Including Chordally Disposed Connection Patents (Class 192/70.18)
  • Patent number: 10612602
    Abstract: A spring-actuable friction clutch, having a disk carrier and a cup spring which is connected to the latter via screwed connections. Threaded sleeves are arranged fixedly on the disk carrier. The cup spring has openings which are penetrated by the threaded sleeves. A holding ring is arranged on that side of the cup spring which faces away from the disk carrier. Bolts penetrate passages of the holding ring and are screwed into the threaded sleeves. In a friction clutch of this type, particularly simple mounting and fastening of the cup spring on the disk carrier is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Halm, Arne Krüger
  • Patent number: 10605312
    Abstract: A twin plate separation system, comprising a pressure plate, an intermediate plate facing the pressure plate, and a spring separator assembly. The spring separator assembly comprises a mounting extending out from the intermediate plate towards the pressure plate. A spring surrounds the mounting, and the spring is biased to push the pressure plate and the intermediate plate apart. The mounting or another fixture can secure at least one drive strap to the intermediate plate. Alternatively, the mounting extends out of the pressure plate towards the intermediate plate, and the spring surrounds the mounting and is biased to push the pressure plate and the intermediate plate apart. In this alternative, the intermediate plate does not comprise a hole for receiving the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Steven Eric McCutcheon, Troy Scott Reinoehl, Derek Nicholas Rode
  • Patent number: 10590995
    Abstract: A clutch assembly including a cover and a mounting ring having a plurality of arms extending outwardly to a strap mount. The assembly includes strap springs. Each strap spring has a first end connected to the strap mount and a second end opposite the first. The clutch assembly includes an annular pressure plate and a plurality of outwardly extending tabs. Each tab is releasably connected to the second end of a corresponding strap spring so the strap springs biases the pressure plate away from the flywheel. The assembly includes a keeper and a resilient diaphragm spring that biases the pressure plate toward the flywheel, deforming each strap spring, so the strap spring biases the annular pressure plate away from the flywheel. The diaphragm ring is resiliently deformable to a deformed position, allowing each strap spring to move the pressure plate away from the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ACE MANUFACTURING AND PARTS CO.
    Inventor: Ethan R. Hassler
  • Patent number: 9970488
    Abstract: A friction disc. The friction disc includes a plate having a forward facing plate surface, a rearward facing plate surface, an inward facing plate surface, and an outward facing plate surface. An inward facing plate surface has a plate lug extending radially inwardly. The friction disc includes a hub having an inward facing hub surface and an outward facing hub surface. The outward facing hub surface has a hub lug extending radially outwardly. The friction disc includes a damping web connecting the plate to the hub to transmit torque between the plate and the hub to rotate the plate and the hub mutually. The damping web includes a resiliently deformable material that limits transmission of shock between the plate and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ACE Manufacturing and Parts Co.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Ijames, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9631681
    Abstract: A gear mechanism for motor vehicles includes a double clutch gear mechanism with two part gear mechanisms and a double clutch which transmits torque from the engine optionally to one of the two part gear mechanisms, with a central disk connected to a drive disk, two outer pressure application plates which are also connected to the drive disk and are moveable in the axial direction relative to the central disk, and friction disks arranged between the central disk and the pressure application plates, wherein the friction disks consist of two support carrier disks arranged parallel to each other and moveably in relation to each other, between which leaf-like spring segments are provided. To eliminate vibration problems which can occur on start-up from standstill, on load-change processes and during the gear change, the leaf-like spring segments have different spring characteristic curves with which a multistage spring characteristic is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph S. Walker, Andreas Tissot, Shawn A. Holland, Johann Kirchhoffer
  • Patent number: 9593723
    Abstract: A disconnect clutch and method of controlling the connection of a parasitic load to an engine disposed on a machine is disclosed. The disconnect clutch may comprise a flywheel assembly, a friction plate and a coupling. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel having a cavity, a chamber, a piston moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position, a pressure plate, a lever, and a coupling operably connected to the friction plate. The flywheel may include an end plate. The chamber may be defined by the flywheel and the piston. The lever may apply an activation force to the pressure plate when the piston is in the expanded position. The friction plate may be attached to and rotatable with the flywheel assembly when the piston is in the expanded position and generally stationary when the piston is in the contracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Douglas Anderson, Megan Alissa Brinkmeyer, Daniel P. Sergison, Thomas Alan Brosowske, Grant Steven Peterson, Michael G. Cronin, Raymond B. Derer
  • Patent number: 9494201
    Abstract: A double clutch, including: a backing plate; a first clutch including at least one first clutch plate, a first pressure plate, a first plurality of levers engaged with the first pressure plate, a first shim engaged with the first plurality of levers, and a first actuator engaged with the first shim and arranged to axially displace the first shim to close the first clutch; and a second clutch including: at least one second clutch plate, a second pressure plate, a second plurality of levers engaged with the second pressure plate aligned with the first plurality of levers such that a first line in the circumferential direction passes through the first and second pluralities of levers, a second shim engaged with the second plurality of levers, and a second actuator engaged with the second shim and arranged to axially displace the second shim to close the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Smith, Alfredo Jimenez Perez Mitre, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 9353798
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping arrangement, particularly for the drivetrain of a vehicle, includes an input region (12) to be driven in rotation around an axis of rotation (A) and an output region (20), wherein a first torque transmission path (14) and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path (16) and a coupling arrangement (18) for superposing the torques conducted via the torque transmission paths (14, 16) are provided between the input region (12) and the output region (20), wherein a phase shifter arrangement (26) is provided in the first torque transmission path (14) for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities conducted via the first torque transmission path (14) relative to rotational irregularities conducted via the second torque transmission path (16), and wherein the coupling arrangement (18) includes a coupling lever arrangement (54; 54a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Lorenz, Thomas Weigand, Mathias Kopp
  • Patent number: 9347502
    Abstract: A transmission comprising housing and an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference. The central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring. A method of managing axial stack up in a transmission is also disclosed where the transmission has a plurality of planetary gear sets aligned in series and at least one torque transmitting device. The planetary gear has gear members. The method includes providing a an axially compliant hub having a central plate with an axial opening and an outer circumference, wherein the central plate is attached to the attached to the circumference with at least one strap spring and wherein the outer circumference is connected to the torque transmitting device and wherein the central plate is connected to a gear member of a planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Victor M. Roses, Addison T. Solak
  • Patent number: 8887884
    Abstract: An assembly for a torque converter including a first component, a second component non-rotatably secured to the first component by a connection member, wherein a seal is arranged between the first and second components, and the connect member extends through the seal, and wherein the seal is made from a cellulose-based material, wherein the first and second components at least partially define a first chamber and a second chamber, and wherein the seal separates the first chamber from the second chamber in a substantially fluid-tight seal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: David C. Avins
  • Patent number: 8776972
    Abstract: A buckling prevention device including a first rotational element, a second rotational element, a leaf spring arranged for transferring torque between the first and second rotational elements while enabling relative axial movement between the first rotational element and the second rotational element, a connection member fixedly connecting the leaf spring to the second rotational element, wherein the connection member extends axially through a hole in the first rotational element, wherein a gap is formed between the connection member and an edge of the hole when the leaf spring is not experiencing an overly high compression force, and wherein the connection member is operatively arranged to close the gap and engage with the first member when the spring is experiencing an overly high compression force for preventing the leaf spring from buckling and at least partially transferring the torque directly between the first and second rotational elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jeremy Vanni
  • Patent number: 8556056
    Abstract: A clutch assembly (the assembly) is mounted adjacent a flywheel of the assembly connected to a crankshaft (not shown) of a vehicle engine such that rotational movement of the crankshaft by the vehicle engine is transmitted to the flywheel. The assembly includes annular clutch disks each presenting a pair of friction facings. A center plate is rotatably and coaxially disposed about the shaft. A spacer or adapter ring is connected to the center plate. A plurality of clutch levers are cooperable with a clutch cover. The levers are circumferentially spaced about the shaft to selective engage and disengage of the annular clutch disks by the flywheel, the center plate. The clutch assembly design provides for a space defined between the flywheel and the clutch cover to form easy access to clean the clutch assembly from outside and allow smaller particles or contaminants and fluids to be expelled from gaps defined between the flywheel and the components of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel R. Pelley
  • Patent number: 8459427
    Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus may include a cover portion generally defined by a first axis, and a flywheel coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. A pressure plate may be coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith and be axially moveable relative to the cover portion. An intermediate plate may be coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. The intermediate plate is axially moveable relative to the cover portion and the pressure plate. A first clutch disk may be at least partially interposed between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate, and a second clutch disk may be at least partially interposed between the flywheel and the intermediate plate. The apparatus may include an axially acting biasing element for exerting an axial force between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate, and a support member extending through the biasing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. McCutcheon, Tim B. Allmandinger
  • Patent number: 8434602
    Abstract: A torque transfer device in the drive train of a motor vehicle for transferring torque between a drive unit and a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis, including: a hydrodynamic torque converter, which includes a converter cover, connectable to the drive unit, and which can be coupled through a pump shell to a turbine shell for torque transfer, which can be bridged by a torque converter lockup clutch for torque transfer, which comprises a piston, movable in an axial direction within a range towards the cover in order to clamp a friction liner support with at least one friction liner between the piston and the cover for torque transfer. A friction ring is disposed between the piston and the friction liner support, and the friction ring is movable in an axial direction within a range between the piston and the friction liner support and connected to the converter cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eugen Kombowski, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 8276723
    Abstract: A lock-up clutch (12) for a hydrokinetic coupling device (10), wherein the clutch includes rotational coupling means between a first element (44, 46) and an adjacent element (14A, 36) consisting of elastic tongues (60) adapted to transmit torque between the elements (44, 46, 14A, 36) and to be deformed elastically in the axial direction to enable movement of the first element (44, 46) relative to the adjacent element (14A, 36) about the articulation member in the form of an annular boss (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Roel Verhoog, Rabah Arhab, Norberto Termenon
  • Patent number: 8251193
    Abstract: A torque transmission device, in particular in the drive train of a motor vehicle, with a hydrodynamic torque converter (6), including a converter cover (14), which can be connected torque proof or is connected torque proof with a drive unit (3). The converter cover can be coupled with a turbine shell (21) through a pump shell (20), which can be bridged by a converter lockup clutch (30) that includes a piston (28) axially movable relative to the converter cover (14) within limits. The piston (28) is connected torque proof with a drive plate (50) in a first connection portion (51). The drive plate is connected torque proof with the converter cover (14) in a second connection portion (52), wherein an additional connection portion (53; 56) is provided, in which the drive plate (50) is connected torque proof with the converter cover (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eugen Kombowski, Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 8016091
    Abstract: A piston plate stop for a torque converter including: a flexible connection element with a first end and a second end, the first end arranged to connect to a piston plate for the torque converter, the second end arranged to rotationally connect to a cover for the torque converter and a stop disposed on the flexible connection element. The stop is arranged to restrict axial movement of the piston plate. In some aspects, the flexible connection element is arranged to rotationally connect the cover and the piston plate. A torque converter including a piston plate; a cover; and at least one flexible connection element rotationally connecting the piston plate and the cover. The flexible connection element has a tab that is positioned to limit axial displacement of the piston plate away from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Heck, Jonathan G. Jameson, Brian Zaugg, Patrick Lindemann, David C. Avins
  • Patent number: 7849985
    Abstract: A pilot plate torque transmitting assembly for a torque converter, including: a pilot plate arranged to be rotationally connected to a housing for the torque converter; a piston plate for a clutch; and at least one spring assembly rotationally connecting the pilot plate and the piston plate. The at least one spring assembly is arranged to be axially disposed between the piston plate and the housing for the torque converter. In some aspects, the piston plate is arranged to form at least a portion of a pressure release chamber for the clutch with the housing, and the assembly includes a channel between the piston plate and the pilot plate and arranged to be in fluid communication with the release chamber. In some aspects, the pilot plate or the piston plate is stamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael C. Davis
  • Patent number: 7837564
    Abstract: A drive plate for a torque converter including first and second plates operatively arranged to be attached to a torque converter and a drive unit. In another embodiment, each of the first and second plates further includes at least one first opening and at least one second opening operatively arranged to receive a first and second fastener, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the drive plate includes a plurality of component plates operatively arranged to be attached to a torque converter and a drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rashid Farahati, Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 7757828
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque transfer apparatus for a torque converter including at least one connection element attached to an inner circumferential surface for a cover of the converter; a lock-up clutch, and at least one resilient element connected to the connection element and the piston plate. The clutch includes a piston plate with extruded rivets and the resilient element is connected to the piston plate with the extruded rivets. In some aspects, the clutch includes a friction material having inner and outer radii and the extruded rivets are disposed at a radial distance greater than the inner radius; the extruded rivets are disposed between the inner and outer radii; a radial segment for the connection element extends radially from the inner surface and has an edge at a greater radial distance than the inner radius; or the resilient element is between the inner and outer radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Todd Sturgin, Scott Schrader, Marc McGrath
  • Patent number: 7753183
    Abstract: A torque converter with a casing, a turbine, and a piston having a first friction surface located at a radially outer portion of the piston, and a first drive ring having second and third friction surfaces. The piston is displaceable to engage the first and second friction surfaces. The torque converter also includes a second drive ring having fourth and fifth friction surfaces. The first drive ring is displaceable to engage the third and fourth friction surfaces. The second drive ring is driveably connected to the piston and to an elastic member of a damper. The torque converter includes a sixth friction surface for the casing. The second drive ring is displaceable to engage the fifth and sixth friction surfaces, the first drive ring and the casing are nonreleasably connected, and the first drive ring is axially displaceable with respect to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Kevin Parks, Craig Kneidel
  • Publication number: 20100147644
    Abstract: A power transfer unit (PTU) for a motive device includes an outer housing and a torque transferring clutch. The PTU also includes a piston housing located between the outer housing and the torque transferring clutch, and a piston in the piston housing. The piston is arranged to provide actuation forces to the torque transferring clutch, and to restrict reaction forces back to the piston housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Allen Grogg, Mark James Shewchuck
  • Patent number: 7635056
    Abstract: A pressure plate arrangement for a friction clutch includes a housing rotatably fixed to an abutment arrangement for joint rotation about an axis of rotation and a plate arrangement with at least one intermediate plate and a pressure plate. At least one of the intermediate and pressure plates is mounted in the housing and axially movable relative thereto and rotateable about the axis of rotation. An energy storage device coupled to the housing generates an elastic restoring force on the plate arrangement. A releasing spring arrangement located between the housing and plate arrangement is tensioned to generate an elastic restoring force on the pressure plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A clutch disk arrangement is clamped between the abutment arrangement and the at least one intermediate plate, or between any two plates of the plate arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Orlamünder, Thorsten Müller, Michael Kühner, Winfried Bokisch, Sebastian Vogt, Waldemar Mensch
  • Publication number: 20090152067
    Abstract: A torque converter having a transverse axis of rotation, a cover having an inner diameter and an inner annular surface, an impeller shell having an inner diameter and an inner annular surface, and an annular backing plate having an outer diameter and an outer annular surface, wherein the cover, impeller shell, and backing plate are operatively arranged to rotate about the axis of rotation, wherein the backing plate is substantially orthogonal with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the inner diameter of the cover is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the impeller shell, and wherein the inner annular surface of the cover and the inner annular surface of the impeller shell are fixedly attached to the outer annular surface of the backing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Ryan Cmich
  • Patent number: 7537098
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch (20) capable of connecting and disconnecting a driving power source and a rotary shaft (22) includes a rotor (25) rotated by the driving power source, and an armature (40) capable of being attracted to the rotor (25) by electromagnetic force to produce a transmission force transmitted from the rotor (25) to the rotary shaft (22). The electromagnetic clutch (20) further includes leaf springs (52) urging the armature (40) in such a direction as to separate the armature from the rotor (25). The leaf springs (52) each assume an orientation such that a boost force assisting the attractive force acting upon the armature (40) is produced based on the transmission force when the armature (40) is attracted to the rotor (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Ito, Hirokazu Ichinose, Motoaki Yoshida, Isamu Shirai
  • Publication number: 20090127057
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes a clutch housing having a friction plate, a clutch boss having a clutch plate, a pressure plate, a sub clutch, and a power-assist mechanism. An elastic member urges the pressure plate in a predetermined direction to press the friction plate and the clutch plate into frictional contact with each other when the clutch is engaged. The sub clutch includes a friction plate operatively disposed between first and second pressing plates. The power-assist mechanism receives torque from the pressure plate via the sub clutch when the clutch is disengaged and converts the torque into a force for moving the pressure plate in a direction which separates the pressure plate from a plate group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Publication number: 20090057089
    Abstract: A clutch assembly and method are provided. The clutch assembly includes a base plate and cover plate secured together. A pressure plate is mounted between the cover plate and base plate and is axially movable but fixed against rotation relative to the base plate. The sides of the clutch assembly are open and friction members are carried by the base plate and pressure plate and are selectively engageable with a clutch plate positioned between the base plate and cover plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: WARTEK LLC
    Inventors: Richard E. Finley, Gary N. Warren
  • Patent number: 7484604
    Abstract: A Hydrokinetic Coupling Apparatus including a casing (30) provided with a transverse wall and enclosing a turbine wheel. A piston is located between the turbine wheel and the wall and the piston is connected by axially elastic tongues to the external periphery of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventor: Rabah Arhab
  • Patent number: 7360633
    Abstract: A lockup device 5 includes a damper mechanism 7, a plate 56, a plate 57, a piston 51, and a plate 59. The damper mechanism 7 has a plate 52 rotating together with the turbine 10, and plates 53 and 54 rotatable with respect to the plate 52. The plate 56 is unrotatable and axially movable with respect to the plates 53 and 54. The plate 57 is unrotatable and axially movable with respect to the front cover 2, and is arranged on the turbine side of the plate 52. The piston 51 is arranged on the turbine side of the plate 56, and is elastically and unrotatably coupled in an axial direction to the plates 53 and 54 through the plate 59.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Tomiyama
  • Publication number: 20070246317
    Abstract: A lock-up device 5 includes a piston 51 axially movably and rotatably supported by the turbine 10, a damper mechanism 7 that elastically connects the piston 51 with the turbine 10 in the rotational direction, a first friction plate 56 located between the front cover 2 and the piston 51 and axially movably and non-rotatably supported by the piston 51, and a second friction plate 57 located between the piston 51 and the first friction plate 56. The second friction plate 57 is axially movably and non-rotatably supported by the front cover 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 6948602
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic coupling apparatus for a motor vehicle including a crankcase (12), designed to link in rotation, about an axis X, an input shaft to an impeller wheel; a turbine wheel (18) designed to be linked in rotation to an output shaft (16) via hub (14) and a flange (24) transversely oriented extending radially outwards relative to the hub; a lockup clutch (28) coupling the input and output (16) shafts comprising a piston (30) for releasably connecting the turbine wheel (18) to a substantially transverse wall (20) of the crankcase (12) against which the piston (30) is urged to lock the coupling; and at least a friction stop (68) interposed axially between the turbine wheel (18) and the piston (30). A friction stop (68) is arranged radially beyond the outer periphery (100) of the flange (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Gustave Chasseguet, Alexandre Depraete, David Forgeron, Daniel Satonnet, Norbert Termenon, Pascal Thery, Roël Verhoog
  • Patent number: 6866132
    Abstract: A friction clutch is provided that includes a clutch cover, an intermediate plate that is spaced apart from an engine flywheel, a first friction disk positioned between the flywheel and the intermediate plate, a pressure plate spaced apart from the intermediate plate and a second friction disk positioned between the intermediate plate and the pressure plate. The clutch further includes a first drive strap for applying a load to the intermediate plate, a second drive strap for applying a load to the pressure plate and a separator arm attached to the intermediate plate. The separator arm engages the second drive strap such that axial movement of the intermediate plate relative to the clutch cover is a fraction of the corresponding axial movement of the pressure plate during engagement and disengagement of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Steven M. Peterson, Kevin Schlosser
  • Patent number: 6851531
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, in particular a torque converter or fluid clutch, includes a housing, a turbine wheel in the housing, and a torque-converter lock-up clutch, which is used to selectively produce a torque-transfer connection between the turbine wheel and the housing. The torque-converter lock-up clutch includes at least one substantially annular friction element, which is connected to the turbine wheel in order to rotate with the latter about a rational axis, the element having a friction surface region and a contact element. The contact element is connected to the housing in order to rotate with the latter about the rotational axis and impinges upon the friction surface region of the friction elements to produce the torque-transfer connection between the turbine wheel and the housing. The contact element is connected to the housing assembly in a rotationally rigid manner in a zone lying radially outside the friction surface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventor: Christoph Sasse
  • Publication number: 20040211641
    Abstract: A dry multiple-disk clutch for transmitting power from the crankshaft of a motorcycle to a transmission input shaft and cutting off power transmission includes an outer clutch member interlocked with the crankshaft so as to be driven for rotation, a plurality of driving friction disks interlocked with the outer clutch member, a plurality of driven friction disks alternated with the driving friction disks and interlocked with the transmission input shaft, and a pressure member disposed opposite to the outer clutch member with the driving and the driven friction disks arranged alternately between the outer clutch member and the pressure member, and capable of moving in opposite axial direction to compress the driving and the driven friction disks together and to disengage the driven friction disks from the driving friction disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicants: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha F.F.C.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Hideaki Segami, Norihiro Sugita
  • Patent number: 6725988
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, particularly a hydrodynamic torque converter or fluid coupling, comprises a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel which is arranged in the housing arrangement so as to be rotatable with respect to the housing arrangement about an axis of rotation, a lockup clutch arrangement by means of which a torque-transmitting connection can be selectively produced between the housing arrangement and the turbine wheel, wherein the lockup clutch arrangement comprises a clutch element which is connected by a connection arrangement to the housing arrangement so as to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation but axially displaceable relative to it, wherein the connection arrangement comprises at least one elastically deformable connection element which is fixedly connected with the housing arrangement on the one hand and with the clutch element on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Rüdiger Hinkel, Sven Koepke, Ralf Rönnebeck
  • Patent number: 6702082
    Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement, especially for connecting a pressure plate to a housing, comprises a plurality of adjacent leaf spring elements, where each leaf spring element has a first attachment area for establishing the connection the pressure plate, a second attachment area for establishing the connection to the housing, and a connecting area extending between the first attachment area and the second attachment area. At least certain areas of at least two of the leaf spring elements are spaced apart between their first attachment area and their second attachment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Matthias Dörfler, Andreas Orlamünder, Andreas Dau, Albert Kammermeier, Hartmut Bach, Cora Carlson, Günther Esly, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ingrid Hoffelner, Christoph Kleuker, Paul Kraus, Bernd Peinemann, Michael Peterseim, Gerhard R{overscore (o)}ll, Ralf Till, Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 6695114
    Abstract: A device for positively coupling one force transmission element with a further force transmission element includes a multi-disk clutch formed of at least four disk rings for adjusting the rotary position of the further transmission element in relation to the one force transmission element, the disk rings being axially displaceably mounted and, for both directions of rotation, having a play-free operative connection with the force transmission elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Helmstädter, Christian Görbing
  • Patent number: 6688441
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic appliance (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (12) provided with an annular axial wall (13) and a front transverse wall (18), wherein the housing (12) is designed to be linked in rotation to an input shaft, which includes a turbine wheel (40) housed inside the housing (12) and integral with a hub (46), capable of being coupled in rotation with an output shaft, and wherein a locking clutch comprises a rear piston (30) axially mobile relative to the front transverse wall (18) of the housing (12). The rear piston (30) is coupled in rotation to the annular axial wall (13) of the housing (12) by an axially resilient device (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Alexandre Depraete, Daniel Satonnet
  • Patent number: 6666314
    Abstract: A pressure plate is held so as to be movable axially with respect to the housing by means of at least one leaf spring arrangement which is secured in a first coupling area to a first mounting area of the pressure plate and is secured in a second coupling area to a second mounting area of the housing. A contact surface is provided on each mounting area for the contact of the at least one leaf spring arrangement with the first coupling area and the second coupling area. The contact surface in at least one of the mounting areas is inclined relative to a plane (E) extending essentially orthogonal to an axis of rotation (A) of the thrust plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Kleifges
  • Patent number: 6640945
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrokinetic coupling apparatus comprising a wall (36) with globally transverse orientation and a central ring (52) along which the piston (50) is mounted sealingly sliding to define a control chamber (38) with variable volume, and comprising an annular disc (92) linking in rotation the piston (50) with the ring (52), which is axially arranged between the transverse wall and the piston (50), which is linked to the piston by elastically deformable tabs (90) and which comprises a central part (96) extending radially inwards opposite an inner surface (98) of the transverse wall (36) against which it is axially pressed and whereto it is fixed. The invention is characterised in that the ring (52) is axially secured to the central part (96) of the linking annular disc (92) relative to which the ring (52) is radially centered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Alexandre Depraete, Daniel Satonnet, Norbert Termenon
  • Publication number: 20030183475
    Abstract: A friction clutch is provided that includes a clutch cover, an intermediate plate that is spaced apart from an engine flywheel, a first friction disk positioned between the flywheel and the intermediate plate, a pressure plate spaced apart from the intermediate plate and a second friction disk positioned between the intermediate plate and the pressure plate. The clutch further includes a first drive strap for applying a load to the intermediate plate, a second drive strap for applying a load to the pressure plate and a separator arm attached to the intermediate plate. The separator arm engages the second drive strap such that axial movement of the intermediate plate relative to the clutch cover is a fraction of the corresponding axial movement of the pressure plate during engagement and disengagement of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Steven M. Peterson, Kevin Schlosser
  • Patent number: 6578687
    Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a friction clutch includes a housing arrangement and a pressure plate arrangement, which is held by at least one leaf spring arrangement with freedom of axial movement relative to the housing arrangement. The at least one leaf spring arrangement is fixed by a first attachment area to a first fastening area of the pressure plate arrangement and by a second attachment area to a second fastening area of the housing arrangement. The end area of the first fastening area and/or the second fastening area curves away from the minimum of one leaf spring arrangement, this end area being located in the area along which the at least one leaf spring arrangement extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Dau, Andreas Orlamünder, Albert Kammermeier, Hartmut Bach, Cora Carlson, Matthias Dörfler, Günther Esly, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ingrid Hoffelner, Christoph Kleuker, Paul Kraus, Bernd Peinemann, Michael Peterseim, Gerhard Röll, Ralf Till, Sebastian Vogt
  • Publication number: 20030066729
    Abstract: A multi-clutch arrangement, especially a dual clutch arrangement, having at least two clutch areas, each with a pressure plate arrangement which is connected to a housing arrangement for rotation in common around an axis of rotation (A) and which can be shifted in the axial direction relative to the housing arrangement; with an opposing support arrangement; and with a clutch disk arrangement, the friction surface arrangement of which can be clamped between the pressure plate arrangement and the opposing support arrangement. Each of the clutch disk arrangements is designed to connected nonrotatably to a different power takeoff element. In the case of at least one of the clutch areas, preferably in all of the clutch areas, the pressure plate arrangement and the housing arrangement are connected to each other for rotation in common by a connecting element arrangement. When the clutch area is in the torque-transmitting state, it urges the pressure plate arrangement toward the opposing support arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Feldhaus, Markus Heiartz, Andreas Orlamunder, Jochen Kuhstrebe, Wolfgand Reisser, Thomas Wirth, Michael Peterseim, Jurgen Dudenhoffer, Manfred Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20030029685
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, particularly a hydrodynamic torque converter or fluid coupling, comprises a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel which is arranged in the housing arrangement so as to be rotatable with respect to the housing arrangement about an axis of rotation, a lockup clutch arrangement by means of which a torque-transmitting connection can be selectively produced between the housing arrangement and the turbine wheel, wherein the lockup clutch arrangement comprises a clutch element which is connected by a connection arrangement to the housing arrangement so as to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation but axially displaceable relative to it, wherein the connection arrangement comprises at least one elastically deformable connection element which is fixedly connected with the housing arrangement on the one hand and with the clutch element on the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bauer, Peter Frey, Rudiger Hinkel, Sven Koepke, Ralf Ronnebeck
  • Publication number: 20020179397
    Abstract: A thrust plate assembly comprises a housing arrangement and a pressure plate arrangement which is coupled by at least one coupling arrangement to the housing arrangement so as to be movable in direction of an axis of rotation (A). It further comprises an axial path limiting arrangement for limiting the axial movement of the pressure plate arrangement with respect to the housing arrangement in an axial movement direction, this axial path limiting arrangement having, at the housing arrangement, at least one stop area which is contacted by a counter-stop area of the pressure plate arrangement associated with this stop area when the pressure plate arrangement assumes a predetermined relative position with respect to the housing arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bach, Cora Carlson, Matthias Dorfler, Gunther Esly, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ingrid Hoffelner, Christoph Kleuker, Paul Kraus, Andreas Orlamunder, Bernd Peinemann, Michael Peterseim, Gerhard Roll, Ralf Till, Sebastian Vogt, Andreas Dau
  • Publication number: 20020179396
    Abstract: A housing arrangement is coupled to a pressure plate arrangement by at least a first coupling arrangement so as to be relatively movable in direction of an axis of rotation (A). The first coupling arrangement comprises at least one coupling element which is secured at least in a first coupling area to a coupling portion of the pressure plate arrangement and is secured in a second coupling area to a coupling portion of the housing arrangement. The at least one coupling element of the at least first coupling arrangement comprises fiber material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bach, Cora Carlson, Matthias Dorfler, Gunther Esly, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ingrid Hoffelner, Christoph Kleuker, Paul Kraus, Andreas Orlamunder, Bernd Peinemann, Michael Peterseim, Gerhard Roll, Ralf Till, Sebastian Vogt, Andreas Dau
  • Publication number: 20020112935
    Abstract: A device for positively coupling one force transmission element with a further force transmission element includes a multi-disk clutch formed of at least four disk rings for adjusting the rotary position of the further transmission element in relation to the one force transmission element, the disk rings being axially displaceably mounted and, for both directions of rotation, having a play-free operative connection with the force transmission elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Helmstadter, Christian Gorbing
  • Publication number: 20020079185
    Abstract: A pressure plate is held so as to be movable axially with respect to the housing by means of at least one leaf spring arrangement which is secured in a first coupling area to a first mounting area of the pressure plate and is secured in a second coupling area to a second mounting area of the housing. A contact surface is provided on each mounting area for the contact of the at least one leaf spring arrangement with the first coupling area and the second coupling area. The contact surface in at least one of the mounting areas is inclined relative to a plane (E) extending essentially orthogonal to an axis of rotation (A) of the thrust plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Kleifges
  • Publication number: 20020070089
    Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement, especially for connecting a pressure plate to a housing, comprises a plurality of adjacent leaf spring elements, where each leaf spring element has a first attachment area for establishing the connection the pressure plate, a second attachment area for establishing the connection to the housing, and a connecting area extending between the first attachment area and the second attachment area. At least certain areas of at least two of the leaf spring elements are spaced apart between their first attachment area and their second attachment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Matthias Dorfler, Andreas Orlamunder, Andreas Dau, Albert Kammermeier, Hartmut Bach, Cora Carlson, Gunther Esly, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ingrid Hoffelner, Christoph Kleuker, Paul Kraus, Ralf Till, Sebastian Vogt
  • Publication number: 20020066634
    Abstract: A thrust plate assembly comprises a housing having a rotational axis, a pressure plate arrangement which is movable axially in the housing arrangement, and at least one coupling arrangement by which the pressure plate is coupled with the housing for transmission of torque, wherein a force component acting axially upon the pressure plate can be generated by the at least one coupling arrangement when the pressure plate is acted upon by rotational force in a first direction with respect to the housing arrangement. The at least one coupling arrangement is connected in a first coupling area thereof with a first coupling portion of the pressure plate and is connected in a second coupling area thereof with a second coupling portion of the housing, wherein the first coupling area and the second coupling area of the at least one coupling arrangement are axially offset relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bach, Cora Carlson, Andreas Dau, Matthias Dorfler, Gunther Esly, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ingrid Hoffelner, Christoph Kleuker, Paul Kraus, Andreas Orlamunder, Bernd Peinemann, Michael Peterseim, Gerhard Roll, Ralf Till, Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Schwingenstein