Planar Radially Extending Patents (Class 192/66.3)
  • Patent number: 11493407
    Abstract: A system for torque measurement is generally provided. The system includes a sensor disposed between an outer bearing race and a static structure of a bearing assembly. The sensor is disposed adjacent along a thrust load direction to the outer bearing race. The system further includes a rotor assembly rotatably coupled to the bearing assembly, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to store and execute operations. The operations include determining a torque measurement from the rotor assembly based at least on an axial thrust load from the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: GE AVIO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Michele Gravina
  • Publication number: 20150122608
    Abstract: A clutch-brake assembly transmits force to rotate a shaft and to retain the shaft against rotation. The assembly includes a plurality of force transmitting members which transmit force between an improved piston and a base member. A plurality of springs urge the piston to move relative to the base member. A plurality of spring retainers are disposed between the base member and the piston. Each of the spring retainers includes a plurality of projecting portions extending from the base portion. Each of the springs is telescopically disposed on one of the projecting portions. Each of the force transmitting members is disposed between adjacent spring retainers. The improved piston includes a cast light weight body securing at least one wear plate made from a wear resistant material with wear surfaces exposed on an outer flange of the cast body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Fang Du
  • Publication number: 20150114786
    Abstract: A drive assembly comprises a rotatingly drivable housing an output part and a clutch arranged between the rotatably drivable housing and the output part. The clutch comprises a first clutch part held relative to the housing in a rotationally fixed and axially movable way, as well as a second clutch part fixedly connected to the output part arranged in the rotatably drivable housing; a controllable actuator for actuating the clutch; a target element which, upon actuation of the clutch, is axially movable; and a sensor for recording switched positions of the clutch; wherein the first clutch part comprises an annular portion arranged outside the housing, and a plurality of cam elements that extend axially from the annular portion through the apertures in the housing into the interior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Holger Seidl
  • Publication number: 20150114785
    Abstract: A plate carrier for a multi-plate clutch comprises: an annular member with a first circumferential face and a second circumferential face; a toothing in the first circumferential face of the annular member, having circumferentially distributed teeth and gaps; at least one groove in the second circumferential face of the annular member, wherein the groove extends over a circumferential portion of the annular member, wherein the groove and the toothing intersect one another, so that radial apertures are formed in the regions of intersection between the groove and the tooth gaps. A multi-plate clutch can be provided with such a plate carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wolfgang Beigang, Waldemar Rupp, Simon Broicher, Lukas Hoets
  • Publication number: 20150075938
    Abstract: A balancing element for balancing a clutch, including a shaft for inserting into a housing opening of a clutch cover, a head axially protruding from the shaft for limiting an insertion depth, and cutting edges radially protruding from the shaft for plastically deforming a wall surrounding the housing opening. A deforming stop is arranged at a distance from the cutting edges between the cutting edges and the head in order to plastically deform a part of the wall between the cutting edges and the deforming stop. By the plastic deformation of the wall into an area between the cutting edges and the deforming stop, the balancing element can be accommodated captively even under operating conditions without additional tools, whereby simple and economical production of an operationally reliable clutch is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario HAUSS, Stefan STEIGER, Holger LIETZENMAIER
  • Publication number: 20150068861
    Abstract: An adjustment device (1) for a friction clutch (2), including at least the following components: a rotatable driving device (3); an adjustment spindle (4) having an axial direction, which is connected to the driving device in a rotationally fixed manner; a spindle nut (6), which is moved in the axial direction by rotation of the adjustment spindle; and an adjusting unit (7) for adjusting a distance (8) between an engagement device (9) and a pressure plate (10), which adjusting unit is adjusted by an axial motion of the spindle nut (6) in such a way that the axial direction (5) of the adjustment spindle (4) can be oriented parallel to a radial direction (11) of the friction clutch (2). Through the adjustment device here, it is possible to realize a robust functional unit that is sufficiently stiff with respect to the applied centrifugal forces and that has low production requirements, low weight, and low installation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ahnert Gerd
  • Publication number: 20150041274
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine clutch includes a dry clutch assembly, forward and aft working areas, and a shaft. The dry clutch assembly is operative to receive power from a gas turbine engine. The dry clutch assembly is configured to selectively engage the gas turbine engine with a driven source, and has an axial opening extending therethrough. The forward and aft working areas are disposed at axially opposite ends of the dry clutch assembly. The shaft extends axially through the axial opening of the dry clutch assembly, and defines an axial fluid flow passage therethrough in liquid fluid communication with the forward and aft working areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew T. Bouton, Doug M. Schwerin
  • Publication number: 20150008089
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a drivetrain of a vehicle comprises a first component, a second component, and a conveying component. The first component has an at least partially disk-shape and has a first friction surface at the disk-shaped portion. The second component has an at least partially disk-shape and has a second friction surface at the disk-shaped portion. The first friction and second friction surfaces are configured and arranged to be brought into a frictional engagement with each other and contact a fluid medium in operation. The conveying component comprises a conveying surface for the fluid medium and coupled to a drive component to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation relative to it such that the conveying surface causes a flow of the fluid medium during a rotation relative to the fluid medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Arthur Schröder, Jörg Sudau, Daniel Pittner
  • Publication number: 20150001027
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a drivetrain of a vehicle comprises a first friction surface, a second friction surface, a pressing element and a sealing element. The second friction surface is coupled to an output component of the clutch arrangement to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation relative to the output component. The first and second friction surfaces are configured and arranged to be brought into frictional engagement with each other to make a torque transmittable from the first friction surface to the second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are further configured to be exposed to a fluid medium. The pressing element is configured to produce or sever the frictional engagement by causing a force along a force direction when actuated. The sealing element is configured to separate a first volume in which the first and second friction surfaces are arranged from a second volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Arthur Schröder, Jörg Sudau, Daniel Pittner, Axel Rohm
  • Publication number: 20140318919
    Abstract: A coupling fixture for reciprocal connection between two components rotating in opposite directions to one another, with a drive element and an axially adjustable coupling element in a rotationally fixed connection with the drive element or one of the two components. The two components are locked together directly, or by the coupling element, and the locking is released by moving the coupling element axially. Thereby rendering it possible to establish connection without the need for special controls and/or synchronisation of the components to be connected. Switching operations can be performed when the drive element and the coupling element are being driven with different speeds of rotation. It is thus possible to achieve a reliable and trouble-free operating method of the coupling fixture over a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Karl Hiestand
  • Publication number: 20140299437
    Abstract: A friction starter drive unit for a starter, comprising: a pinion including a hole for the passage of a drive shaft; a drive part including a hole for the passage of a drive shaft, said drive part being mounted such as to be rotationally fixed with the pinion; a drive element including a hole for the passage of a drive shaft of a starter, which element can move in translation along axis X of the hole in relation to the drive part between an uncoupled position and a coupled position; and a friction coupling means arranged to couple the drive element to the drive part when the drive element is in the coupled position. The starter drive unit comprises a return means that exerts a force on the drive element and a force on the drive part in the direction of the uncoupled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: VALEO EQUIPEMENTS ELECTRIQUES MOTEUR
    Inventors: Guillaume Seillier, Alexis Chalmet, Christian Mornieux, Mathieu Metrop
  • Publication number: 20140284163
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: an electric motor; a multi-disc clutch including outer clutch plates and inner clutch plates that are disposed coaxially with each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other and that are frictionally engaged with each other by being pressed in an axial direction; an input rotary member that rotates together with the outer clutch plates; an output rotary member that rotates together with the inner clutch plates; a cam mechanism that generates cam thrust force for pressing the multi-disc clutch in the axial direction upon reception of torque generated by the electric motor; a strain sensor that detects reaction force against the cam thrust force; and a spring member that is disposed between the cam mechanism and the strain sensor and that buffers an impact transmitted from the cam mechanism to the strain sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi YAMAMOTO, Hiroshi KUSHINO, Kunihiko SUZUKI, Noriyuki FUJII, Takashi HOSOKAWA
  • Publication number: 20140284164
    Abstract: A drive power transmission system includes-a clutch hub, a clutch drum and a dry clutch. The dry clutch includes-first and second clutch plates, a friction facing and a cover member. The first clutch plate is joined to the clutch hub. The second clutch plate is joined to the clutch drum. The cover member has an external air intake hole and an external air discharge hole. These holes of the cover member are positioned such that, due to rotation of at least one of the clutch hub and the clutch drum, an air flow is generated that draws external air is through the external air intake hole and along the clutch hub to a radially inward location of reduced air pressure, then passes radially outward to a radially outward location of increased air pressure, and then passes along the clutch drum and out the external air discharge hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Tatsuya Akimoto, Shigeru Ishii, Tsuyoshi Yamanaka, Tomoharu Fujii
  • Publication number: 20140260504
    Abstract: A portable rescue tool that is powered by an electric motor. The electric motor has a drive output shaft that transfers rotational power to an angle rotary gearbox. The angle rotary gearbox has an output shaft that is oriented about 90 degrees from the rotational axis of the motor output shaft and is geared so as to increase the torque and reduce the speed of the rotational power. The angle rotary gearbox provides a reduced speed, high torque output at an output shaft that is delivered by a single chain drive to a main rotary actuator where two actuator arms are controlled to move away from each other and toward each other in the operation of the rescue tool. The portable rescue tool is designed to be of a low weight and enhanced cooling properties as present rescue tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: William Hickerson
  • Publication number: 20140182993
    Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum and a clutch disk with a pendulum flange provided thereon, rotational about an axis of rotation, and several pendulum weights distributed over the circumference and received on the pendulum flange in a pivotal fashion. In order to at least reduce noise development due to mass momentum of inertia acting here caused by the centrifugal pendulum, the pendulum flange is received on a rotational part, rotating on an axis of rotation, and a friction clutch is effectively arranged between the pendulum flange and said part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Alain Rusch, Steffen Lehmann, Walter Hepperle
  • Publication number: 20140166424
    Abstract: A coupling device including at least one torque transmitting device, which can be engaged and/or disengaged in the axial direction by a lever element and which is frictionally engaged in the engaged state, and including at least one wear compensation device, which has at least one rotatable ramp ring that can be clamped by the lever element at least temporarily and which has at least one rotatably mounted spindle drive with a spindle shaft, the spindle drive acting on the ramp ring. The wear compensation device has at least two continuously variable free running units which act in different rotational directions, a first free running unit being designed to rotate the spindle shaft when a wear state of the torque transmitting device is sensed and a second free running unit being designed to prevent a reverse rotation of the spindle shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christoph Raber
  • Publication number: 20140131160
    Abstract: An annular wet clutch plate has lubrication grooves formed of multiple grooves in at least one of both axial end faces, the at least one of the both end faces having the lubrication grooves and a frictional engagement surface. The frictional engagement surface has a plurality of small grooves having a width and a depth that are smaller than those of the lubrication grooves. At least one of the small grooves is extended in a direction that crosses a circumferential direction of the annular clutch plate. A mean value of surface roughness of the frictional engagement surface having the small grooves is from 3.0 ?m to 4.0 ?m when the surface roughness is measured with the use of Rz at three positions that are offset from each other by 120° in the circumferential direction around a central axis of the annular clutch plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya TSUDA, Junji ANDO, Hiroyuki ANDO
  • Publication number: 20140124321
    Abstract: An assembly includes a shell fixed against axial displacement, a clutch including first plates secured to the shell by a spline, a member fixed against axial displacement, supporting the shell and secured to the shell by the spline, a retainer for limiting axial movement of the first plates and member along the spline, and a piston for forcing the plates along the spline toward the retaine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Frait
  • Patent number: 8662274
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device is provided having an improved actuator for compressing friction discs coupled to an input ring and an output hub disposed about a rotational axis. The actuator includes a pole structure and a field shell housing a conductor, each with aligned, axially extending, radially spaced inner and outer poles. An armature is coupled for rotation with the input ring, but axially movable relative thereto and axially aligned with an end wall of the pole structure extending between the inner and outer actuator poles. First and second axially spaced actuator discs are disposed radially between the pole structure and the output hub with the first actuator disc rotatably coupled to the pole structure. The discs define cam surfaces along which a plurality of balls move to expand and contract the actuator discs upon relative rotation of the actuator discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Silvestrini, Richard Wayne Mayberry
  • Publication number: 20140048376
    Abstract: A clutch device having at least one torque transmission device, which has at least one pressure plate which is connected non-rotatingly to a housing component, a pressing plate which may be moved non-rotatingly and in an axial direction with respect to the pressure plate, and a clutch plate which may be clamped in a frictionally engaged manner between the pressure plate and the pressing plate, and having at least one wear adjustment device which has at least one ramp ring which is rotatable in a circumferential direction by means of at least one coil spring for sensing and for compensating for wear-induced axial play between the housing component and the pressing plate, wherein the coil spring is mounted on the ramp ring side and on the housing component side, there being a hook-in securing means provided between the ramp ring and the coil spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Vilkner
  • Publication number: 20140027231
    Abstract: A lockup clutch mechanism of a hydraulic transmission device includes a lockup piston that is capable of moving toward a front cover to press first and second friction plates, and a flange member that together with the lockup piston defines an engagement-side oil chamber. The front cover and the lockup piston define a first lubricant passage that supplies hydraulic oil to the first and second friction plates. A second lubricant passage communicating with the first lubricant passage is formed in a centerpiece of the front cover. A first shaft oil passage communicating with the engagement-side oil chamber and a second shaft oil passage communicating with the second lubricant passage are formed in an input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junji Tanaka, Yuito Abe, Kazuyoshi Ito, Koji Maeda, Naohisa Momiyama
  • Publication number: 20140027236
    Abstract: A clutch plate arranged to face a contact object so as to be relatively rotatable and relatively movable includes a contact surface being able to contact the contact object via lubricant and a minute groove open at the contact surface and formed of a plurality of groove portions having a predetermined groove pitch. A ratio of a contact area of the contact surface to an area obtained by adding an opening area of the minute groove to the contact area of the contact surface is 90% to 96% in an initial state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Junji ANDO, Hiroyuki Ando, Takuya Tsuda
  • Patent number: 8627937
    Abstract: A clutch comprises two plates each connected to a respective shaft, so that rotary power may be transmitted. One shaft exerts engagement force near the center of the first plate, whereas the second shaft exerts engagement force about the circumference of the second plate. In this manner it is provided that the first plate tends to deform convexly, whereas the second plate tends to deform concavely, as the plates approach and then engage each other. Due to the geometry resulting from the deformation of the plates, engagement surfaces on the first plate are urged towards receiving surfaces on the second plate, with said surfaces entering into firm contact with each other, as said plates deform convexly and concavely respectively; despite the fact that when the plates are undeformed, there may be clearance rather than interference between said surfaces so that rotation is not transmitted between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Robert M. Kunstadt
  • Publication number: 20140012473
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a transmission which comprises a wet separating clutch having a clutch housing, in which a clutch piston separates an interior space from a pressure chamber. The separating clutch is engaged by pressurizing the pressure chamber with an actuating pressure so that the clutch piston moves into an actuation position and, as a result, two clutch halves, located in the interior space and surrounded by fluid, frictionally engage one another. So as to reliably engage the separating clutch without impairing the surrounding components with the fluid, the actuating pressure includes at least one compensation pressure portion that corresponds to the counter pressure depending on the fluid located in the interior space opposing the clutch piston during transfer into the actuation position. A method of controlling a separating clutch, and a computer program product and a data medium incorporating the computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Christoph OMMER, Alexander JUNGABERLE
  • Publication number: 20130313063
    Abstract: Provided are devices and methods to minimize drag caused by abrasion powder between clutch plates and to prevent a faulty engagement or release of a dry clutch. A hybrid driving force transmission device is provided, wherein a multi-plate dry clutch is arranged in a sealed space and used for connecting/disconnecting transmission of a driving force is provided with drive plates, driven plates, friction facings, and a housing cover The drive plates are splined to a clutch hub, and have, in the sections thereof that are splined to the clutch hub, vent holes for channeling the air flowing in the axial direction. The driven plates are splined to a clutch drum. The housing cover has an external air intake hole for drawing external air into the sealed space, and an external air discharge hole for discharging the airflow from the sealed space to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoharu Fujii, Tsuyoshi Yamanaka, Shigeru Ishii
  • Publication number: 20130306426
    Abstract: In a hydraulic transmission apparatus, a lockup piston of a lockup clutch mechanism is placed on the opposite side of first and second friction plates from a sidewall portion of a front cover. A damper device is placed on the opposite side of the lockup piston from the first and second friction plates. An outer peripheral portion of the lockup piston is located closer to the outer periphery than an outer peripheral portion of a flange member. A part of the lockup piston is placed in a region located between first and second springs and a third spring of the damper device in a radial direction and in the range of an axial width of the third spring located closer to the lockup piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junji Tanaka, Yuito Abe, Kazuyoshi Ito, Koji Maeda, Naohisa Momiyama
  • Publication number: 20130299296
    Abstract: A switchable coupling, in particular for vehicle auxiliary assemblies, is provided. The coupling includes an actuating system actuated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically between a driving element and an output element, and a switching element movable between switching start and end positions counter to the force of one or more resetting elements upon actuation of the actuating system. In the end position, the switching element connects the driving and output elements such that the output element and an auxiliary coupling connected thereto rotate with the driving element. After deactuation, locking bodies located on the auxiliary coupling produce an connection between the driving and output elements which continues to conduct torque between the driving and output elements. The connection is interrupted only when the rotational speed of the driving element falls below a limit value. The coupling does not require a permanent supply of power in the open or closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Technische Universitaet Chemnitz
    Inventors: Rico Baumgart, Peter Tenberge, Joerg Aurich
  • Publication number: 20130256077
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes a mounting flange having a central opening to receive a shaft, a rotor disc mounted on the shaft and rotatable with the shaft, a float plate having a first friction surface engageable with one face of the rotor disc, and a pressure plate having a second friction surface engageable with another face of the rotor disc. The brake assembly also includes a spring housing, which operates as a piston, and a cylinder coupled to the spring housing to form a fluid pressure chamber. The spring housing moves in a first direction when pressurized fluid enters the fluid pressure chamber and in a second direction when pressurized fluid exits the fluid pressure chamber. The assembly further includes at least one sliding stud to allow axial movement of at least one of the float plate, the pressure plate, and the spring housing to allow axial movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Shantaram Ashok More
  • Publication number: 20130240316
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device is provided having an improved actuator for compressing friction discs coupled to an input ring and an output hub disposed about a rotational axis. The actuator includes a pole structure and a field shell housing a conductor, each with aligned, axially extending, radially spaced inner and outer poles. An armature is coupled for rotation with the input ring, but axially movable relative thereto and axially aligned with an end wall of the pole structure extending between the inner and outer actuator poles. First and second axially spaced actuator discs are disposed radially between the pole structure and the output hub with the first actuator disc rotatably coupled to the pole structure. The discs define cam surfaces along which a plurality of balls move to expand and contract the actuator discs upon relative rotation of the actuator discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Warner Electric Technology
    Inventors: Richard L. Silvestrini, Richard Wayne Mayberry
  • Publication number: 20130196811
    Abstract: A torque transmitting system includes a case, first and second clutch plates, and a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface. The system also includes an electric motor having a motor housing, wherein the case is rotatable relative to the housing about the axis. The motor is configured to selectively apply torque to rotate the ramp member. The system additionally includes a roller element mounted with respect to the case and contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates. A transmission assembly including the above described torque transmitting system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Li Chen, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Yu Dong, Chengliang Yin
  • Publication number: 20130195626
    Abstract: A clutch bearing (34) for a transportation refrigeration unit includes one or more rolling elements (38) supportive of one or more components of an electromagnetic clutch for a transportation refrigeration unit, and a plurality of bearing races (36) configured to retain the one or more rolling elements. The bearing races include a coating of thin dense chromium to reduce corrosion and/or damage of the clutch bearing. A transportation refrigeration unit includes a power source (12) and a blower (32) of the transportation refrigeration unit. An electromagnetic clutch (14) is operably connected to the power source and the blower (132) and includes a rotor (16) positioned at a central axis and an armature (18) positioned at the central axis and having an axial air gap (22) to the rotor when the clutch is in a disengaged position. A clutch bearing is located at the central axis and is supportive of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Tyler White, David R. Torlai
  • Publication number: 20130072338
    Abstract: A wet clutch arrangement includes a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a first friction surface formation which is rotatable with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation which is rotatable with a driven member around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation by a piston pump. At least a portion of a torsional vibration damping arrangement is provided in a torque transmission path and includes an input region and an output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement further includes at least in a first torque transmission path a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via a second torque transmission path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Dögel, Michael Kühner, Ingrid Hoffelner
  • Publication number: 20130048462
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device having a self-contained wet clutch pack and fluid isolated field shell is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith in the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The field shell is isolated from the fluid in the chamber. Energization of the conductor urges the armature in a first axial direction towards the radially extending wall of said rotor to couple the rotor to the hub for rotation therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventors: James A. Pardee, George P. Gill, Brian K. Holmbeck
  • Publication number: 20130048461
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device having improved lubrication is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith within the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. One or more tubes have an end submerged in the fluid and extend through apertures in the armature. Rotation of said armature draws fluid through the tubes and onto the clutch plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventors: James A. Pardee, George P. Gill
  • Publication number: 20130048463
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device is configured for vertical orientation. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The armature and clutch plates move in a first axial direction towards the rotor wall when the conductor is energized and in a second axial direction when the conductor is subsequently deenergized. At least one of the hub and rotor defines means for limiting movement of a corresponding one of the clutch plates in the second axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventors: James A. Pardee, George P. Gill
  • Publication number: 20130032271
    Abstract: A friction plate (2) with a friction lining carrier (18) and a paper friction lining (24) arranged on one side of the friction lining carrier (18) to form a friction surface, which comprises at least one first friction lining portion (32) and at least one second friction lining portion (34), the friction surface (36) in the first friction lining portion (32) being raised relative to the friction surface (38) in the second friction lining portion (34). The first friction lining portion (32) exhibits a lower resin absorption than the second friction lining portion (34). The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing such a friction plate (2) and to a wet-running multiplate clutch or brake comprising such a friction plate (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Volker Reiners
  • Publication number: 20130015032
    Abstract: A kit for improving the performance of a clutch assembly, the clutch assembly including an input housing configured to receive an interleaved stack of plural friction elements and plural steel plates through an open end of the housing, the kit including at least one steel plate configured and dimensioned to be received through the open end of the housing and disposed in mating relationship with a terminal one of the plural friction elements, at least one friction disk configured and dimensioned to be received through the open end of the housing and disposed in mating relationship with the at least one steel plate to form in combination with the plural friction elements and plural steel plates an extended interleaved stack, with the at least one friction disk forming a new terminal friction element, and a retaining ring configured and dimensioned to be secured over the open end of the housing and including an integrally formed, annular inner friction surface adapted to confront the new terminal friction elemen
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SONNAX INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Gregg A. Nader
  • Publication number: 20130015025
    Abstract: A plate element which can reduce drag torque, a friction clutch device including such a plate element, and a brake device including such a plate element are provided. A friction clutch device 100 includes clutch plates 103 which are retained, through meshing engagement, on the inner peripheral surface 101a of an outer case 101, which is rotatably driven by an engine. Each clutch plate 103 includes a flat, annular pressing element 103a which is pressed against a clutch friction plate 107 for frictional contact therewith. Engagement protrusions 103b are radially formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing element 103a. The engagement protrusions 103b are fit into recessed engagement grooves 101b provided on the outer case 101 and are meshed with the outer case 101. Projecting portions 103c which project toward the inner peripheral surface 101a of the outer case 101 are formed between adjacent engagement protrusions 103b on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing element 103a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jun Tokumasu, Yoichiro Nakano, Hirokazu Kojima
  • Publication number: 20120298463
    Abstract: A clutch which can realize further reduction of drag torque, a method for reducing the drag torque of the clutch, and a clutch friction plate used in the clutch are provided. In a clutch 100, clutch plates 103 and clutch friction plates 110, both of which are flat and annular, are alternatingly arranged, and clutch oil is supplied to spaces between the clutch plates 103 and the clutch friction plate 110. Each clutch friction plate 100 has small-groove groups 113 and fan-shaped grooves 114 formed on a surface of a metal core 111, which is flat and annular. Each small-groove group 113 includes a plurality of small grooves 113a which are parallel to one another and extend from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side of the metal core 111. Each fan-shaped groove 114 is formed adjacent to the corresponding small-groove group 113 such that its width increases from the inner peripheral side toward the outer peripheral side of the metal core 111.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jun Tokumasu, Shouhei Tominaga
  • Publication number: 20120292153
    Abstract: A main shaft has a shaft cylindrical portion extending from an outer periphery of a large-diameter portion. A drum has a drum cylindrical portion extending from an outer periphery of a drum plate portion. An axial forward end of the drum cylindrical portion is arranged in an inside of the shaft cylindrical portion. A frictional engagement unit of a clutch is provided in an inside of the shaft cylindrical portion. A motor generator has a rotor, which is firmly fitted to outer walls of the large-diameter portion and the shaft cylindrical portion and rotatable relative to a stator. A working-oil supply passage is formed in an inside of an input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi NOGUCHI, Hiroshi OKADA, Hiroyuki USAMI, Yoshihiro YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20120247906
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch includes a clutch drum with an outer cylinder that slidably holds a plurality of clutch plates, an inner cylinder that axially extends from an inner circumference of a sidewall, and a sleeve fitted inside the inner cylinder. A clutch piston presses the clutch plates. A plate and the clutch piston define an oil chamber that cancels centrifugal hydraulic pressure. An oil passage that communicates with the oil chamber is on an inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder. One surface of the sleeve contacts a step formed on the inner cylinder. The sleeve includes a passage in communication with the oil passage and formed on an outer periphery of the sleeve to axially extend toward the end surface, and a second passage formed more axially recessed than an end surface and radially extending to provide communication between the first passage and an inner portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi KATO, Toshihiko AOKI, Michio NOBATA, Masaki SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20120247908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission device for a water pump, including a pulley, a magnetic flux generating means, a disk assembly, and a hub assembly, wherein the disk assembly has a disk, a friction ring having the frictional contact with the hub assembly, and a resilient ring adapted to pressurize the friction ring toward the hub assembly, so that when the attracting magnetic flux of the magnetic flux generating means is not applied, the friction ring makes frictional contact with the hub assembly through the resilient pressurization of the resilient ring, whereas, when it is applied, the disk moves toward the pulley to allow the frictional contact between the friction ring and the hub assembly to be released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Suk Jae CHUNG, Eun Young Seo, Sung Taeg Oh, Seong Gyu Gong
  • Publication number: 20120234643
    Abstract: A chain hoist having an electric drive motor connected to a gearbox by a slip clutch, wherein the slip clutch comprises an enlarged outer surface area in the form of recesses disposed in the outer surface of the slip clutch for improving heat dissipation with the recesses being implemented circumferentially in the form of a thread pitch in the outer surface of the slip clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: DEMAG CRANES & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Oliver Moll, Rene Schlieker
  • Publication number: 20120216638
    Abstract: A transmission and components thereof that consists of three forward speed ratios for an electric vehicle market is brought forth. The transmission has an input shaft for receiving torsional energy from an electric motor. A counter shaft is provided which is powered from the input shaft. A first normally closed clutch is provided for powering the first and third gears. A second normally open clutch is provided for powering the second gear. A synchronizer rotatably is provided for selectively torsionally connecting the first of third gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Matthew A. Rahaim, Mark R. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20120205212
    Abstract: A torque transmission arrangement includes a housing arrangement which is drivable for rotation around an axis of rotation and a clutch arrangement in the torque transmission path between the housing arrangement and a driven member. The clutch arrangement has a first friction surface formation, which is rotatable with the housing arrangement and a second friction surface formation, which is rotatable with the driven member, and a clutch piston, which is movable axially for producing and canceling a frictional engagement of the first friction surface formation with the second friction surface formation. A piston carrying element, which is connected in a substantially fluid-tight manner to the clutch piston on the radially inner side, permits an axial movement of the clutch piston. The piston carrying element is produced substantially in its entirety from plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ralf FAMBACH, Georg MENCHER, Gregor SUECK, Andreas GRELL, Michael HEULER
  • Publication number: 20120181134
    Abstract: Adapter rings for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to different types of flywheels are disclosed. A single adapter ring may be installed on different types of stock or aftermarket flywheels. In one embodiment, a multiple-disc clutch assembly may be mounted onto the adapter ring. The multiple-disc clutch unit may fit inside a stock bellhousing to enable the user to utilize the stock clutch release mechanism and simultaneously increase the holding power capability while maintaining light pedal effort. Aftermarket replacement OEM clutch units including the adapter ring may be used with higher horsepower engines in automotive vehicles with manual transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: McLeod Racing, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Ghyrane Roberts, Paul William Lee
  • Publication number: 20120152680
    Abstract: A clutch including a first member having a first friction surface, wherein the first friction surface has an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a second member having a second friction surface, wherein at least one of the first or second members is moveable axially for engaging the first friction surface with the second friction surface for closing the clutch, wherein the first member is thinner in a first area approximately radially aligned with the first inner diameter, the first outer diameter, or both, than in a second area radially aligned with a portion of the first friction surface generally located radially between the first inner diameter and the first outer diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jeremy Vanni, Brian C. Zaugg
  • Publication number: 20120142495
    Abstract: A method of operating a friction plate clutch includes activating a clutch control mechanism to engage the friction plate clutch, and engaging a holding clutch. The clutch control mechanism is then deactivated, rendering it unable to maintain engagement of the friction plate clutch. The holding clutch is used to retain engagement of the friction plate clutch. One embodiment of the method uses a wedge clutch as the holding clutch. A latching clutch assembly includes a friction plate clutch movable between an engaged and a disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Publication number: 20120080284
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch including a clutch hub having a cylindrical portion; a plurality of clutch plates splined to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the clutch hub, and a plurality of spline teeth being formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the clutch hub. A recessed portion is formed on the inner side of each spline tooth, and a weir portion is formed at one end of each recessed portion by depressing one portion of the spline tooth to the inner side on one end side of the cylindrical portion. Thus forming a depressed portion, and removing, with one portion of the depressed portion left behind, a portion of the cylindrical portion on the one end side of the one portion of the depressed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi TORII, Takuro IWASE
  • Publication number: 20120073930
    Abstract: A drive system for each arm of a mobile robot, each drive system including a drive motor and an adjustable clutch system interconnected between its associated arm and the drive motor and having a high friction locked position for enabling direct drive of the arm by the drive motor and a reduced friction slip position for enabling manual movement of the associated arm without back-driving the drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Lansberry, Lance L. Andrus, Brian DeStefano