Axially Slidable Connection Patents (Class 192/70.19)
  • Patent number: 10899334
    Abstract: A torque limiting clutch that includes an input member and at least two output members is provided. The input member is configured to receive torque. Each output member is in operational communication with the input member to transfer torque between the input member and each output member. Each output member is configured to slip the operational communication with the input member when a torque above a set torque limit is encountered. Further wherein the slip of the operational communication between the input member and one output member of the at least two output members is independent of the operational communication between the input member and any other output member of the at least two output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Lee Maki
  • Patent number: 9677622
    Abstract: A clutch assembly that is less prone to overheating is disclosed. The clutch assembly includes a clutch housing, a shaft, and a clutch pack. The clutch pack includes a first apply plate, a second apply plate, a plurality of friction plates, and a plurality of reaction plates. The clutch assembly further includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator applies pressure to the first apply plate in a first direction to move the first apply plate toward the second apply plate. The second actuator applies pressure to the second apply plate in a second direction to move the second apply plate toward the first apply plate. The first direction is opposite the second direction such that the first and second actuators apply pressure to the clutch pack in opposing directions. This reduces localized temperature spikes in the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: AVL POWERTRAIN ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Michael Kozan
  • Patent number: 9631677
    Abstract: A clutch includes a first clutch part connected to a drive shaft, a second clutch part connected to an output shaft and a pressure element arranged to engage the first and second clutch parts, wherein a reinforcement mechanism is provided in a force flow zone between the pressure element and the second clutch part, wherein the mechanism has first and second ramps to transmit a biasing force for pressing the pressure element against the first clutch part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Hartmut Roeper
  • Patent number: 9267560
    Abstract: A bicycle disc brake rotor assembly comprises a hub axle, a hub shell, a disc brake rotor, and a positioning mechanism. The hub axle extends in an axial direction. The hub shell is configured to rotate around the hub axle. The disc brake rotor is configured to be adjustably attached to the hub shell in the axial direction. The positioning mechanism is configured to position the disc brake rotor in the axial direction at an adjusted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 9121484
    Abstract: A torque converter includes an impeller, a turbine and a stator. The torque converter may also include an impeller clutch configured to releasably couple the impeller to a power source, the impeller clutch having a disc stack with a plurality of splined friction discs and a plurality of separator plates. The friction discs may be rotationally engaged with the impeller. Each of the separator plates has an ear extending radially outward from an outer diameter and an opening formed in the ear, the openings in the ears of the stator plates being circumferentially aligned to define a channel. A pin is received in the channel and in a recess defined by the rotating housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Gibbs, Aurelian I. Furcoiu
  • Patent number: 8991578
    Abstract: A clutch device includes an input rotor, a rotation support mechanism, a first pressure plate, a second pressure plate, a first clutch disc assembly and a second clutch disc assembly. The input rotor includes a first disc portion and a second disc portion disposed away from the first disc portion at a predetermined space. The rotation support mechanism supports the input rotor for allowing the input rotor to be rotated with respect to a first input shaft and a second input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Tanaka, Yusuke Tomita, Yasuhiko Fujita, Tomoyuki Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8944229
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a clutch housing including a substantially cylindrical housing wall and an opening in the housing wall. The opening is operatively arranged to accept at least a portion of a lever spring for a clutch assembly and at least a portion of a protrusion for a torque-transmitting element in the assembly. The present invention also broadly comprises a clutch housing including a first and second protrusions extending from a substantially cylindrical housing wall, axially displaced from each other, and arranged to engage a torque-transmitting element in a clutch assembly. The first protrusion is arranged to receive torque from the element and to support the clutch housing in an axial direction. The second protrusion is arranged to preload a lever spring. The present invention further includes a clutch assembly with the preceding clutch housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 8839929
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Toshihiko Aoki, Michio Nobata, Masaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8746429
    Abstract: The present device is an improved clutch system that conveys rotational energy from a power source to the gearbox input shaft of a motorcycle. A clutch basket is mechanically coupled to the power source and slidably engaged to pronged clutch drive plates, which are frictionally engaged to splined steel driven plates. A clutch hub engages the splined steel driven plates when pressurized air moves a piston against a pressure plate, causing the clutch hub and splined steel driven plates to engage. The rotating splined steel driven plates will then rotate the clutch hub to convey rotational energy to the gearbox input shaft of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Todd Patterson
  • Patent number: 8640842
    Abstract: A friction clutch assembly that selectively engages an input member and an output member to allow selective transfer of torque therebetween is provided. A clutch pack includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member. One of the first clutch member or the second clutch member is operatively coupled to the input member. The other of the first and second clutch members is operatively coupled to the output member. The first clutch member comprises an annular body that has a circumferential outer surface including a plurality of splines extending outwardly from the annular body. At least one of the splines has a deflected portion that is integrally formed with the annular body and curved in a circumferential direction toward a distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Degowske
  • Patent number: 8408373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch unit, which has two subunits. One subunit is connected to the output shaft of an engine, and the other subunit is pre-mounted on the side of the transmission. Both subunits are coupled to one another via an axial plug-type connection, which includes meshing first profiles and second profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Philippe Mih, Bin Zhou, Matthias Zink
  • Patent number: 8235192
    Abstract: A clutch unit, which has at least one wet clutch that is arranged in a housing, which is driven by a drive unit. The clutch is effectively connected to an input part. To simultaneously associate a torsional vibration damper, e.g. a centrifugal pendulum, with the input part, a support disk of the torsional vibration damper is connected to the input part so that no or only minor vibrations are generated, allowing the frequency of the torsional vibration damper to be sufficiently adjusted. For this purpose, at least one plate support is connected to a single support disk which is fixedly mounted on the clutch hub and is thus made rigid. Preferably, the plate support further reduces vibration tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Oliver Noehl
  • Patent number: 8091697
    Abstract: A driver module for clutches, in particular wet-running double clutch assemblies, including a clutch housing and a cover which are connected with each other, enclosing an interior space. The cover is rotationally fixed in relation to the clutch housing in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction by a connecting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Vural Ari
  • Patent number: 7938239
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a torque converter including: a plurality of annular friction elements; a pressure plate; and a restraining plate engageable with a portion of the plurality of annular friction elements and arranged to limit axial movement of a portion of the annular friction elements to a maximum distance from the pressure plate. In some aspects, the restraining plate is rotationally connected to the pressure plate. In some aspects, the pressure plate includes an axial protrusion arranged to limit the axial movement of the plurality of annular friction elements away from the pressure plate. In some aspects, the clutch assembly includes a plate radially overlapping the restraining plate to limit the axial movement of the plurality of annular friction elements away from the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Heck, Steven Olsen
  • Patent number: 7650975
    Abstract: A clutch disk arrangement for a multi-disk clutch has a hub rotatable about an axis of rotation and a plurality of friction lining assemblies connected to the hub by a torsional vibration damper arrangement. The torsional vibration damper arrangement includes a central disk element on the hub and a cover disk element on each side of the central element, where the cover disk elements are permanently connected to each other and are connected by a damper element arrangement to the central disk element for transmitting torque. A driver formation is provided on at least one of the cover disk elements and an opposing driver formation is arranged on at least one of the friction lining assemblies. The driver formation engages the opposing driver formation so that the at least one of the friction lining assemblies is fixed with respect to rotation and is axially displaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerald Buer, Winfried Bokisch, Michael Kühner, Thorsten Müller, Andreas Orlamünder
  • Patent number: 7571688
    Abstract: A seeding machine having a plurality of seed meters receiving rotary input from a common input shaft. First and second gearboxes respectively connect the common rotary input to individual seed meters. A flexible drive extends from the gearbox adjacent the common rotary input to the seed meters. Spring clutches, normally connected, are electrically actuated to disengage the drive to the individual seed meters. The clutches may be integrated in the gearbox adjacent the rotary drive or the gear box for the individual seed meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Friestad, Keith L. Felton, Kevin W. Hoehn
  • Publication number: 20090166143
    Abstract: A drive including a fixed housing, a shaft rotatably disposed in the housing, at least one hydraulic-fluid actuatable switching element, a supply of hydraulic fluid to the actuatable switching element, an inner body disposed on the shaft so as to co-rotate with the shaft and including an annular groove and a floating seal disposed between the fixed housing and the inner body. The supply of hydraulic fluid includes a feed channel that extends from radially outside through the fixed housing so as to discharge in the annular groove and extends inside the inner body to the hydraulic-fluid actuatable switching element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rieseberg, Juergen Daus, Christian Eschert
  • Patent number: 7374029
    Abstract: An actuating device for a drive arrangement having a drive transmission operatively connected to a metering structure where a clutch is mounted adjacent to drive transmission, an actuating device is positioned to selectively engage the clutch such that the rotational force transferred from the drive transmission to the metering structure is selectively deactivated when the actuating member engages the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jeff Dillman
  • Patent number: 7374030
    Abstract: An actuating device for a drive arrangement having a drive transmission operatively connected to a metering structure where a clutch is mounted adjacent to drive transmission, an actuating device is positioned to selectively engage the clutch such that the rotational force transferred from the drive transmission to the metering structure is selectively deactivated when the actuating member engages the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jeff Dillman
  • Publication number: 20080083596
    Abstract: A clutch device including a housing connected to a drive for rotation in common around an axis of rotation and fillable with a fluid; first friction elements connected to the housing by a first friction element carrier for rotation in common around the axis of rotation; second friction elements connected to a takeoff by a second friction element carrier for rotation in common around the axis of rotation; a piston element configured to exert a force so that the first and second friction elements frictionally engage each other; an abutment arrangement arranged on the first or second friction element carrier, the abutment arrangement providing a support for the first and second friction elements; and an elastic arrangement disposed in a path of force transmission between the piston element and the abutment arrangement and axially compressible when the piston element exerts the force on the first and second friction elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Sudau, Christoph Sasse, Arthur Schroder, Rudiger Lotze
  • Patent number: 7287632
    Abstract: A clutch basket is provided having an upper side with upstanding fingers. The fingers include opposing side edges that are engaged by tabs that extend from the periphery of a clutch drive disc. Each finger is provided with a wear resistant shield structure that overlies at least portions of the side edges that are contacted by the tabs. The basket underside includes shock absorbing springs fitted in pockets which are lined with wear-resistant inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Barnett Tool & Engineering
    Inventor: Michael F. Taylor
  • 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: 7104378
    Abstract: A wet clutch includes a clutch carrier that encloses a stack of clutch plates and a clutch backing plate. Two sets of alternating slots are provided in the clutch carrier. One set of slots is shallower than the other set and is configured to support the clutch backing plate. The other set of slots is deeper and is configure to support many of the clutch plates. The first set of slots is shallower in order to keep the clutch backing plate from pressing against and partially binding the stack of clutch plates together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Jay J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7093701
    Abstract: A bridging clutch for a clutch apparatus which has a hydrodynamic circuit in a clutch housing. The bridging clutch may have a piston which is arranged on a hub and which is connected to a piston mount, which is mounted on the clutch housing, such that it can be moved axially via axial force stores. The piston mount has cutouts between radial extensions in the circumferential direction for projections which are provided on the piston and which pass through the piston mount. Axial force stores engage behind the piston mount on its side facing away from the piston and are attached to the piston at one connecting end and have lever ends which act on contact surfaces of the piston mount with predetermined prestressing in the direction of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Carsten Zuehl, Jason Kehrer, Claus Umnus
  • Patent number: 7048105
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes a housing arrangement connectable to a drive element for rotation in common about an axis of rotation, a plurality of first friction disks connected to the housing arrangement such that the first friction disks are fixed with respect to rotation and axially movable relative to the housing arrangement, a hub rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the housing arrangement and having a plurality of radially outward-projecting connection arms, a plurality of second friction disks defining engagement opening therein being closed on radial inner sides thereof, wherein the connection arms of the hub engage the engagement openings of the second friction disks such that the second friction disks are fixed with respect to rotation and axially movable relative to the hub, and a force-exerting arrangement exerting a force for urging the first friction elements and the second friction elements into contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sachs Race Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Friedrich, Werner Selzam, Klaus-Peter Oberle, Michael Istschenko
  • Publication number: 20040238309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disc-packet unit (1) comprising a pre-tensioned disc packet (2) for mounting on guide elements in a transmission component. Said packet comprises at least two adjacent elements (4.1) that form frictional surfaces, which can be intercoupled in a frictional engagement by means of an intermediate element (5.1) that forms a frictional surface and comprises an auxiliary mounting device (3). Said packet comprises at least one spring device (6.1) located between at least two adjacent elements that form frictional surfaces. The auxiliary mounting device comprises at least one sleeve element (7) and a tensioning device (9). The elements (4) that form frictional surfaces are carried on the sleeve element (7) and the latter comprises a stop (8). The tensioning device (9) can be detachably connected to the sleeve element (7) and produces a force for pre-tensioning the disc packet, in such a way that friction is generated between the elements that form frictional surfaces (4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Alfred Hortenhuber, Gerhard Meier-Burkamp, Alexander Kuruer
  • Patent number: 6786317
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch assembly is equipped with a spring-drive hydraulic clutch, which includes a gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and a clutch cylinder fixedly mounted on the transmission shaft, first and second friction elements respectively supported on the gear and the clutch cylinder in such a manner as to be slidable along an axis of the clutch (hereinafter sometimes referred to a clutch axis) and relatively non-rotatable thereto, a pressure disk disposed opposite to the friction elements, and a spring for moving the pressure disk towards the friction elements to bring the first friction element into engagement with the second friction element, in which the pressure disk is moved away from the friction elements by an effect of hydraulic pressure, thereby withdrawing the friction elements from engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mizuya Matsufuji, Takumi Fujita
  • Patent number: 6708807
    Abstract: The clutch includes a wear clip for a clutch which acts as a replaceable wear surface and wear indicator for the cylindrical housing drum of the clutch. The wear clip of the invention is a U-shaped clip that may be formed wear-resistant material, such as carbon steel or aluminum. The cylindrical housing drum of the clutch includes slots for engagement by one or more clutch disks, and a wear clip may be placed in each slot and checked at regular intervals of operation of the clutch and replaced as necessary in order to reduce abrasion of the cylindrical housing drum by the inner components of the clutch and extend the useful life of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Horstman Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Martin
  • Publication number: 20040050642
    Abstract: The clutch includes a wear clip for a clutch which acts as a replaceable wear surface and wear indicator for the cylindrical housing drum of the clutch. The wear clip of the invention is a U-shaped clip that may be formed wear-resistant material, such as carbon steel or aluminum. The cylindrical housing drum of the clutch includes slots for engagement by one or more clutch disks, and a wear clip may be placed in each slot and checked at regular intervals of operation of the clutch and replaced as necessary in order to reduce abrasion of the cylindrical housing drum by the inner components of the clutch and extend the useful life of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: William A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6695116
    Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a multi-disk clutch includes a housing arrangement, a pressure plate mounted in the housing arrangement with freedom to move in the same direction as an axis of rotation but connected to the housing with essentially no freedom of rotation and an intermediate plate mounted in the housing arrangement with freedom to move in the same direction as the axis of rotation but connected to the housing with essentially no freedom of rotation. A release distance preset arrangement for the intermediate plate includes at least one sensing element on the intermediate plate which rests on an assembly which shifts position during the performance of a releasing movement of the pressure plate. The at least one sensing element allows the intermediate plate to execute a releasing movement corresponding to the shift of this assembly. The at least one sensing element contacting the assembly is pretensioned by an intermediate plate release force-generating arrangement acting on the intermediate plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Erwin Ziegler, Frank Hirschmann, Klaus Steinel, Reinhold Weidinger, Wolfram Hick, Norbert Lohaus, Joachim Lindner
  • Publication number: 20030234150
    Abstract: A clutch disk arrangement for a multiple-disk clutch includes at least two friction lining units, a hub element which is connectable to or is connected to the shaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation and a support arrangement to which the friction lining units are connected substantially so as to be fixed with respect to rotation and by which the friction lining units are connected to or connectable to the hub element. The support arrangement includes a first support member which is connected to or connectable to the hub element and to which one of the friction lining units is fixedly connected, and at least one other support member to which at least one other respective friction lining unit is fixedly connected. The other support members are directly or indirectly connected to the first support member so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it, but axially displaceable relative to the first support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Orlamunder, Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 6609601
    Abstract: Friction clutch for use in the drive train of a motor vehicle with an input part, a clutch housing, at least one clutch disk in working connection with a takeoff element, and a pressure plate working together with the input part, the force of a stored-energy element acting on the pressure plate to transmit torque to the clutch disk. The radially outer area of the input part has axially oriented walls extending along at least part of the circumference to cooperate with the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Vogt
  • Publication number: 20030146064
    Abstract: A rotational control apparatus (10) includes multiple facings (274-276) rotatable with and axially slideable relative to a mount (124) and which sandwich multiple friction plates (252, 253) rotatable with and axially slideable relative to a hub (12). To create turbulent air flow, the friction plates (252, 253) include an undulating outer circumferential edge (258) and a plurality of passages (260) in the interface portion and overlapping the inner peripheries (282) of the facings (274-276). An automotive clutch release type bearing (290) directly abuts between a piston (40) and the friction facing (274) and is encapsulated in the piston cavity (36) and a cavity (277) formed in the friction facing (274), with the friction facing (274) engaging the axial end (34) of the air chamber (24) when the facings (274-276) and the friction plates (252, 253) are disengaged. In the preferred form, the air chamber (24) and the mount (124) are of the same geometry and are machined from identical castings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin B. Weiss, Dave Hein
  • Publication number: 20020195307
    Abstract: A clutch (1) with a multiplicity of clutch discs (5, 6) in the form of friction discs (6) and pressure discs (5), arranged between a clutch basket (2) and a clutch hub (3), and with means of positive torque transmission between the clutch discs (5, 6), the clutch basket (2) and with the clutch hub (3), wherein the means of torque transmission between the clutch hub (3) and the pressure discs (5) are provided by movable driver elements (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Max Linhuber, Patrizia Schnappinger
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6427820
    Abstract: A transmission having a gear component with a gear housing with a housing cover allocated in axial direction to the housing in installation position. The gear housing has an essentially cylindrical interior space for the reception of individual gear elements. The gear unit includes a device for the at least indirect resetting of actuating elements of non positive coupling and/or braking arrangements with at least two friction surface-carrying elements, the friction surfaces of which are connectable with one another over a further friction surface-carrying intermediate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tillmann Korner, Achim Paul Schieder
  • Patent number: 6409002
    Abstract: A pressure plate subassembly for a friction clutch includes a housing connectable to an abutment arrangement for joint rotation about an axis of rotation, a pressure plate arranged in the housing so that the pressure plate is rotatable together with the housing about the axis of rotation (A) and so that the pressure plate is displaceable relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation, and a force accumulator for generating a pressure force, the force accumulator being supported on the housing and on the pressure plate. The force accumulator is arranged outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Orlamünder, Achim Link, Wolfgang Reiber, Sebastian Vogt
  • Publication number: 20020070090
    Abstract: Friction clutch for use in the drive train of a motor vehicle with an input part, a clutch housing, at least one clutch disk in working connection with a takeoff element, and a pressure plate working together with the input part, the force of a stored-energy element acting on the pressure plate to transmit torque to the clutch disk. The radially outer area of the input part has axially oriented walls extending along at least part of the circumference to cooperate with the pressure plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 6298965
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in dampers which can be utilized in the power trains of motor vehicles to absorb torsional vibrations of the rotary output shaft of the engine and/or torsional vibrations of the rotary input element of a change-speed transmission normally receiving torque by way of a torque converter. One of the dampers is installed externally of the housing of the torque converter and, if used, another damper can be installed in the power flow between the piston of a lockup clutch in the housing of the torque converter and a turbine of the torque converter. The external damper can include an energy storing component and a friction generating component which latter is or can be sealed from the energy storing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Thomas Heck, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Patent number: 6260682
    Abstract: A power take-off unit includes a rigid housing having an input gear rotatably supported therein. An output gear assembly is rotatably supported within the housing. The output gear assembly includes a toothed gear member and a bell member that are splined together. The toothed gear member meshes with the input gear such that it and the bell member are rotatably driven thereby. The bell member is selectively connected through the clutch assembly to an output shaft that is rotatably supported on the power take-off housing. The output shaft extends outwardly from the housing of the power take-off unit and is adapted to be connected to a rotatably driven accessory. The two-piece structure of the output gear assembly minimizes the cost and expense of manufacture and inventory and is more readily adaptable for varying the overall speed reduction gear ratio of the power take-off unit as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Brian L. Rang, Kudlip Raina
  • Patent number: 6257376
    Abstract: A rotor disk (20) is arranged between two stator disks (30, 40; 130, 140), the disks being made in thermostructural composite material at least for the wear parts. A first supporting structure (50, 150) has a bell shape with a bottom part (52) whereon rests the first stator disk (30, 130) and part of the skirt (70, 170) linked to the bottom part (52) and encloses the disks (20, 30, 40), the bell-shaped structure having cooling means (170, 174) for evacuating the heat generated by the mutual friction of the disks. A second supporting structure (80, 180) has a part in the shape of an annular support plate whereon rests the second stator disk (40, 140); and the bell-shaped structure bottom part (52) and the support plate (80, 180) are provided with cotters (60) or radial ribs (84) co-operating with the corresponding radial housings (36) formed in the outer surfaces (33, 44) of the stator disks (30, 40; 130, 140) to block the latter in rotation relative to the supporting structures (50, 150; 80, 180).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti
    Inventors: Olivier Borgeaud, Didier Clement