Cam Operated Patents (Class 192/54.5)
  • Patent number: 11892065
    Abstract: A drivetrain component provides an electronically controlled, overrunning drivetrain disconnect, such as a differential with different operating modes. The drivetrain component includes a case and a ring gear connected to the case. A carrier is supported for movement relative to and independent of the case. The carrier includes a differential gear set. The differential gear set has a pinion shaft tied to the carrier, pinion gears mounted on the pinion shaft, differential gears engaging the pinion gears, and differential gear shafts connected to the differential gears. The drivetrain component including a first locking structure, the first locking structure coupling the case to the carrier for torque transmission from the case to the carrier in a first direction only, wherein the first locking structure does not inhibit carrier rotation in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Conner S. Jurs, Earl A. Getchel
  • Patent number: 11808059
    Abstract: A lock for door includes a locking latch assembly, a lock rotor, a lock bolt and a rotating member, wherein the latch includes an upper rotor member, a clutch transmission set, a deceleration gear set, and a motor. When the deceleration gear set is driven by the motor, the deceleration gear set immediately drives the clutch transmission set to move the lock bolt. When the lock rotor is manually driven to rotate and the upper rotor member is connected to rotate, the upper rotor member pushes the clutch transmission set for a clutch action, so that the clutch transmission set only drives the lock bolt to move so as to selectively lock and unlock the lock for door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Jeff Chen
  • Patent number: 11802594
    Abstract: A state changing unit is capable of contacting a clutch, and being configured to receive a force along the axial direction from a translation portion and change a state of the clutch to an engaged state or a disengaged state according to a position of the translation portion in an axial direction relative to a housing. A fixed end is non-rotatable relative to the housing. A return spring is disposed on a side of the fixed end opposite to the clutch, and capable of urging the translation portion in a direction away from the clutch with respect to the fixed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Ishibashi, Takumi Sugiura
  • Patent number: 11732760
    Abstract: A power transmission device has an interlocking member 9 moving a pressure member 5 from an inactive position to an active position. A release spring (m) applies an urging force, while allowing movements of the interlocking member 9 and the pressure member 5, until drive-side clutch plates 6 and driven-side clutch plates 7 reach an engaged state before the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 are pressed against each other. A clutch spring 11 is compressed in a process where the interlocking member 9 moves after the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 have reached the engaged state. The clutch spring applying a press-contact force between the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 while allowing movements of the interlocking member 9 and the pressure member 5. The set load of the clutch spring 11 is set to be smaller than the maximum load of the release spring (m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Makoto Kataoka, Masataka Murai
  • Patent number: 11732761
    Abstract: A power transmission device has an interlocking member 9 moving a pressure member 5 from an inactive position to an active position. A release spring (m) applies an urging force, while allowing movements of the interlocking member 9 and the pressure member 5, until drive-side clutch plates 6 and driven-side clutch plates 7 reach an engaged state before the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 are pressed against each other. A clutch spring 11 is compressed in a process where the interlocking member 9 moves after the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 have reached the engaged state. The clutch spring applying a press-contact force between the drive-side clutch plates 6 and the driven-side clutch plates 7 while allowing movements of the interlocking member 9 and the pressure member 5. The set load of the clutch spring 11 is set to be smaller than the maximum load of the release spring (m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Makoto Kataoka, Masataka Murai
  • Patent number: 11391328
    Abstract: A transmission device has a clutch spring (8). The clutch spring (8) can generate rotational resistance that occurs when a pressure member (5) rotates relative to a clutch member (4) due to clearance between cam surfaces of a press-contact assisting cam or a back torque limiting cam. Thus, one end (8a) of the clutch spring (8) slides on a surface (10a) of a restricting member 10. A side surface (8b) of the clutch spring (8) is held in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kataoka, Go Ando, Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen
  • Patent number: 11156254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch (100) comprising: a fixed hub (101, 1101) comprising a central coupling hole (301) configured for coupling with a rotating shaft (1200); a movable hub (102, 1102) configured for being mounted along an axial direction onto the fixed hub (101, 1101); a plurality of discs (103) interposed between the fixed hub (101, 1101) and the movable hub (102, 1102). The fixed hub (101, 101) and the movable hub (102, 1102) are shaped so as to rotate jointly with each other and so as to axially slide with each other, getting farther or closer to each other so that the fixed hub (101, 1101) and the movable hub (102, 1102) exert a variable axial load onto the plurality of discs (103), thereby transmitting a torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Adler S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alfio Morone, Massimiliano Fumagalli
  • Patent number: 11118666
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes a differential, a collar, and a coupling. The differential has a differential input and differential gearing. The differential input is rotatable about a differential axis. The differential gearing has first and second differential output gears that are rotatable relative to the differential input about the differential axis. The differential gearing transmits rotary power between the differential input and the first and second differential output gears. The collar is rotatable about the differential axis. The coupling has first and second coupling members. The first coupling member is fixedly coupled to the first side gear. The second coupling member is fixedly coupled to the collar. The coupling is operable in a disengaged mode, in which the collar is rotationally decoupled from the first differential output gear, and an engaged mode in which the collar is rotatably coupled to the first differential output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Richards, Douglas J. Chemelli, Joseph S. Balenda, II
  • Patent number: 10895287
    Abstract: The disclosed clutch device includes a clutch housing, a clutch center, a pressure plate, a clutch part, and a cam mechanism. The clutch center includes a first tubular portion shaped to protrude to a first side in an axial direction. The pressure plate includes a plurality of cam portions and a second tubular portion. The plurality of cam portions include a plurality of cam surfaces shaped to protrude to a second side in the axial direction. The second tubular portion is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first tubular portion so as to protrude to the second side in the axial direction. The second tubular portion couples at least part of the plurality of cam portions. The clutch part allows and blocks transmission of power from the clutch housing to an output side. The cam mechanism includes the plurality of cam surfaces and controls a pressing force applied to the clutch part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshio Imanishi, Hidenori Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 10808769
    Abstract: A clutch includes a driving section configured to rotate by receiving torque, a driven section configured to rotate integrally with an output shaft, a driving-side frictional member held in the driving section, a driven-side frictional member held in the driven section, a pressure section configured to press the driving-side frictional member and the driven-side frictional member into contact with each other, and a forward driving direction torque limiter configured to limit an excess of a transmission torque to be transmitted in a direction to accelerate the output shaft beyond an upper limit value, by moving the driving-side frictional member and the driven-side frictional member in directions away from each other in response to an increase of the transmission torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shoichiro Morishita
  • Patent number: 10655685
    Abstract: The present clutch device includes a clutch housing, a clutch center, a pressure plate, a clutch part, a support plate and two cam mechanisms. The clutch center includes a plurality of first protruding portions protruding to a first side in an axial direction. The clutch part allows and blocks transmission of power from the clutch housing to an output side. The support plate includes a plurality of second protruding portions that protrude to a second side in the axial direction and are fixed to the plurality of first protruding portions. The cam mechanism includes a cam surface provided on each of the plurality of first protruding portions, whereas the cam mechanism includes a cam surface provided on each of the plurality of second protruding portions. Both cam surfaces provided on the relevant protruding portions are disposed on the opposite sides in a rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshio Imanishi, Hidenori Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 10352373
    Abstract: In a multiple plate clutch having a main spring which is provided between a clutch center fixed in an axial direction and a pressure plate displaceable in the axial direction and presses plural clutch plates in a clutch engagement direction, and a lifter plate for lifting the pressure plate in a clutch release direction, a sub spring for urging the pressure plate in the clutch engagement direction through the lifter plate is provided between the clutch center and the lifter plate, and the lifter plate is lifted by a predetermined amount or more to cut off the urging force of the sub spring to the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Adachi, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Yoshiaki Nedachi, Junya Ono
  • Patent number: 10221608
    Abstract: A mechanical reducer case for converting a motor torque into a drive torque for an opening is provided, the case forming a guide rail guiding the opening into a closed position or into an open position. Also disclosed is a motorized system for driving an opening including the preceding case and a method for manufacturing the preceding case including a half-shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fever, Stephane Hemond, Francois Lefevre, Jean-Louis Robalo
  • Patent number: 10156269
    Abstract: A clutch center includes a pressure receiving part and is accommodated inside a clutch housing. A pressure plate includes a pressure applying part disposed at an interval from the pressure receiving part in an axial direction. A clutch portion is disposed between the pressure receiving part and the pressure applying part, and allows and blocks transmission of a power between the clutch housing and the clutch center. A first cam portion is disposed on one side of the clutch center in the axial direction, and increases an engaging force of the clutch portion when a forward drive force acts on a clutch device. A second cam portion is disposed on the other side of the clutch center in the axial direction, and reduces the engaging force of the clutch portion when a reverse drive force acts on the clutch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshio Imanishi
  • Patent number: 9976607
    Abstract: The device (10) is associated to a multidisk clutch (1) for motor vehicles, and allows the automatic disengagement thereof in the deceleration and/or braking initial phase, before that the driver operates the clutch lever (1) for downshifting. The device (10) includes a ramped plate (11) connected to the transmission, which features front cam profiles (110) adapted to actuate oscillating rocker arms (13), arranged inside a drum (5) provided in the clutch (1), when a back torque is generated by the drive wheel of the vehicle, during the deceleration and/or braking step. The rocker arms (13) rotate simultaneously from an inoperative position (N) to an operative position (H), causing the pusher plate (9) to move away with a reduction of the pressure exerted on the sets of friction rings (4, 7), which, therefore, can slip with respect to one another. This avoids abnormal blockages of the rear wheel and improves the drivability and curving of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Christian Murari
  • Patent number: 9885395
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch adapted to prevent an undesirable engagement is provided. The selectable one-way clutch comprises first spline teeth formed on a connecting portion of a notch plate connected to a rotary member; second spline teeth formed on the rotary member to be meshed with the first spline teeth; a first flank formed individually on the first spline teeth; and a second flank formed individually on the second spline teeth to be brought into contact to the first flank. The first flank and the second flank are individually set at a predetermined angle to establish a component of torque of the rotary member rotating the notch plate to isolate the notch plate away from the selector plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akira Hibino
  • Patent number: 9546697
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission system includes a clutch having a friction plate, a clutch plate, and a pressure plate for elastically pressing the friction plate or the clutch plate by a pressure elastic body, a clutch actuator that applies a clutch OFF pressing force to the pressure plate, and a control device. When causing the clutch to shift to a clutch ON state, the control device controls operation of the clutch actuator to make the clutch OFF pressing force less than an elastic force of the pressure elastic body and apply an anti-assist force to the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F. C. C.
    Inventors: Ryohei Chiba, Shouji Makita, Kaoru Iida, Makoto Sato, Kazuyoshi Miyachi
  • Patent number: 9458893
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus for a vehicle includes cancel mechanism having a weight member fitted for sliding movement in a clutch hub. The weight member is configured to slidably move in a radial direction of an output power shaft, and has an engaging portion at an inner end portion thereof along the radial direction. An elastic member biases the weight member toward the inner side along the radial direction of the output power shaft. A locking element is formed on the output power shaft or a locking member fixed to the output power shaft, and is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion from the opposite side to a pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisashi Sakuyama
  • Patent number: 9371867
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus which can suppress the rotational vibrations by suppressing rotation of the pressure member relative to the clutch member is provided. The power transmitting apparatus can comprise a clutch housing rotatable together with an input member and a plurality of driving-side clutch discs mounted thereon; a clutch member with a plurality of driven-side clutch discs mounted thereon and interleaved with the driving-side clutch discs; and a pressure member axially movably relative to the clutch member to increase or release the press-contacting force acting on the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs. The power transmitting apparatus can further comprise one or more slide-suppressing members for applying sliding resistance to the pressure member when the pressure member is rotated relative to the clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kenichirou Isobe, Shigeki Kawashima, Shinji Furuhashi, Go Ando
  • Patent number: 9057430
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle includes: a driving force transmission system which transmits torque of a drive source to front wheels and rear wheels via gear mechanisms; a clutch provided in the driving force transmission system and capable of controlling an amount of the torque transmitted to the rear wheels; and a pressing mechanism which presses the clutch by transforming a part of the torque transmitted to the rear wheels into axial thrust. In the driving force transmission system, gear ratios of the gear mechanisms are set such that a direction of a differential rotation between a drive shaft connected to an input side of the clutch and a drive shaft connected to an output side of the clutch is not reversed even when a steered angle of the front wheels changes to a maximum value while the four-wheel drive vehicle is traveling forwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Horaguchi, Akihiro Ohno, Hiroshi Takuno, Takashi Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20150114784
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus for a vehicle includes cancel mechanism having a weight member fitted for sliding movement in a clutch hub. The weight member is configured to slidably move in a radial direction of an output power shaft, and has an engaging portion at an inner end portion thereof along the radial direction. An elastic member biases the weight member toward the inner side along the radial direction of the output power shaft. A locking element is formed on the output power shaft or a locking member fixed to the output power shaft, and is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion from the opposite side to a pressure plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Hisashi SAKUYAMA
  • Patent number: 9016451
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, including: a plurality of first ramps with respective first face surfaces orthogonal to an axis of rotation or forming a first acute angle with the first line. The clutch includes at least one wedge plate including a smooth second outer circumference and a first inner circumference with a plurality of second ramps with respective second face surfaces orthogonal to the axis of rotation in the radial direction or forming a second acute angle with the second line. The clutch includes an outer race including a second inner circumference. The outer race is rotatable with respect to the inner race in a circumferential direction. For relative rotation of the outer race in the direction, at least one, but not all, first face surfaces is in contact with second face surface. Rotation of the outer race in an opposite circumferential direction locks the inner and outer races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20150051528
    Abstract: A high density actuator, comprising a housing assembly composed of a first housing element containing a motor stator and a second housing element containing a gear reduction mechanism, a rotational core positioned at the center of the housing assembly, the rotational core being composed of a motor rotor and a transmission input operatively connected to the motor rotor, a transmission output positioned between the transmission input and the housing assembly, the transmission output forming an actuator output, a torque transfer output operatively connected to the actuator output and a center shaft connected to the torque transfer output in its center and in rotational contact with the first housing element, the center shaft passing through the transmission output, rotational core and second housing element to ensure proper radial and axial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: B-TEMIA INC.
    Inventors: Benoît Gilbert, Stéphane Bédard
  • Patent number: 8740021
    Abstract: A powered dispensing tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a rack coupled to the motor for powered translation in at least one of a forward direction and a reverse direction, and a transmission selectively coupling the motor and the rack. The transmission includes an input ring rotatable in response to rotation of the motor in a first direction corresponding with powered translation of the rack in the forward direction, a first clutch member engaged with the rack through an intermediate gear, and a second clutch member that receives torque from the input ring and that is movable in response to rotation of the motor in the first direction toward a first position engaging the first clutch member. The second clutch member is also movable in response to rotation of the motor in an opposite, second direction toward a second position disengaged from the first clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Naughton, Troy C. Thorson, Brandon L. Verbrugge, William E. Check, Thomas G. Simeone, Scott D. Eisenhardt, Scott Schneider
  • Patent number: 8708060
    Abstract: A synchronization mechanism of a clutch mechanism includes a drive side contact member and a driven side contact member provided on a drive side clutch member and a driven side clutch member of a clutch mechanism at positions radially inwardly of a drive side clutch portion and a driven side clutch portion, respectively. The driven side contact member does not contact the drive side contact member when the driven side clutch member is in a disengaging position. As the driven side clutch member moves from the disengaging position to an engaging position, the driven side contact member contacts the drive side contact member, so that the rotation of the drive side clutch member is transmitted to the driven side clutch member through frictional contact between the driven side contact member and the drive side contact member before the driven side clutch member reaches the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Tsuge
  • Patent number: 8684105
    Abstract: A technique is provided which improves durability in a power tool having a torque transmission device. The representative power tool has a torque transmission device 151. The torque transmission device 151 includes a projection 171 formed on one of opposed surfaces of a first rotating member 153 and a second rotating member 155 and protruding in a direction of a rotational axis, a recess 161 for receiving the projection 171, which is formed in the other of the opposed surfaces and recessed in the direction of the rotational axis, a projection-side engagement surface 175a formed on the projection 171, and a recess-side engagement surface 165a formed on the recess 171. Torque is transmitted when the projection-side and recess-side engagement surfaces 175a, 165a are engaged with each other, while the torque transmission is interrupted when the projection-side and recess-side engagement surfaces 175a, 165a are disengaged from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyonobu Yoshikane, Yoshitaka Machida
  • Publication number: 20130206535
    Abstract: A device for generating limit torque with a function of yielding a torque change in real time includes a spring, a rotating portion having a cam surface formed therein, a transmitting portion transmitting an elastic force of the spring to the cam surface, a fixed portion with respect to which the relative rotation of the rotating portion is generated, and a limit-torque control portion provided to the fixed portion so as to control limit torque of the rotating portion by adjusting the elastic force of the spring. In the device, the limit-torque control portion controls the limit torque of the spring by changing the elastic force of the spring in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Myung Ook HYUN, Sung Chul KANG, Jun Ho CHOI, Seung Beum SUH
  • Patent number: 8490768
    Abstract: A pressure plate is movable in an axial direction to cause multiple driving friction plates and driven friction plates to come in pressure contact with each other. The pressure plate is biased by a clutch spring in a direction to bring the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates in pressure contact with each other. When acceleration torque is changed, an assist mechanism increases the pressure-contact force of the pressure plate. A pressure plate and a clutch inner are connected together and are capable of being separated from each other in an axial direction. When an assist mechanism increases a pressure-contact force of the pressure plate, the pressure plate is moved in a direction to bring driving and driven friction plates into pressure contact with each other, while the clutch inner is moved relative to the pressure plate in the same direction so as to be detached from the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Jun Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Patent number: 8484893
    Abstract: A clutch includes a driving-side rotating body, a driven-side rotating body, a holding case, and a power transmitting member held by one of the driving-side rotating body and the holding case. The power transmitting member is moved between a non-engaging position and an engaging position where the driving-side rotating body engages with the driven-side rotating body. The clutch further includes a guiding member held by the other of the driving-side rotating body and the holding case. The guiding member has a cam portion engaged with the power transmitting member and guides movement of the power transmitting member between the engaging position and the non-engaging position. Relative rotation between the driving-side rotating body and the holding case occurs, resulting in that the power transmitting member is guided by the cam portion to move from the non-engaging position to the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsuto Hayakawa, Tomoaki Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8469169
    Abstract: To provide a multiple disc clutch in which the engagement/disengagement timing of the clutch can be adjusted to a fixed value, and an assembling method for the multiple disc clutch. Two kinds of clutch discs different at least in thickness are combined, and the clutch disc or discs are replaced with the clutch disc or discs of other thickness so that the total thickness of a required number of the combined clutch discs when a predetermined pressure is applied thereto will be equal to a predetermined size, whereby the total thickness is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Nakamura, Satoru Nojima
  • Patent number: 8448770
    Abstract: A multiplate clutch has an assistive cam mechanism comprising a first cam member having a first recess and a second cam member having a first tooth inserted in the first recess, wherein at least one of abutment surfaces of the first recess and the first tooth in a power transmitting state for transmitting power from an input member to an output member comprises a slanted surface for increasing an urging force of a clutch spring upon acceleration in the power transmitting state. The multiplate clutch is prevented from being connected abruptly while sufficiently reducing a load with which to operate the clutch. The angle of intersection between the slanted surfaces and a plane perpendicular to a clutch central axis is set to a range from 80 degrees to 85 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Yoshinobu Shiomi, Hirotaka Kawatsu, Katsumi Sato, Taito Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8443953
    Abstract: A clutch with high binding ability comprises a plurality of detent components provided between a left and a right lateral plates and each detent component can be pulled back to its original location by a resilient element. The detent block of each detent component is movably positioned between the left and the right lateral plates. The detent element of each detent component is slidably connected onto the detent block. One end of the detent element is provided with a groove for locating a positioning bar therein. Thereby, when the clutch rotates, the radial force of the detent element can be increased in order to enhance the detent ability of the detent element. When the rotational speed of the clutch is decreased to be the rotational speed of passive driving or to be lower than the rotational speed for engagement, the detent element can be pulled back to its original location by means of the elastic element located between the detent block and the detent element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jui-Ming Fang, Norman Lien
  • Patent number: 8424662
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch system includes: a pressure plate which is biased by a clutch spring in a direction in which driving friction plates and driven friction plates are brought into pressure contact with each other; and at least one of assist device configured to increase a pressure contact force when torque is changed for acceleration and the slipper device configured to decrease the pressure contact force when the torque is changed for deceleration. A ring member whose inner peripheral surface is put in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of one cam plate out of paired cam plates, which are included in at least one of the assist device and the slipper device, is fixed to a clutch inner, and oil discharging passages for guiding oil to a sliding contact portion between the one cam plate and the ring member are provided in outer peripheral edge portions of concave cams formed in the one cam plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kyushu Musashi Seimitsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Jun Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Shiomi, Michitaka Ogata
  • Patent number: 8397784
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a tape dispenser, for example, includes first and second coaxially disposed rotating disks, a pressure wheel, and a friction element. The first rotating disk defines at least one protrusion. The pressure wheel is disposed between the first and second rotating disks and is operably engaged by the at least one protrusion carried by the first rotating disk. The protrusion is movable between first and second rotational positions relative to the pressure wheel. The friction element is disposed between the pressure wheel and the second rotating disk such that the friction element generates a first frictional force between the pressure wheel and the second rotating disk when the protrusion is in the first rotational position and a second frictional force between the pressure wheel and the second rotating disk when the protrusion is in the second rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventor: Henry W. Stoll
  • Patent number: 8336691
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch includes clutch discs which are disposed between a clutch outer and a clutch inner and are movable in an axial direction of the transmission shaft to permit and cut off the transmission of the rotational driving force from a crankshaft to a transmission shaft. A first biasing mechanism is configured to apply a clamping force to the clutch discs. A cam mechanism is configured to adjust the clamping force in accordance with the rotational driving force. A second biasing mechanism is configured to generate a biasing force to separate the clutch discs away from one another and to weaken the clamping force. The cam mechanism is configured to apply to the second biasing mechanism a force against the biasing force generated by the second biasing mechanism in accordance with the rotational driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Patent number: 8302752
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch includes a clutch inner member, having a cylindrical portion and a pressure-applying plate portion, and a pressure-receiving plate opposite the pressure-applying plate portion with plural driving and driven friction plates interposed therebetween. The multi-plate clutch also includes a center cam having a disc portion, an assist cam and a slipper cam disposed on the disc portion. The assist and slipper cams include identical material, and have substantially identical shapes. An outer circumference of the assist cam is splined to an inner circumference of the cylindrical portion of the clutch inner member, so the assist cam can move in the axial direction relative to the clutch inner member. An outer circumference of the slipper cam is splined to the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion, so that axial motion of the slipper cam, relative to the clutch inner member away from the disc portion, is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Takafumi Asakura, Hirotaka Kawatsu
  • Patent number: 8272489
    Abstract: A multiple disc clutch includes a pressing member movable in an axial direction and which turns together with an output shaft to compress driving friction plates and driven friction plates, a clutch spring that axially presses the pressing member, a clutch lifter arranged coaxially with the pressing member and a lifter plate that is held by the periphery of the clutch lifter via a clutch bearing. The lifter plate moves the pressing member in a reverse direction to a direction pressed by the clutch spring according to the axial movement of the clutch lifter. This multiple disc clutch does not require a dedicated clutch lifter for every clutch bearing different in size and therefore the cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Hirotaka Kawatsu
  • Patent number: 8256595
    Abstract: A multiple disc clutch includes a pressing member that can be axially moved and that is turned together with an output shaft so as to compress driving friction plates and driven friction plates, a ringed set plate is provided on a side of the pressing member so as to receive a load by a clutch spring that axially presses the pressing member and a cam plate fixed to the pressing member so as to enable increasing or reducing frictional fitting force of the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates. The area for receiving the set plate is extended using a minimum number of parts, preventing a shape of the pressing member from being intricate and strength for supporting the set plate is enhanced. A part of the set plate axially touches the cam plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Hirotaka Kawatsu
  • Patent number: 8240445
    Abstract: A multiplate clutch includes at least one driving friction plate configured to be rotated by a driving portion, at least one driven friction plate provided to face the at least one driving friction plate and configured to rotate the driven portion, a pressure applying unit configured to apply a pressing force to the at least one driving friction plate and the at least one driven friction plate to transmit the driving force from the driving portion to the driven portion via the at least one driving friction plate and the at least one driven friction plate, a first cam unit including first concave-convex cams and configured to increase the pressing force in accordance with an increase of the driving force, and a second cam unit configured to function as a back torque limiter mechanism and including second concave-convex cams which are different from the first concave-convex cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Patent number: 8215469
    Abstract: A multiple disk clutch includes a clutch outer, a clutch inner, frictional disks, a cam mechanism, and a vibration isolating member. The clutch inner is provided inside the clutch outer and configured to transmit a rotational driving force from the clutch outer to a transmission shaft. The frictional disks are movable in an axial direction of the transmission shaft to thereby make and break transmission of the rotational driving force from the clutch outer to the clutch inner. The cam mechanism is provided inside the clutch outer and configured to apply a pressing force to the frictional disks according to the rotational driving force from the crankshaft. The cam mechanism is configured to relax the pressing force applied to the frictional disks when a load from the transmission shaft exceeds a predetermined value. The vibration isolating member is provided at the clutch inner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kawatsu, Yoshitsugu Gokan
  • Patent number: 8151964
    Abstract: In a multiple disc clutch apparatus 10, a cam member 41 which is disposed on a side of a clutch inner member 16 is formed into an annular shape. The cam member 41 extends in a radial direction so that an outer circumferential surface of the cam member 41 is brought into abutment with a cylindrical face 19d on an inner circumferential surface of a clutch center member 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Suzuta, Hideo Senmyo, Yoshiki Nagahashi, Masaki Yoneyama, Shinya Wakabayashi, Kazumitsu Yamamoto, Hisao Otsuka, Masashi Furuya, Hiroshi Ori, Hideaki Segami, Katsu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8151963
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus can comprise a clutch housing rotatable together with an input member and supporting a plurality of driving clutch plates. A clutch member can support a plurality of driven clutch plates alternately arranged between the driving clutch plates via spline fitting and connected to an output member. A pressure member can be mounted on the clutch member so as to be axially movable therealong so as to accommodate pressure-contact and release of the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates. Back-torque limiting cams can be configured to release the connection between the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates when the rotation speed of the output member has exceeded that of the input member. A rotational force input to the input member can be transmitted to the output member by pressure-contacting the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kataoka, Shinji Furuhashi, Shunichi Itou
  • Publication number: 20120080283
    Abstract: A load limiter has a first disk for translating a first torque from an input and a second disk for translating a second torque from an output. Each of the first disk and the second disk has a ramp in which a torque transmitter, such as a ball is disposed. A first conical brake surface and a second conical brake surface disposed on the first disk or the second disk interact if the first torque and/or the second torque cause relative rotation between the first disk and the second disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: David J. Lang, James M. Regan
  • Patent number: 8146724
    Abstract: A vehicle clutch includes a clutch outer member, a clutch inner member, and a clutch center member movable in an axial direction between a first position and a second position. A cam mechanism is provided between the clutch inner and outer members. The cam mechanism generates an axial pulling force for moving the clutch center member to the first position when positive torque acts on the clutch inner member from the clutch center member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Miyazaki, Hideo Senmyo
  • Patent number: 8025138
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch system includes an outer clutch member having a plurality of first clutch plates thereon, a central spool having a plurality of second clutch plates thereon interspaced with the first clutch plates. The clutch system also includes a cam mechanism including a protruding cam and a recessed cam. The protruding cam and the recessed cam respectively include first inclined faces and second inclined faces, which are inclined in the same direction with respect to the circumferential direction. The protruding cam is thus brought into a point contact with the recessed cam during clutch engagement. As such, the multi-plate clutch system can maintain constant variable characteristics of the clutch capacity even when there is a variation in processing accuracy at the time of the production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Yoshinaga, Isamu Takahashi, Toshiharu Akutsu, Kazumitsu Yamamoto, Yoshiki Nagahashi
  • Publication number: 20110073429
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch system includes: a pressure plate which is biased by a clutch spring in a direction in which driving friction plates and driven friction plates are brought into pressure contact with each other; and at least one of assist device configured to increase a pressure contact force when torque is changed for acceleration and the slipper device configured to decrease the pressure contact force when the torque is changed for deceleration. A ring member whose inner peripheral surface is put in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of one cam plate out of paired cam plates, which are included in at least one of the assist device and the slipper device, is fixed to a clutch inner, and oil discharging passages for guiding oil to a sliding contact portion between the one cam plate and the ring member are provided in outer peripheral edge portions of concave cams formed in the one cam plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Jun Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Shiomi, Michitaka Ogata
  • Patent number: 7900531
    Abstract: In a drive device for opening and or closing the hatch of a motor vehicle, the drive including a spindle drive with a threaded spindle and a nut, with a clutch arranged between the rotary drive and the spindle drive, the clutch includes a shifting element, a clutch element, and a clutch disk non-rotatably connected to the threaded spindle. The shifting element is rotatably drivably connected to the rotary drive. The shifting element has an axially oriented helical first ramp and the clutch element has an axially oriented helical second ramp in opposed contact with said first ramp. Relative rotation of the shifting element and the clutch element causes relative axial displacement of the shifting element and the clutch element against a spring force. The clutch element has a clutch area movable into non-rotatable engagement with the clutch disk in response to the relative axial displacement of the shifting element and the clutch element such that the rotary drive for the spindle drive also operates the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Arenz, Oleg Batosky, Jörg Hillen
  • Patent number: 7891475
    Abstract: An isolator decoupler comprising a first tapered portion for connecting to a driving shaft, a second tapered portion cooperatively engaging the first tapered portion, the second tapered portion having a frictional engagement with a pulley, and an elastomeric member operatingly disposed between the second tapered portion and the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Lin Zhu, Marc R. Cadarette, Yahya Hodjat
  • Patent number: 7810236
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a power transmitting apparatus by molding both the pressure-contact assist cam and back-torque limiting cam even though either one of the pressure-contact assist cam and back-torque limiting cam is molded as a reverse-draft surface. The power transmitting apparatus has a clutch housing (2) and a clutch member (4) connected to an output member (3). A plurality of driven clutch plates (7) alternately is arranged between the driving clutch plates (6) of the clutch housing. The pressure plate (5) and the clutch member (4) are, respectively, formed with through windows (5c) and (4c) at positions corresponding to the pressure-contact assist cams (4aa) and (5ba) and the back-torque limiting cams (4ab) and (5bb) to form reverse-draft surfaces of the pressure-contact assist cams (4aa) and (5ba) and the back-torque limiting cams (4ab) and (5bb) by inserting pin-shaped cores into the windows (5c) and (4c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kataoka, Satoru Kashiwagi, Shunichi Itou
  • Patent number: 7753186
    Abstract: A vehicle clutch, particularly motorcycle clutch, is provided comprising a friction system; an engaging member acting on the friction system; and a spring adapted to be brought into operative communication with the engaging member via a bearing, wherein the engaging member is subdivided into an inner part and an outer part which is rotatable relative to the inner part by a defined turning angle, the spring has a degressive spring characteristic, and the bearing and the inner part are adapted to be brought into operative communication with one another via a surface arrangement constituting an inclined plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Ruprecht, Falk Nickel