the upper spring guide extends substantially around an outer periphery of the retaining plate, the lower spring guide extends around an inner periphery of the retaining plate, the outer spring support directly contacts axial ends of the outer spring and the inner spring, and the inner spring support directly contacts the axial ends of the outer spring and the inner spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: VALEO KAPEC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyungryol Lee
  • Patent number: 11333217
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a vehicle drive train includes a base assembly including a base hub configured for non-rotatably connecting to an outer circumferential surface of a transmission input shaft. The base assembly includes a torsional damper fixed to the base hub. The torsional damper includes an input section and an output section drivingly connected by springs. The springs allow relative rotation between the input section and the output section. The output section of the torsional damper is non-rotatably fixed to the base hub. A hub assembly extension is configured for non-rotatably connecting to an engine crankshaft. The hub assembly extension is non-rotatably fixed to the input part of the torsional damper at an engine side of the torsional damper. The torsional damper allows relative rotation between the hub assembly extension and the base hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ing. Juan Pablo Cazares, Angel Josue Lopez
  • Patent number: 10711862
    Abstract: A damper device that includes an elastic body support provided to the intermediate element to support both end portions of the third elastic body at least when torque is not transferred between the input and the output; and an elastic body abutment provided to one of the input and the output, the elastic body abutment not abutting against an end portion of the third elastic body at least when torque is not transferred between the input and the output, but abutting against one of the end portions of the third elastic body as a relative torsional angle between the one of the input and the output and the intermediate element is increased when torque is transferred between the input and the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., AISIN AW INDUSTRIES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Ito, Makoto Nakazuru, Shuhei Warashina, Tanaka Katsunori, Tomoyuki Hiramoto
  • Patent number: 10663010
    Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly is provided. The torque mission assembly includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate supporting a radially inner set of springs therebetween; and a first radially outer set of springs and a second radially outer set of springs in series with the first radially outer set of springs. The first radially outer set of springs are arranged for transferring torque from the second radially outer set of springs to the radially inner set of springs via the second cover plate. A method of constructing a torque transmission assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sean Metz
  • Patent number: 10571005
    Abstract: A lock-up device transmits a torque and includes a clutch disc, a piston, a cover plate and a support boss. The clutch disc is disposed between a front cover and a turbine. The piston is disposed between the front cover and the turbine. The piston is movable in an axial direction. The cover plate is disposed between the piston and the turbine, and includes a torque transmission part in an outer peripheral part thereof so as to transmit the torque to the clutch disc. The support boss has an annular shape. The support boss is fixed to an inner peripheral part of the front cover and includes a piston support part and a coupling part. The piston support part supports an inner peripheral end surface of the piston such that the piston is slidable thereon. The coupling part receives an inner peripheral part of the cover plate coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhito Maeda, Keiichi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 10473202
    Abstract: A torque transmission apparatus, including: a first vibration damper with a first input part arranged to receive torque from an engine, a first output part and at least one first spring engaged with the first input and output parts; and a torque converter including a cover non-rotatably connected to the first output part, an impeller with at least one first blade and an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover, a turbine with at least one second blade and a turbine shell, an output hub and a planetary gear set including a first component non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell or a second component non-rotatably connected to the output hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael G. Swank, Markus Steinberger
  • Patent number: 10443679
    Abstract: A damper device that includes a first torque transmission path including a first elastic body that transmits torque between the input element and the output element; and a second torque transmission path disposed in parallel with the first torque transmission path and including first and second intermediate elements, a second elastic body that transmits the torque between the input element and the first intermediate element, a third elastic body that transmits the torque between the first intermediate element and the second intermediate element, and a fourth elastic body that transmits the torque between the second intermediate element and the output element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Takikawa, Hiroki Nagai, Takao Sakamoto, Kazuhiro Itou
  • Patent number: 10281018
    Abstract: A lock-up device for a torque converter for transmitting a torque and for absorbing and attenuating a torsional vibration includes an input rotary member, an output rotary member disposed on both axial sides of the input rotary member and rotatable relatively to the input rotary member, and a plurality of first coil springs disposed in radially inner positions. The first coil springs are compressed in series by rotation of the input rotary member relative to the output rotary member whereby the torque is inputted therein from the input rotary member. The lock-up device also includes at least one second coil spring compressed when the input rotary member and the output rotary member are rotated relatively to each other at a predetermined relative angle or greater. The lock-up device additionally includes a float member disposed radially inward of the first coil springs and coupling the plural first coil springs in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki Kawahara
  • Patent number: 10260610
    Abstract: A torque converter for a vehicle includes a front cover, an impeller configured to rotate and being coupled to the front cover, a turbine disposed to face the impeller, a turbine shell provided in the turbine, a stator disposed between the impeller and the turbine, and a lockup clutch provided with a drive hub connected to the front cover. The lock-up clutch has a drive disc provided in the drive hub, a driven disc coaxially disposed to the drive disc, and a driven hub provided with the driven disc, and a torsional damper comprising a retaining plate disposed between the lock-up clutch and the turbine. Engine torque is transmitted to the retaining plate through the front cover by a frictional contact between the drive disc and the driven disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Mo Park, Pan Seok We, Ho Jin Ji, Myoung Chul Lee, Young Seok Son
  • Patent number: 10082190
    Abstract: A lock-up device for a torque converter transmits a torque from a front cover to a transmission-side member through a turbine. The lock-up device includes a clutch portion and a damper portion. The clutch portion includes a clutch plate and transmits the torque from the front cover toward the turbine. The damper portion includes an elastic member, a holding member and an output-side member. The elastic member attenuates a fluctuation in the torque. The holding member holds the elastic member and is provided with an engaging part integrated therewith. The engaging part is engaged with the clutch plate. The output-side member is rotatable relatively to the holding member within a range of a predetermined angle. The output-side member transmits the torque toward the turbine when the torque is transmitted to the elastic member through the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9982748
    Abstract: A two-piece flexplate assembly having a ring gear welded to a central plate using a capacitor discharge welding process. The weld is established between a joining structure defined between the ring gear and the central plate using either an overlap arrangement, a projection arrangement, or a chamfer arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Guobin Yin, Markus Schuiki, Markus Reiterer, Alexander Dietrich
  • Patent number: 9976624
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is disclosed that includes a hub, a damper and a pre-damper. A first pre-damper side plate is adjacent the damper and a second pre-damper side plate has a lug that extends radially outwardly and axially across the intermediate plate and the first pre-damper plate toward a first side plate of the damper that is adjacent the pre-damper. The lug is received in a notch defined by the first side plate of the damper to prevent relative rotation between the first side plate of the damper and the pre-damper. A method is disclosed for assembling the pre-damper and the damper on a hub. The pre-damper includes a radially and axially extending lug that is assembled to the notch in the damper to prevent relative rotation between the damper and the pre-damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Fabio A. Libertini
  • Patent number: 9890816
    Abstract: A damper assembly for an engine includes a first spring damper connectable to a torque input component and a slip clutch connected to the first spring damper. The first spring damper transfers torque input to the first spring damper to the slip clutch. A hybrid motor vehicle drive train and a method of forming a damper assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Steinberger, Matthew Payne
  • Patent number: 9765839
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping arrangement comprises an input region to be driven in rotation around an axis of rotation and an output region and a first torque transmission path and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path, both of which proceed from the input region, and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques conducted via the torque transmission paths, which coupling arrangement communicates with the output region, a phase shifter arrangement for the first torque transmission path for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities conducted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities conducted via the second torque transmission path, and a pendulum mass in the phase shifter arrangement and/or in the coupling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Lorenz, Ingrid Hoffelner
  • Patent number: 9739359
    Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission includes a pump impeller, a turbine impeller, a cover member, a lock-up clutch, an output member, a plurality of primary springs, a plurality of secondary springs, an intermediate member, a first dynamic vibration absorber, and a second dynamic vibration absorber. The intermediate member holds the output member and connects the primary springs and the secondary springs. The first dynamic vibration absorber is attached to the intermediate member and has a first frequency. The first dynamic vibration absorber includes a first mass body and a first damper member. The second dynamic vibration absorber is attached to the intermediate member and has a second frequency different from the first frequency. The second dynamic vibration absorber includes a second mass body and a second damper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoya Okaji, Fumiya Nishii
  • Patent number: 9709144
    Abstract: A starting element has a torsional vibration damper coupleable with a drive with a drive-side input element rotatable against an action of a first spring element and a driven-side output component rotatable against the action of a second spring element arrangement around an axis of rotation. The driven-side output component is coupled with an output of the starting element. A hydrodynamic coupling device has a turbine and a turbine flange connected therewith fixed with respect to rotation. The turbine flange is coupled with the output to be fixed with respect to rotation a first connection. A tuned mass damper a mass damper support element coupled with an intermediate transmission arrangement by a second mechanical connection. The mass damper support element extends opposite to a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation to a component of the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Mencher, Peter Hammer, Stojan Cegar, Ralph Fambach
  • Patent number: 9556944
    Abstract: A vibration damping device having improved air-tightness of a chamber holding a rolling mass in an oscillatable manner is provided. A cover member that covers an oscillating range of the rolling mass liquid-tightly or air-tightly comprises a first flange and a second flange. The first flange is pushed onto one of lateral faces of a holding member by a first pushing member fitted onto a rotary member while being prevented to move axially to seal a clearance between the holding member and the first flange by a first sealing member. The second flange is pushed onto the other lateral face of the holding member by a second pushing member fitted onto the rotary member while being prevented to move axially to seal a clearance between the holding member and the second flange by a second sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tadashi Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 9523408
    Abstract: The vibration damper for damping vibrations for rotation around an axis of rotation, including a first component with at least one bow spring channel formed radially outside of a second component. A spring is formed in the bow spring channel, and fixed by a counter-component, wherein the first and second component and counter-component are made of sheet metal, characterized in that the second component and at least one of the following contact components: a) the first component and b) the counter-component have common contact areas, into which the second component and the at least one contact component run vertically to the rotation axis, and in which the edges thereof for centering lie one against the other, at least in some sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jan Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9394982
    Abstract: A lock-up device having multistage torsional characteristics includes a retaining plate, a driven plate, a plurality of pairs of outer peripheral side torsion springs configured to elastically couple the both plates, a support plate and a plurality of inner peripheral side torsion springs. The support plate is rotatable relative to the retaining plate and the driven plate, and causes the outer peripheral side coil springs in each pair to act in a series-like manner. Each inner peripheral side torsion spring has a length shorter than that of each outer peripheral side torsion spring. Additionally, the support plate is configured to be restricted from rotating relative to the driven plate when stopper parts of the support plate contact intermediate stopper parts of the driven plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Mototsune, Naoki Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 9284992
    Abstract: A wet clutch arrangement, particularly starting clutch for a vehicle, including a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a friction coupling region having a first friction surface formation rotating with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation that rotates with a driven element around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation, a fluid coupling region with an impeller rotating with the housing arrangement around the axis of rotation and with a turbine that rotates with the driven element around the axis of rotation and which, along with the impeller, defines a toroidal fluid circulation space. The fluid coupling region is arranged radially outside the friction coupling region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Joerg Sudau, Arthur Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9010508
    Abstract: In a hydraulic transmission apparatus, a lockup piston of a lockup clutch mechanism is placed on the opposite side of first and second friction plates from a sidewall portion of a front cover. A damper device is placed on the opposite side of the lockup piston from the first and second friction plates. An outer peripheral portion of the lockup piston is located closer to the outer periphery than an outer peripheral portion of a flange member. A part of the lockup piston is placed in a region located between first and second springs and a third spring of the damper device in a radial direction and in the range of an axial width of the third spring located closer to the lockup piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Tanaka, Yuito Abe, Kazuyoshi Ito, Koji Maeda, Naohisa Momiyama
  • Patent number: 8960396
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper arrangement including a torsional vibration damper with a primary side and a secondary side rotatable with respect to the primary side around an axis of rotation against the action of a damper spring arrangement. One side of the primary side and secondary side includes two cover disk elements and a central disk element arranged between the cover disk elements. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by first connection elements radially inside the damper spring arrangement so as to be fixed axially and so as to transmit torque. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by second connection elements in such a way that they are prevented from moving axially away from one another. No torque can be transmitted between the cover disk elements by the second connection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Feldhaus, Christian Wickel, Norbert Ament, Alexander Markow, Michael Peterseim, Erwin Wack, Thomas Krüger
  • Patent number: 8807310
    Abstract: A fluid transmission apparatus including a pump impeller that is connected to an input member coupled to a motor; a turbine runner that is rotatable together with the pump impeller; a damper mechanism that includes an input element, an intermediate element engaged with the input element via a first elastic body and an output element engaged with the intermediate element via a second elastic body; a lock-up clutch mechanism; a dynamic damper that includes a mass body and a third elastic body engaged with the mass body; and a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber that includes a support member and a plurality of mass bodies each oscillatable with respect to the support member. The third elastic body of the dynamic damper is engaged with one of the intermediate element and the output element. The centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber's support member is connected to the intermediate element or the output element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Takikawa, Kazuto Maruyama, Kazuhiro Itou
  • Patent number: 8763775
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a turbine; a cover; a lock-up clutch engageable with the cover; and a first damper assembly including: a first flange connected to the lock-up clutch so as to rotate in unison with the clutch; at least one side plate; a second flange for connection to an input shaft for a transmission; a first plurality of springs engaged with the first flange and with the at least one side plate; and a second plurality of springs, at least partially circumferentially aligned with the first plurality of springs, and engaged with the at least one side plate and the second flange. The torque converter includes a second damper assembly connected to the first damper assembly and including: a third side plate fixed to the turbine; and a third plurality of springs, radially outside of the first and second pluralities of springs, and engaged with the third side plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeremy Vanni, Brian C. Zaugg
  • Patent number: 8746425
    Abstract: A lock-up device includes a piston, a drive plate, a plurality of radial outer side torsion springs, a float member, a driven plate, a plurality of radial inner side torsion springs and an intermediate member. The float member is configured to rotate relative to the drive plate, to cause the first and second radial outer side elastic members to act in series. The intermediate member is configured to rotate relative to the drive plate and the driven plate, and to transmit the torque from the first and second radial outer side elastic members to the first and second radial inner side elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki Kawahara
  • Patent number: 8573374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter having an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel and an oscillation damper which is accommodated in the converter housing, and a converter lockup clutch. Two damper stages are arranged here as a serial damper between the output hub of the torque converter and the converter lockup clutch, and a damper stage is arranged between the turbine wheel and the output hub. In order to improve the damping properties, a rotary oscillation absorber is additionally provided which is arranged between the dampers and is also connected to the turbine wheel in a rotationally fixed fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heiko Magerkurth, Christian Huegel, Andreas Meissner
  • Patent number: 8342306
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter (1), comprising a turbine wheel (9) driven by an impeller (8) and connected to an output part, and comprising a housing (34), in which a torsional vibration damper (19) having several damper stages (17, 20) and a centrifugal force pendulum (11), and also a converter lockup clutch (18) connecting a housing and an output part (3), are accommodated. In order to avoid any striking of the pendulum masses of the centrifugal force pendulum in internal combustion engines having large oscillating angles driving the torque converter, a turbine damper is connected in the power flow upstream of the centrifugal force pendulum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Werner, Jan Loxtermann
  • Patent number: 8240442
    Abstract: The lock-up device includes a piston, an output rotary member, a plurality of elastic members, a support member, and a retaining plate. The piston is supported rotatably with respect to the input rotary member and movably in the axial direction. The elastic members elastically link the piston and the output rotary member in the rotational direction. The support member has an outer peripheral support component to support the outer peripheral side of the elastic members. The retaining plate has a fixed component that is fixed to the piston, and a radial support component that supports the outer peripheral support component in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventor: Takeyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8087508
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper hub for a vehicle clutch includes a first row of springs extending substantially in the clutch rotating direction and disposed in openings formed in a first inner annular plate and a first pair of outer annular plates; a second row of springs extending substantially in the clutch rotating direction and is disposed in openings formed in the second inner annular plate and the second pair of outer annular plates; the first and second row of the springs being arranged on a same radius from a center of rotation of the clutch; the springs in the first row of springs arranged in one first axial level are axially overlapping the springs in the second row of springs arranged in a second axial level with the purpose to decrease a total axial length of the clutch. In an alternative embodiment the damper hub is substantially identical to a dual damper hub in conventional twin-plate clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Hedman, Ola Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7975817
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a bridging clutch and two dampers, wherein the bridging clutch is positioned in the power path between the dampers. The converter is provided with a three-duct system for the oil supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Mueller, Stephan Maienschein, Thorsten Krause, Mario Degler
  • Patent number: 7658679
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping torque output from a torque converter turbine to input to a transmission. The damper includes: (a) an input device for connection to an engine; (b) a first spring set having drive springs; (c) a second spring set having secondary springs; (d) a third spring set having parallel springs; (e) a floating apparatus; and (f) an output device. Springs of the first spring set are compressible in a forward direction toward the output device as a result of torque applied to the input device and compressible in a reverse direction toward the input device as a result of torque applied by the output device. The first and second spring sets are in series between the input device and output device during a first forward compression of the first spring set, and the series is in parallel with the third spring set between the input apparatus and output device during a second compression of the first spring set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: David Avins, Fraser Macdonald, Matthew Frary
  • Publication number: 20090139825
    Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber, including: an output plate that is rotatably disposed; a first rotating plate disposed for movement in the direction of rotation of the output plate relatively from the output plate; a first elastic member engaged with the output plate and the first rotating plate and capable of transmitting the power applied to the first rotating plate to the output plate; a second elastic member to which the power from a power source is applied and capable of transmitting the power to the first rotating plate; and a power transmission control mechanism. The power transmission control mechanism is located radially outside the first elastic member about an axis of rotation. The second elastic member is spaced from the first elastic member and the power transmission control mechanism in the direction of the axis of rotation. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are arranged radially offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masataka Sugiyama, Takeshi Kanayama, Koichi Kondo
  • Patent number: 7484607
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper in a gearbox housing has an input part connected to a drive and acts on a first damping unit and an intermediate part which acts as the output of the first damping unit and as the input of a second damping unit. The torsional vibration damper further has an output part which is in working connection with the second damping unit and which is designed to accept a takeoff. Takeoff-side drive elements of the intermediate part, the second damping unit, and the takeoff are mounted in a torque-transmitting space of a clutch device, which space is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. A sealing wall separates the torque-transmitting space from a damping space including the first damping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Schneider, Thomas Walter, Alexander Markow, Thomas Dögel, Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Rainer Brand, Hilmar Göbel, Reinhard Feldhaus, Jürgen Weth, Stefan Zopf
  • Patent number: 7143879
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a piston-equipped bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic clutch device includes a drive-side transmitting element for at least one damping unit, which is in working connection by way of a transmitting element on the power takeoff-side with a power takeoff component assigned to it, where at least one angle of rotation limiter is assigned to the damping unit. At least one projection is provided on one of the transmitting elements, this projection extending toward the other transmitting element and engaging in an assigned recess in the other transmitting element with predetermined play in the axial direction to form an angle of rotation limiter, where the recess is provided with an appropriate circumferential dimension for the projection to ensure the possibility of a predetermined relative deflection between the two transmitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Ackermann, Peter Frey, Ralf Rönnebeck, Christoph Sasse, Erwin Wack, Frank Zerner
  • Patent number: 7073646
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper on the bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic clutch arrangement has a first connecting device, which can be brought into working connection with the clutch housing and with a drive-side transmission element. The drive-side transmission element is connected via first energy-storage devices to an intermediate transmission element. The torsional vibration damper also has a second connecting device for establishing a working connection via second energy-storage devices between the intermediate transmission element and a takeoff-side transmission element, which is connected to a takeoff-side component of the hydrodynamic clutch arrangement. The intermediate transmission element accepts a mass element, located operatively between the two connecting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Christoph Sasse, Jörg Sudau, Ralf Rönnebeck, Jürgen Ackermann, Peter Frey, Erwin Wack, Frank Zerner
  • Publication number: 20040226794
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper on the bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic clutch arrangement has a first connecting device, which can be brought into working connection with the clutch housing and with a drive-side transmission element. The drive-side transmission element is connected via first energy-storage devices to an intermediate transmission element. The torsional vibration damper also has a second connecting device for establishing a working connection via second energy-storage devices between the intermediate transmission element and a takeoff-side transmission element, which is connected to a takeoff-side component of the hydrodynamic clutch arrangement. The intermediate transmission element accepts a mass element, located operatively between the two connecting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Christoph Sasse, Jorg Sudau, Ralf Ronnebeck, Jurgen Ackermann, Peter Frey, Erwin Wack, Frank Zerner
  • Patent number: 6695110
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 6571929
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a lockup device that functions as a clutch and as an elastic coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the lockup device is configured to eliminate an outer cylindrical portion from its piston. Preferably, a spring holder has an outer portion arranged radially outside the torsion springs, while a drive plate has a cylindrical portion restricting radial movement of the spring holder. In other embodiments, the elastic coupling mechanism is configured with a sufficient number of sets of elastic members that act together in the rotational direction as if they were arranged end to end. The elastic coupling mechanism has one set of springs disposed radially inward of another set of springs. A spring holder connects first and second sets of springs such that the first and second sets of springs act together in the rotational direction as if they were arranged end to end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Tomiyama, Shinji Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20030062236
    Abstract: Each clutch disk has a hub area designed to be connected nonrotatably to a power takeoff element and a friction surface area designed to be clamped between opposing friction surfaces. Each clutch disk has a torsional vibration damper arrangement including two cover disk elements connected to the hub area for rotation in common, and a central disk element connected to the friction surface area for rotation in common. The central disk element is or can be brought into torque-transmitting connection with the cover disk elements via a damper element arrangement. The central disk element has a damper element interaction area and, radially outside the damper element interaction area, a friction surface carrier area, which is offset with respect to the damper element interaction area in the direction of an axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Lohaus, Reinhold Weidinger, Frank Hirschmann, Klaus Steinel, Erwin Ziegler, Wolfram Hick, Joachim Lindner
  • Patent number: 6520306
    Abstract: A torsion damping device is mounted between two coaxial rotating members for transmitting a rotary toque from one member to the other with damping of vibrations and torque oscillations the damping device comprising, two rings coaxial with the rotating members, rotational coupling means between the two rotating members and the rings, circumferentially acting resilient members mounted between the rings in housing which are formed in the rings and which include a device for abutment of the ends of the resilient members, the two rings are rotatable with respect to each other and with respect to the two rotating members with a limited angular displacement, and are urged in opposite directions of rotation by the resilient members and toward abutment on the device for coupling them to the respective ones of the rotating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Eric Bertrand, Patrick Luczak
  • Publication number: 20030032487
    Abstract: The invention concerns a torsional vibration damping device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle clutch, said device comprising a disc (60) and a support (80) mounted mobile in rotation relative to each other about a common main axis, and linked in rotation via circumferential elastic members (90) damping torsional vibrations, said elastic members being interposed between the disc (60) and the support (80) and maintained in position circumferentially via lugs (65) of the disc (60) and lugs (82, 84) of the support (80) whereon are supported the elastic members (90) and radially via a guide ring (100) passing through the elastic members (90) and integral with the disc (60). Said device is characterised in that the lugs (82,84) of the support (80) are mounted on either side of a section of the ring (100) and the lugs (65) of the disc (60) can move freely at an angle between the lugs (82, 84) of the support (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Roel Verhoog, Daniel Bonnel
  • Patent number: 6508346
    Abstract: A torque converter assembly 10 includes a clutch assembly 36 having a sealed chamber 39 into which oil is selectively communicated, effective to cause a piston 40 to selectively engage a plate assembly 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William Ralph Simpson
  • Publication number: 20020125093
    Abstract: A toraue-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Honemann
  • Patent number: 6439361
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus, particularly for motor vehicles, with a fluid coupling or a hydrodynamic torque converter and a damping system has an improved design providing the advantages of stress-free mounting of the damper, technical and cost improvements in the manufacture of the apparatus, modular assembly, capability to transmit large torque and attenuate rotational perturbations over a wide RPM range so as to minimize wear to prolong the useful life of the entire unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 6251018
    Abstract: A clutch disk assembly (1) is provided between an input shaft and an output shaft to selectively transmit rotation therebetween. The clutch disk assembly (1) is provided with a dampening mechanism (4) to provide smooth transition during engagement and disengagement of the clutch disk assembly. The dampening mechanism (4) has a more durable second retaining plate (32) with a rectangular window portion for transmitting torque. This second retaining plate (32) has a second receptacle (36) to support a first spring (16). The second retaining plate (32) includes a disk-like plate main body. The second receptacle (36) is formed from that plate main body. The second receptacle (36) projects in an axial direction from the plate main body. The second receptacle (36) includes an axially supporting part (36a) and a circular supporting part (36b). The axially supporting part (36a) supports an axially outside part of the first spring (16) and continues in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Hashimoto, Takeshi Noguchi, Naohiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6244401
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting apparatus for motor vehicles includes a hydrokinetic torque converter with a housing connected to the driving shaft of an engine. The housing contains a pump and a turbine, the latter arranged to drive an input shaft of a power train. At least one damper is arranged in the power flow path between the turbine and a rotary output element of the apparatus. The damper has an input member constrained to rotate with the turbine and an output member connected to the rotary output element. The input member and the output member are rotatable relative to each other against the opposing forces of energy-storing devices arranged between the input member and the output member. The input member has a radially outer portion in form-locking engagement with the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Rudolf Hönemann
  • Patent number: 6176362
    Abstract: The invention concerns a torsional damper (23) comprising an input element and an output element coaxial and movable in rotation relative to each other counter at least to an compression spring (300), wherein the two adjacent transverse parts, with radial orientation, associated with the input and output elements each comprise a housing (306-308, 302) receiving the spring (300) whereof the opposite ends are capable of co-operating with the supporting end surfaces (316-318, 304) which define the two housings to operate between the two elements; the length (LF) of each of the two associated housings (306-308, 302), separating the opposite supporting end surfaces, being greater than the length (LR) of the spring (300) at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Rabah Arhab