With Removable Or Replaceable Or Interchangeable Clutch Parts Patents (Class 192/70.13)
  • Patent number: 11552517
    Abstract: A rotor assembly is disclosed herein that includes a diaphragm spring for retaining other components of the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor, a rotor carrier supporting the rotor, at least one spacer arranged on a radially inner side of the rotor, and the diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring includes a first end formed on a radially outer end of the diaphragm spring that engages against the at least one spacer, and a second end formed on a radially inner end of the diaphragm spring that engages against the rotor carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Tuo Luo
  • Patent number: 10895288
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a clutch pack retention system. The system may comprise a backup plate assembly. The backup plate assembly may comprise a pair of plates that are coupled together. The pair of plates may comprise first and second plates. The first and second plates comprise teeth. The teeth of the first plate may be removably engageable with corresponding portions of a circumferential groove extending along an inner diameter of a drum of a clutch system. The teeth of the second plate may be removably engageable with corresponding grooves extending longitudinally into the drum of the clutch system. Coupling the first and second plates together may angularly offset teeth of the first plate relative to teeth of the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: BD Engine Brake Inc.
    Inventors: Amritpal Singh Mann, Shayne Donovan Harder, Demissie Yigebiru
  • Patent number: 8857592
    Abstract: A kit for improving the performance of a clutch assembly, 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 element to directly receive forces applied through the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Gregg A. Nader
  • Patent number: 8839933
    Abstract: A PTO clutch assembly is directed to marine environment usage with a propeller drive shaft. The PTO clutch assembly can be operated at 7 degrees of axial tilt. A clutch friction disc has a recessed area that reduces the need for initial break-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Logan Clutch Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Kalinsky, Scott W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8800741
    Abstract: A clutch lever for a centrifugal clutch applies axial pressure on one or more clutch disc assemblies as a function of the rotational speed of the engine. The clutch levers are formed with two pieces when joined together form a joint that opposes the shear force exerted on the contact surface when the clutch lever is applying axial forces against the clutch disc assemblies. One piece is formed as a replaceable nose piece or contact surface portion which obviates the need to replace the entire clutch lever when one becomes damaged. The other piece is complementary and is configured to be pivotably mounted with respect to the pressure plate, When the nose piece portion breaks, only one piece of the clutch lever needs to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Don Schumacher Racing Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Albert Heath
  • Patent number: 8413780
    Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between a flywheel rotatably connected to an engine and a dual clutch transmission. The device includes a first substantially u-shaped member fixed to a perimeter of a dual clutch of the dual clutch transmission. The first substantially u-shaped member defines a slot having an open end. The second substantially u-shaped member is attached to a perimeter of the flywheel. The second substantially u-shaped member includes a support member for supporting an engagement member. The first substantially u-shaped member fits at least partially within the second substantially u-shaped member. The pair of bushings disposed proximate the engagement member between the first and second coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Servet Yildiz, Markus Haehle, James M. Partyka, Robert Neil Paciotti
  • Patent number: 8272115
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch includes a plurality of drive plates that are rotationally coupled to a concentric shell wherein keys radially extending from each drive plate are slidably received in axial channels formed in the interior surface of the shell. The enhancement of the wear resistance of the keys of single one of the drive plates serves to extend the service life of the entire clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Leif Lewis
  • Patent number: 7967122
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are each non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 7770704
    Abstract: A multiplate torque converter clutch system, which is adapted for installation in torque converters of different automatic transmission manufacturers, namely, BORG WARNER, ALLISON, FORD, GENERAL MOTORS, and CHRYSLER transmissions. The present multiplate torque converter clutch system is provided in kit format including a hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly, multiple clutch plates including friction rings, a set of outer damper springs, and a set of inner damper springs. The present multiplate torque converter clutch system also includes a torque converter cover subassembly and a turbine hub subassembly configured to adapt the present torque converter clutch system to different vehicle engines and transmissions respectively. The hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly can be tuned to match a peak engine torque value by changing the number of damper springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew D. Dumas
  • Patent number: 7686147
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 7225909
    Abstract: The PTO clutch assembly (150) is readily connected to a shaft (218). The clutch assembly includes a hub (152), a piston assembly (168), and one or more friction discs (156, 157) positioned between a backplate (154) and a pressure plate (164). The shaft is mated with the hub to rotate therewith. The hub is supported by the shaft at a tapered portion thereof. The piston assembly is supported by the hub. The piston assembly can be actuated to cause the clutch assembly to engage the friction discs to impart drive to the shaft. The clutch assembly permits direct access to the friction discs upon removal of the backplate, without disconnecting the hub from the shaft. The fluidly operated PTO clutch assembly allows for replacement of a mechanical linkage Bell Housing style PTO clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Logan Clutch Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Kalinsky, Scott W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7204356
    Abstract: A friction clutch assembly comprises a cover mounted on a flywheel of a driving shaft. A pressure plate has a contact surface for receiving a driving force from the driving shaft that is axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A spring supported by the cover urges the pressure plate into the engaged position. Compression of the spring releases pressure on the pressure plate to permit movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one spacer attached to the cover and flywheel has an external surface that engages the pressure plate upon rotation of the flywheel. The external surface of the spacer conforms to the contact surface of the pressure plate so that torque is transmitted between the flywheel and the pressure plate over at least a line of engagement of the spacer external surface and the pressure plate contact surface upon rotation of the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Ace Manufacturing & Parts Company
    Inventor: James Fox
  • Patent number: 6986415
    Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a friction clutch includes a housing connectable with an abutment arrangement for rotation therewith about an axis of rotation. The housing has an outer axial side and an inner axial side. A pressure plate is mounted in the housing so that it faces the inner axial side. The pressure plate is rotatable with the housing about the axis of rotation. The pressure plate includes actuating sections which extend past a radially outer edge of the housing. An energy storage element is mounted on the outer side of the housing such that the energy storage device exerts a force on the actuating sections for urging the pressure plate away from the inner axial side. An assembly pretensioning arrangement is operative for holding the energy storage element in a pretensioned assembly position in which the energy storage device does not exert a force on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Waldemar Mensch, Sebastian Vogt, Andreas Orlamünder
  • Patent number: 6736248
    Abstract: A transport-securing arrangement for a pressure plate assembly of a multi-disk clutch including a housing arrangement connectable to a flywheel, a pressure plate coupled to the housing arrangement for common rotation therewith, a stored-energy device having one side supported on the housing arrangement and another side supported on the pressure plate arrangement. The pressure plate assembly also includes an intermediate plate connected to the housing arrangement for common rotation therewith and a first clutch disk with a friction surface area positioned between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate. The transport-securing arrangement comprises a plurality of connecting elements, preferably bolt elements, for tightly connecting the intermediate plate to the housing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Erwin Ziegler, Reinhold Weidinger, Frank Hirschmann, Klaus Steinel, Wolfram Hick, Norbert Lohaus, Joachim Lindner
  • Patent number: 6634477
    Abstract: The torque transmitting connection between the output shaft of the prime mover and the input shaft or shafts of the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is established by a torsional vibration damper and a clutch assembly. The damper has an input member affixed to the output shaft and an output element separably coupled to a counterpressure plate of a single friction clutch or of one of two friction clutches of the clutch assembly by an axial plug-in connection. The output element(s) of the clutch(es) is or are connected to a single input shaft or to discrete input shafts of the transmission. The plug-in connection renders it possible to assemble the torsional vibration damper with the prime mover and to assemble the clutch assembly with the transmission prior to the establishment of a torque transmitting connection between the damper and the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Sebastien Beneton, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 6591954
    Abstract: A brake is provided that includes a friction disc assembly having two opposing friction discs separated by at least one resilient biasing member. A brake disc is positioned between the friction discs of the friction disc assembly and is splined to rotate with the shaft. A side of each friction disk that faces the brake disc is covered with a friction material. In normal operations, the friction discs are spaced apart from the brake disc. When it is desired to slow the rotation of the shaft, a release member contacts and compresses the friction disc assembly against a housing causing the friction material on each of the friction discs to contact and slow rotation of the brake disc. The present invention is particularly suited for use as a clutch brake for slowing rotation of an input shaft disposed between a clutch and a transmission of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Aker
  • Publication number: 20030062234
    Abstract: A brake is provided that includes a friction disc assembly having two opposing friction discs separated by at least one resilient biasing member. A brake disc is positioned between the friction discs of the friction disc assembly and is splined to rotate with the shaft. A side of each friction disk that faces the brake disc is covered with a friction material. In normal operations, the friction discs are spaced apart from the brake disc. When it is desired to slow the rotation of the shaft, a release member contacts and compresses the friction disc assembly against a housing causing the friction material on each of the friction discs to contact and slow rotation of the brake disc. The present invention is particularly suited for use as a clutch brake for slowing rotation of an input shaft disposed between a clutch and a transmission of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Aker
  • Patent number: 6540058
    Abstract: An actuation device for a friction clutch arranged in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission in a housing having a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement arranged in the housing, which preferably comprises a pressure medium force ring cylinder. The friction clutch can be actuated by means of this pressure medium force cylinder arrangement via a release bearing arrangement which is moveable coaxial to the friction clutch. A measuring arrangement associated with the release bearing arrangement or a release bearing arrangement side of the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement or friction clutch detects an actual release with a plurality of measurement receivers arranged in the housing so as to be distributed about the clutch axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Drexl, Thomas Otto, Reinhold Weidinger
  • Patent number: 6401897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transmitting torque, more particularly from an internal combustion engine to a transmission on the output side in a motor vehicle, and to a method for assembling and dismantling as well as maintaining this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Stefan Bornefeld
  • Publication number: 20020060118
    Abstract: The torque transmitting connection between the output shaft of the prime mover and the input shaft or shafts of the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is established by a torsional vibration damper and a clutch assembly. The damper has an input member affixed to the output shaft and an output element separably coupled to a counterpressure plate of a single friction clutch or of one of two friction clutches of the clutch assembly by an axial plug-in connection. The output element(s) of the clutch(es) is or are connected to a single input shaft or to discrete input shafts of the transmission. The plug-in connection renders it possible to assemble the torsional vibration damper with the prime mover and to assemble the clutch assembly with the transmission prior to the establishment of a torque transmitting connection between the damper and the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Sebastien Beneton, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 6371266
    Abstract: A clutch release mechanism is slideably disposed over a driven shaft to transfer force from a plurality of levers or springs to a pressure plate. The release mechanism is axially displaced to engage or release a clutch. A modular release mechanism disclosed herein comprises a release sleeve which is slideably disposed on a driven shaft, the release sleeve has an axis of rotation, a first end and a second end. The release sleeve has a lever engagement portion disposed at the first end for contact with a release lever. A bearing is disposed about the axis of rotation and has an inward race and an outer race. The release sleeve has a bearing housing portion disposed at the second end for receiving the bearing. The bearing housing portion has a shoulder for locating the bearing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Christopher D. Cole
  • Patent number: 6354418
    Abstract: The invention concerns a clutch mechanism comprising a support part (8) bearing at its outer periphery fixing brackets (7) in contact with the inner surface of the stop brackets (5) of a cover (2), bearing pivotedly the clutch levers (42), some of which are in contact with the support part (8) inner periphery. The invention is applicable to motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: André Dalbiez