Associated With Three Or More Shafts Patents (Class 192/48.8)
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Patent number: 7673729Abstract: To provide a layout structure of a clutch lever shaft capable of realizing compact layouts of a whole power unit in which a starter centrifugal clutch and a transmission manual multi-plate clutch are provided, and of a whole vehicle on which the power unit is mounted. A centrifugal clutch shaft and a manual multi-plate clutch shaft are disposed in parallel. The clutch lever shaft of the manual multi-plate clutch is disposed orthogonally and substantially vertically upward in relation to a pressing direction of a friction plate in a vicinity of an end portion of a lifter pin. The clutch lever shaft is disposed between the centrifugal clutch and the manual multi-plate clutch when viewed from a top of the power unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Yasushi Fujimoto, Katsuhiko Ito, Masazumi Naito
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Publication number: 20100044178Abstract: A dual clutch transmission has a driving plate defining concentric engagement surfaces, concentric friction plates, concentric pressure plates, and first and second clutch springs for operation of the pressure plates in clamping the friction plates against their respective engagement surface on the driving plate. The driving plate has a top hat type configuration, whereby the engagement surfaces are axially off set from one another. Cooling passages may be provided in the driving plate. The dct is preferably nested, wherein the outer pressure plate is in axial alignment with the radially inner portion of the driving plate, the inner pressure plate is in axial alignment with the radially outer portion of the driving plate, and the friction plates are arranged in axial alignment with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: RICARDO UK LTD.Inventors: Jonathan Charles Wheals, Lee Sykes
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Patent number: 7665590Abstract: A coupling system including at least two sub-units, one of which is pre-assembled on the engine side of a motor vehicle drive train, namely on the output shaft of the engine, and the other sub-unit is pre-assembled on the transmission side of the drive train. The pre-assembled sub-units each include respective interengaging teeth to provide a positive drive connection, and the teeth are biased toward each other to reduce circumferential play and thereby reduce noise that would be generated during operation of the drive train.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteriligungs KGInventors: Jürgen Kroll, Hartmut Mende, Bin Zhou
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Publication number: 20100006386Abstract: A twin clutch system for a transmission, particularly for a twin clutch transmission, including at least two clutches each having a clutch cover to which at least one disengaging system that actuates the clutches is fastened. According to the invention, a fastening element is provided that couples both coupling covers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KGInventors: Gerd Ahnert, Burkhard Pollak
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Patent number: 7637363Abstract: A clutch device for an automatic transmission includes a clutch drum, first and second frictional coupling elements, both supported by the clutch drum, a first piston axially movably disposed radially outwardly of the clutch drum and operating to couple the first frictional coupling elements, and a second piston axially movably disposed radially inwardly of the clutch drum and operating to couple the second frictional coupling elements. The clutch drum includes an inner drum portion welded on a rotary shaft, and an outer drum portion welded on the inner drum portion and supporting the first and second frictional coupling elements. The first piston is axially slidable relative to the inner drum portion. The second piston is axially slidable relative to the rotary shaft. And, a welded portion of the rotary shaft and the inner drum portion, and a welded portion of the inner drum portion and the outer drum portion, are radially spaced in a predetermined distance and concentric with each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirofumi Onishi, Yuji Yasuda
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Patent number: 7637362Abstract: A clutch unit including a housing fixed to a flywheel, in which two axially displaceable pressure plates are housed fixed to the housing to form a first and a second clutch, each provided with a clutch disk, whereby the clutches may be independently operated by means of lever arrangements, mounted to pivot on the housing, whereby each lever arrangement is connected to a pressure plate for opening and closing the corresponding clutch.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Chris Swinford-Meyer, Suresh Krishnaswamy, Padmanaban Radhakrishnan, Patrick Weydmann
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Patent number: 7631739Abstract: A dual clutch for a transmission with a first transmission input shaft and a second transmission input shaft that is positioned in coaxial relation to the first transmission input shaft. The dual clutch comprises a clutch portion comprising a hollow cylinder portion for transmitting torque, wherein the hollow cylinder portion is provided in a radial position between a clutch axle and a clutch hub, is rotatable in relation to the clutch axle and the clutch hub, and comprises at least one opening allowing oil to be fed from the clutch axle to the clutch hub. This design allows supply of hydraulic oil, sufficient cooling oil, and at the same time flexibility in attaching auxiliary engines such as an electromotor to the dual clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbHInventor: Hans Enström
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Patent number: 7630811Abstract: The present invention relates to launch control of a vehicle having an automated manual transmission and an automated clutch selectively engaging an output of an engine to an input of the transmission. When a request for vehicle launch is detected, an output speed of the automated clutch and a desired clutch output torque are obtained. The automated clutch is partially engaged to allow for slip between an input to the clutch and an output from the clutch, and a desired amount of the slip between the input to the clutch and the output from the clutch is determined. A desired engine speed is calculated based on the desired amount of slip, with the engine torque automatically adjusted to obtain the desired engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Hong Jiang
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Patent number: 7591254Abstract: A supercharger control system is installed at the bottom front end of the engine, directly onto the crankshaft. An accessory drive belt around the accessory belt pulley rotates continuously to keep vehicle accessories operating. A second belt around a larger pulley drives the supercharger blower. When the dashboard mounted switch is turned on, electricity from the engine energizes an electromagnet, which compels engagement of the rotating accessory pulley with the supercharger pulley by means of a slide plate. The belt around the supercharger pulley then rotates, operating the supercharger. If the driver does not require extra power and performance delivered by the supercharger, the switch is turned off, stopping the flow of electricity. This shuts down the magnetic field, causing the pulleys to be disengaged and disconnecting the supercharger, while still allowing the crankshaft to operate the accessories.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventor: Billy Machner
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Publication number: 20090223769Abstract: A twin clutch assembly in a drive train, which includes a twin clutch transmission and a drive unit, which can be coupled to the twin clutch transmission through a wet running twin multi disk clutch, with a drive side output hub, which is connected torque proof with a transmission input shaft, which is rotatably disposed within a transmission input shaft, which is configured as a hollow shaft, which includes a free end facing the drive unit, which is connected torque proof to a transmission side output hub, and which includes a clutch cover, which is disposed in axial direction between the twin clutch and the drive unit, and at which a drive element is supported in axial direction, which is connected torque proof to the drive unit. The transmission side output hub is supported in axial direction towards the transmission by means of a axial support device, which is configured spring elastic in axial direction, directly at the free end of the transmission input shaft, configured as a hollow shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Oliver Nohl, Ivo Agner
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Publication number: 20090200129Abstract: A multi-position clutch allows selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts is described herein. The clutch comprises at least three cooperation elements respectively associated to one of the at least three rotatable shafts for selective engagement therebetween; the at least three cooperation elements are mounted to the at least three rotatable shafts so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling of at least two adjacent cooperation elements. An actuating mechanism is provided for selectively coupling at least two adjacent cooperation elements from the at least three cooperation elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Martin Houle, Pierre Blouin, Louis-Philippe Bibeau, Jianhong Xu
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Patent number: 7562753Abstract: A transaxle for auxiliary wheels of a vehicle having a main drive wheel and left and right auxiliary drive wheels, comprises: a gear to which a rotary force for driving the main drive wheel is distributed; a pair of left and right axles drivingly connected to the respective left and right auxiliary drive wheels; a pair of clutches, wherein one of the clutches is interposed between the gear and the left axle, and the other clutch is interposed between the gear and the right axle; judging means for judging whether or not the main drive wheel slips; and a shift mechanism for engaging and disengaging the pair of clutches based on the judgment of the judging means. The judging means comprises a two-way clutch interposed between the gear and the pair of axles, which is engaged when rotary speed of the gear exceeds rotary speed of at least one of the axles.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Ima, Toshiyuki Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7556131Abstract: A transmission housing for an automatic transmission that includes a first and second plurality of circumferentially spaced inwardly extending sets of protrusions connected to an inner surface of the transmission housing configured to engage clutch assemblies of a planetary transmission. The sets of protrusions are offset from each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: John M. Seipold
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Patent number: 7549941Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and one or more hydraulically-actuated clutches for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the hydraulically-actuated clutches. A valve operatively connected to the hydraulic pump and the hydraulically-actuated clutches selectively and variably provides fluid pressure from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulically-actuated clutches.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Douglas E. Boddy
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Patent number: 7546914Abstract: An all-wheel transmission system includes an input shaft, a first output shaft and two mutually independently controllable friction clutches for the metering the transfer of drive torque from a powertrain to a first axle assembly and a second axle assembly. The first friction clutch includes a first clutch component rotationally connected to an input shaft and of a second clutch component rotationally connected to a first output shaft while the second friction clutch includes a first clutch component rotationally connected to the input shaft and a second clutch component rotationally connected to a second output shaft. One of the friction clutches can be selectively bridged via coordinate actuation of a bridging clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: Jürgen Schranz, Bernd Gsell, Klaus Lippitsch, Thomas Papst
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Patent number: 7523819Abstract: An arrangement for controlling engagement and disengagement of two dry plate friction clutches (5,8) in a transmission having two concentric input shafts (3,6) comprising one release bearing (22,23) for each clutch on the transmission side of the clutches and one release bearing (36,37) for each clutch on the engine side of the clutches. The release bearing on the transmission side controls the operation of the release bearings on the engine side for disengagement of the clutches by means of intermediate push rods (28,29) extending through openings in a rotating element (7) connected to one of the clutches.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Lars Stenvall
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Patent number: 7497146Abstract: A method is provided for filtering out rotational vibrations transmitted by a drive shaft (11, 111) to an output shaft (19, 119, 219). The method comprises the following steps. First, a filtering device is provided that includes a drive shaft damper (20, 120, 220) mounted to the output shaft 19 and an electromagnetic modulating device. The drive shaft damper (20, 120, 220) is selectively tuneable by the electromagnetic modulating device to a frequency of a rotational vibration which is inside the range of frequencies of the rotational vibrations to be damped out. Then, a frequency of a rotational vibration transmitted by the drive shaft (11, 111) is measured. Subsequently, the frequency of the rotational vibration of the drive shaft damper (20, 120, 220) is matched to the frequency of the rotational vibrations transmitted by the drive shaft (11, 111).Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Valeo EmbrayagesInventor: Jacques Clausin
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Patent number: 7487866Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a motor vehicle transmission, preferably a twin-clutch transmission, is connected for cooling at least one clutch of the transmission. The hydraulic circuit is preferably a low-pressure circuit and it includes at least one hydraulic pump, at least one filter element, for filtering the hydraulic oil, and at least one pressure-regulating valve. The circuit-related control sequence and the power consumption of the hydraulic pump are optimized in that at least one adjusting valve is provided in order to control the volume flow of cooling oil flowing to the clutch, in that a pressure-compensation valve is provided in addition, and in that the pressure-regulating valve, the adjusting valve and/or the pressure-compensation valve are arranged and/or formed within the hydraulic circuit such that the pressure difference between the supply pressure and the establishing cooling-oil pressure is essentially constant.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Georg Kruse, Rainer Hofmann, Carsten Adomeit, Lloyd Storey, Shaun Mepham
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Patent number: 7455159Abstract: A torque transmitting unit in the power train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between an engine crankshaft, and a transmission having at least one input shaft with at least one friction clutch. The transmission input shaft is coupled with the crankshaft by the friction clutch, which includes friction disks on the power input and/or output sides, and that are pressed together axially along an axis of rotation of the transmission input shaft to form a frictional engagement through a plurality of disks arranged in alternating layers in the axial direction. The disks are pressed against a stop by an actuator and with an actuating bearing interposed, wherein the actuator is connected to a fixed part of the transmission housing in a rotationally fixed connection. The friction clutch is a wet clutch.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Ivo Agner, Jochen Bergmann, Oliver Nöhl
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Publication number: 20080271968Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a pressurizing-agent-operable control device of a clutch arrangement, for sealing a chamber which is pressurizable with a pressurizing agent, assigned to the clutch arrangement, from the interior space of the clutch arrangement; comprising at least one elastic sealing device. The sealing device is guided on at least one sheet metal element, which is attached to an element that delimits the chamber which is pressurizable with a pressurizing agent. A double clutch arrangement having a sealing arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Manuel Metzinger, Ivo Agner, Oliver Noehl
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Patent number: 7445108Abstract: A dual clutch transmission having radially nested clutches including an outer clutch having first inner and outer clutch disks that are interleaved between each other where the first outer clutch disks are operatively mounted to a first outer support carrier. The transmission also includes an inner clutch having second inner and outer clutch disks operatively interleaved between each other and operatively mounted to a second inner support carrier. A common disk carrier has a common clutch disk carrier that operatively supports the first inner clutch disks of the outer clutch and the second outer clutch disks of the inner clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bauer, Rainer Gerathewohl, Frank Guenter, Hans-Juergen Hauck, Klaus Heber, Johannes Heinrich, Carsten Weinhold
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Patent number: 7392890Abstract: A torque transmitting unit in the power train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between a drive unit having an output shaft and a transmission having at least one input shaft. A clutch is positioned between the transmission input shaft and the drive unit output shaft. The clutch includes an input part that has a clutch cover that defines a clutch-containing volume and that is supported by a transmission housing section. In order to limit axial vibrations of the clutch, the clutch input part is axially supported by a bearing.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Ivo Agner
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Publication number: 20080142283Abstract: A double clutch for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, has an input shaft that can be driven by an internal combustion engine, and an output shaft that is connected to a transmission. An intermediate shaft extends coaxially to the output shaft and can be driven by an electric motor. The input shaft and the intermediate shaft can be coupled together by a first clutch of the double clutch. The intermediate shaft and the output shaft can be coupled together by a second clutch of the double clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Marc Kluge, Edmund Sander
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Patent number: 7370745Abstract: A hydraulic clutch-release system has a dual-piston clutch actuator for actuating a twin clutch of an automated manual transmission of a vehicle. The actuator has pistons disposed coaxially with one another in a housing. The pistons are accommodated movably relative to one another in cooperating cylinder chambers for actuating the diaphragm springs of a clutch of the twin clutch. Mutually facing regions of the lateral surfaces of the pistons are in contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Christoph Lindenschmidt, Urban Panther
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Patent number: 7350630Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention involves a drive apparatus with a housing, a first and second axle mounted in the housing and a ring gear located within the housing. A brake clutch mechanism is located on each axle with a drive clutch assembly for selectively coupling the each axle with the ring gear, a brake assembly for selectively coupling each axle with the housing and a cam block located between the drive clutch assemblies and the brake assemblies to selectively engage each drive assembly or brake assembly. A cam shaft is also rotatably mounted in each cam block and rotatably affixed to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 7347122Abstract: A filtering device is provided for filtering vibrations transmitted by a rotating engine component (11) adapted to drive in rotation an output shaft (19), which device comprises a drive shaft damper (20) tuned at a frequency substantially locked within a range of frequencies to be damped: electromagnetic modulating systems (23) are designed to adapt the frequency of the damper (20) to the frequency of the vibrations transmitted by the rotary component (11). Moreover, a transmission is provided for motor vehicle comprising a drive shaft (11), linked to a rotary component formed by the motor vehicle engine crankshaft, an output shaft (19) linked to the drive shaft releasable via a clutch, a gearbox (50), the output shaft (19) being the input shaft of the gearbox (50), a filtering device being provided for filtering vibrations emitted, hence transmitted, by the rotary component.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Valeo EmbrayagesInventor: Jacques Clausin
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Patent number: 7347803Abstract: A drive apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a motor, a clutch that transmits and cuts off a driving force between the motor and an engine, and a control device that performs an operation control for the motor and the clutch. If there is an engine start request during driving of a wheel by the motor, the control device increases an operating pressure of the clutch to start the transmission of torque from the motor to the engine side, and detects a transmission torque to be transmitted via the clutch. The control device also performs a control that sets an output torque of the motor as equal to a torque that is the sum of the transmission torque and a request torque for wheel driving, which is determined based upon an accelerator opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yasuo Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7341134Abstract: A clutch and/or brake unit is described with at least three components that can rotate relative to each other, each of which is connected, fixed against rotation, with at least one disk. The disks can selectively be brought into frictional engagement, friction locked, with each other. In order to permit a simplified configuration, that can be manufactured simply and cost effectively, it is proposed that at least one first disk be connected, fixed against rotation, with a first component which is connected, fixed against rotation, to a disk that is connected, fixed against rotation, to a second component which can be brought into frictional engagement over a radially outer friction lining. Furthermore the at least one first disk can be brought into frictional engagement with at least one third disk connected, fixed against rotation, to the third component over at least one radially inner friction lining.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Frank Buhrke
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Publication number: 20080029361Abstract: A first clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A generator has a generator shaft associated with the first clutch assembly. A second clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A transmission has a transmission shaft directly or indirectly associated with the second clutch assembly. A third clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. An engine has an engine shaft associated with the third clutch assembly. A controller establishes an operational mode of the vehicle by controlling the states of the first clutch assembly, the second clutch assembly, and the third clutch assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Chris Alan DeRoo, Larry Dean Swanson
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Patent number: 7322456Abstract: A radially stacked dual dry clutch apparatus for a dual clutch transmission is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, an outer clutch mounted to the housing, and an inner clutch mounted to the housing. The outer clutch includes a first plurality of engageable clutch plates, and a hub attached to one of the first plurality of clutch plates. The hub preferably defines a plurality of access ports. The inner clutch includes a second plurality of engageable clutch plates. The inner clutch also includes an apply member configured to selectively actuate the second plurality of clutch plates. At least a portion of the apply member is adapted to pass through the access ports of the hub.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, Joel M. Maguire
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Patent number: 7311187Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for controlling the application of pressurized cooling fluid to the clutches of a dual clutch transmission including a cooling unit in fluid communication with a source of the pressurized cooling fluid and adapted to exchange heat from the cooling fluid with another media. The circuit also includes at least one regulator in fluid communication with the source of the pressurized cooling fluid and separately in fluid communication with the cooling unit, and with the clutches. The regulator is adapted to operatively provide the cooling fluid to the clutches. The circuit further includes at least one control actuator adapted to selectively control the regulator to provide a first variable predetermined amount of cooling fluid from the cooling unit to the clutches as primary cooling, and to provide a second variable predetermined amount of cooling fluid from the source to the clutches thereby supplementing the cooling fluid from the cooling unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Melissa Koenig, Guenter Ebinger, Michael Jung
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Patent number: 7293637Abstract: An assembly for transmitting power from two power sources, such as an internal combustion engine and an electric motor having a rotor, to a transmission input shaft includes a clutch hub driveably connected to the rotor, a first clutch secured to the clutch hub for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the input shaft and clutch hub, and a second clutch secured to the clutch hub for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the engine shaft and clutch hub.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Janson, Shaun Knowles
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Patent number: 7287634Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission device, especially for a drive train comprising an internal combustion engine and a twin-clutch transmission having two transmission input shafts and one transmission output shaft, each transmission input shaft being connectable to an internal combustion engine via a clutch of the torque transmission device.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteilligungs KGInventors: Ivo Agner, Wolfgang Reik, Olaf Werner
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Patent number: 7278525Abstract: A transmission assembly in accordance with the invention includes a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. A hub member of the assembly includes a radially extending wall, and a circumferentially extending wall formed integrally with the radially extending wall. The circumferentially extending wall includes a first plurality of internal splines, a second plurality of external splines spaced with the internal splines, and a cylindrical end portion at a distal end of the hub and terminating both the internal splines and the external splines to prevent failure in high speed operations. A plurality of clutch plates associated with one of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms are splined to the external splines of the hub member, and a plurality of clutch plates associated with another one of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms are splined to the internal splines of the hub member.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Patrick S. Portell, Teodor Mostior
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Patent number: 7278523Abstract: A dual clutch transmission with an axially parallel clutches that includes a disc support having a first circumferential groove, a backing plate having a corresponding second circumferential groove, and an annular spring element adapted to concurrently fit within the first circumferential groove and the second circumferential groove to cause the backing plate to be axially immobilized with respect to the disc support.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Johannes Heinrich
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Publication number: 20070227852Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a clutch assembly with a radial flow chamber including a first hub and a carrier. The first hub and carrier form at least one first opening and a first portion of at least one radial chamber or passageway in the clutch assembly. First and second radially disposed segments of the first hub and carrier, respectively, partially define the first portion. A second portion of the chamber is formed between the first segment and a third radially disposed segment connected to a second hub. Openings in the first segment connect the first and second portions. A third portion of the passageway is formed between the second segment and a fourth radially disposed segment. A plate forms at least a portion of an axial barrier with respect to a second clutch in the clutch assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Adam Uhler
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Patent number: 7267215Abstract: An actuating device for transferring a control force of an engaging/disengaging device to a double clutch for coupling a drive shaft to two transmission input shafts is described. The actuating device includes at least two first pistons corresponding to the first clutch, each having a first pressure surface, at least two second pistons corresponding to the second clutch, each having a second pressure surface. The first and second pistons are disposed parallel to an axis of the engaging disengaging device and within a graduated circle concentric to the axis. The actuating device also includes a plurality of elongatable piston guideways, each receiving one of the first and second pistons. The first pressure surfaces are couplable to each other and the second pressure surfaces couplable to each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Dominik Hans
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Patent number: 7264100Abstract: A dual clutch assembly includes a torsional vibration damper and a dual clutch. The vibration damper has a primary side which can be coupled to a driving member for joint rotation about an axis, a secondary side which is rotatable about the axis, and a damper element arrangement between the primary side and the secondary side. The dual clutch includes an input area and two output areas, the input area supporting the secondary side of the torsional vibration damper in at least one of an axial and radial direction with respect to the primary side, each output area being coupleable with a respective driven member so as to be fixed against rotation with respect to the driven member. A bearing arrangement supports the input area in at least one of an axial and a radial direction with respect to a stationary subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Reinhard Feldhaus, Markus Heiartz, Igor Kister, Thomas Dögel, Sebastian Vogt
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Publication number: 20070193848Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a ring carrier with a wall arranged to engage at least a portion of an outer circumference of a clutch pack for a clutch assembly for a vehicle and a clutch housing with a wall arranged to engage at least a portion of an inner circumference of the clutch pack. The wall for the housing includes at least one opening and the clutch housing is arranged to pump fluid through the opening in the wall independent of the rotation of an output hub for the carrier. The clutch housing can be configured as an inner clutch housing. The clutch housing includes a connecter portion arranged to transfer engine torque to the cylindrical wall from an outer housing of the clutch assembly connected to an engine crankshaft. The present invention also includes a clutch assembly with the ring carrier and clutch housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Adam Uhler, Philip George, Todd Sturgin, Jeffrey Hemphill
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Publication number: 20070193843Abstract: A dual automatic mechanically actuated wet clutch device, for operation within a fluid tight housing, for a dual input shaft transmission that includes tightly specified average spacing between friction plate surfaces where the average spacing is selected from between about 0.05 mm to about 0.25 mm in an open position. The clutch has at least first and second independently actuatable clutch portions, and at least one clutch pack in the first or second clutch portion; and mechanical apparatus provided to move friction plates in at least one of the clutch portions toward each other so that they engage. The invention also includes apparatus and methods for adjusting and maintaining the spacing between the friction plate surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Adam Uhler, Philip George, Todd Sturgin, Jeffrey Hemphill, Gabor Izso, Patrick Lindemann
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Patent number: 7252184Abstract: A transfer case (12) for distributing a driving torque of an input shaft (19) between two drivable output shafts (22, 29) is described. The transfer case (12) is realized with two controllable and adjustable frictionally engaged clutches (k_VA, k_HA), which are arranged between the input shaft (19) and the output shafts (22, 29) and whose transfer capabilities can be respectively adjusted via separate actuating devices (10, 11). A driving torque can be distributed between the drivable output torques (22, 29) in dependence upon the set transfer capabilities of the clutches (k_VA, k_HA). One clutch (k_HA) can also be radially enclosed by the other clutch (k_VA).Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Detlef Baasch, Ulrich Mair, Christoph Pelchen, Thomas Rosemeier
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Patent number: 7249665Abstract: A double clutch for a transmission with two transmission input shafts is disclosed having two clutches which can rotate about a common rotational axis, are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, and have a common driving outer plate support and which each have a driven inner plate support. A tension sleeve at least partially surrounds the outer plate support for selectively activating one of the two clutches.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Johannes Heinrich, Hans Hauck, Karl-Heinz Bauer
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Patent number: 7246692Abstract: A dual clutch mechanism includes an input shaft, a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The input shaft is axially spaced from the first and second output shafts, which can allow for a decreased diameter of the dual clutch mechanism. Axially spacing the input shaft from the first and second output shafts also can allow for an increased diameter of the first and second output shafts without necessitating a corresponding increase in the diameter of the dual clutch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Braford
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Patent number: 7217218Abstract: A multi-stage automatic transmission comprises a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), three planetary gearwheel assemblies (RS1, RS2, RS3) arranged next to one another in series and five shift control elements (A to E). A sun gearwheel (SO3) of the third planetary gearwheel assembly (RS3) can be fixed relative to a transmission housing (GG) by the first shift control element (A). The drive input shaft (AN) is connected to a sun gearwheel (SO2) of the second planetary gearwheel assembly (RS2) and can be connected via the second shift control element (B) to a sun gearwheel (SO1) of the first planetary gearwheel assembly (RS1) and/or via the fifth shift control element (E) to a web (ST1) of the first planetary gearwheel assembly (RS1).Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Tiesler, Peter Ziemer
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Patent number: 7210567Abstract: A transmission device for two or more shafts is provided having two first cylindrical sleeves which are connected to the first shaft and can be mechanically coupled or uncoupled with two second cylindrical sleeves connected to the second shaft or to a third shaft aligned with the second shaft, by tightening or loosening, respectively, two helical springs arranged in a substantially coaxial manner astride these cylindrical sleeves. Two control collars are mechanically coupled with two tubular members, so that the mutual translation of the control collars with respect to the tubular members also causes their mutual rotation, the ends of the helical springs being arranged into seats made in the control collars and in the tubular members so that their mutual rotation tightens or loosens the coils of the helical springs, thereby causing the coupling or the uncoupling, respectively, between the first cylindrical sleeves and the second cylindrical sleeves.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Bi.Ci.Di. s.r.l.Inventor: Angelo Cibien
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Patent number: 7175012Abstract: A transmission device between a primary motor shaft and a drive shaft for the wheels of self-propelled lawn mowers having a driving member connectable to a motor shaft, an output shaft, and a helically threaded driven gear rotatably mounted and moveable axially on the output shaft, the driven gear including an exterior driving surface and an interior surface, the interior surface including a plurality of teeth fixed in rotation with the gear, the teeth having a sloped leading edge and trailing edges substantially on a plane extending radially outward from the center of the driven gear, the outer engaging surface in constant engagement with the driving member so that the driven gear rotates whenever the driving member rotates.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: MTD Products IncInventors: Richard Thomas Ruebusch, Philip Helin
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Patent number: 7168541Abstract: A manual planetary power transmission includes two planetary gearsets and three torque-transmitting synchronizer assemblies. Two of the synchronizer assemblies permit the control of one gear member of the planetary gearsets individually. The third synchronizer permits control of two of the planetary gear members individually or simultaneously. The three synchronizer assemblies are manipulable in combinations of three to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in the planetary gearsets.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Raymond J. Haka, Paul D. Stevenson, Douglas C. Armstrong
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Patent number: 7128193Abstract: A torque limiter limits transmission of torque between a drive shaft and an output shaft. The torque limiter includes a first rotational plate connected to the drive shaft, a second rotational plate facing the first rotational shaft and connected to the output shaft to be movable along an axial direction thereof, a ball ramp portion provided between the first rotational plate and the second rotational plate, a ball retained in the ball ramp portion, and a spring portion for pressing between the first rotational plate and the second rotational plate. A ball channel is formed in at least one of the first rotational plate and the second rotational plate. The ball in the ball ramp portion falls in the ball channel when the torque between the drive shaft and the output shaft exceeds a predetermined value to shut off the transmission of the torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Hiroaki Murakami
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Patent number: 7121392Abstract: A hydraulic double clutch for a transmission with two coaxially arranged input shafts, a driven clutch housing and two hydraulically actuated clutches with friction disks and annular actuating pistons. The first clutch connects the clutch housing to the first input shaft and the second clutch engages/disengages the clutch housing with/from the second input shaft. Both clutches have a common inner disk carrier that penetrates one actuating piston of the actuating pistons.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Thomas E Braford, Karl-Heinz Bauer
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Patent number: 7114605Abstract: A multiple disk clutch device for arrangement in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, includes at least an inner and an outer disk clutch arrangement that are radially staggered and associated with a transmission input shaft of the transmission. Each of the plural clutch disk arrangements includes a set of disks, the set of disks have an outer disk associated with an outer disk carrier and an inner disk associated with an inner disk carrier. The outer disks are operable to mutually engage the inner disks in a driving arrangement. Each of the plural disk sets includes at least one disk having a lining and at least one disk being unlined where one of the inner and outer disks of the inner and the outer disk clutch arrangements of the plural disk clutch arrangements is the lined disk.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: ZF Sachs AGInventors: Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Wolfgang Kundermann, Volker Stampf, Angelika Ebert, Wolfgang Reisser