With Cam Or Wedge Contacting Clutch-element Or Pressure Plate For Axial Movement Thereof Patents (Class 192/70.23)
  • Patent number: 12031589
    Abstract: A clutch hub assembly includes a hollow shaft extending in the longitudinal direction having an internal surface, an external surface, a first end, and a second end. A plate is engaged to the external surface of the shaft, extending outwardly from the external surface of the shaft in the radial direction and having a top surface and a bottom surface. A collar is engaged to the plate having an internal surface and an external surface, wherein the top surface of the plate and the internal surface of the collar define a cavity. A plurality of teeth radially extending from the external surface collar, and a support member extends outwardly from the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: REVMAX PERFORMANCE, LLC
    Inventor: Frank C Kuperman
  • Patent number: 11384801
    Abstract: A power transmission device has a clutch member, a pressure member 5, a weight member 8, an interlocking member 9 and a bearing holding member C coupled to an activation member 10. The bearing holder member C holds a bearing B1 interposed between the activation member 10 and the pressure member 5. The bearing holding member C has a cylindrical member with one open end. An open end portion Ca is fit into and attached to a recessed portion 4d formed in a first clutch member 4a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Makoto Kataoka, Masataka Murai
  • Patent number: 11035424
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for controlling an actuator or an actuator device, at least comprising a clutch and an actuator, which actuator has: an electric drive motor and a control device; a ramp mechanism, which comprises a rotatable first disk, which has first ramps, a second disk, which can be moved only in an axial direction and which has second ramps, and balls, which are arranged between the disks in the first ramps and second ramps; and at least one spring for moving the second disk in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventors: Rudolf Fitz, Eric Esch
  • Patent number: 10670087
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus has a clutch member and a pressure member. The cam surfaces of the pressure-contact assist cam face each other. The cam surfaces of the back torque limiter cam face each other. A receiving portion for a clutch spring (10) on the pressure member (5) side has a receiving member (11) separate from the pressure member (5). A first cam surface (C1) and a second cam surface (C2), constituting the back torque limiter cam, are, respectively, formed on the receiving member (11) and the clutch member (4). A third cam surface (C3) and a fourth cam surface (C4), constituting the pressure-contact assist cam, are, respectively, formed on the pressure member (5) and the clutch member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kataoka, Han Hiong Chen, Kaoru Aono
  • Patent number: 10527107
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device (10) includes a clutch housing (14) rotatable about an axis (A), a first set of clutch plates (20A) splined to the clutch housing (14), and a second set of clutch plates (20B) interleaved with the first set and rotatable about the axis (A) of rotation. A push plate assembly (28) is splined to the clutch housing (14) for rotation therewith. A roller assembly (42) includes a roller housing (48) splined to the clutch housing (14), a roller supporter (54) housed in the roller housing (48), and a roller element (62) supported by the roller supporter (54). A wedge assembly (12) includes a wedge housing (64) connected to a wedge block (24). The wedge housing (64) includes a ramp member (70) defining a ramp surface (16) with the roller element (62) contacting the ramp surface (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao, Li Chen, Zhao Ding, Chengliang Yin
  • Patent number: 10197113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for a drive train of a motorcycle or other motor vehicle, in particular for suppressing a so-called hopping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Kurth, Ralph Schimpf
  • Patent number: 10190643
    Abstract: A radially applied dog clutch for a vehicle transmission. The clutch includes a driving member configured to rotate about an axis and including a cavity extending radially from the axis, a driving tooth slidably movable within the radially extending cavity, a driven member coaxially surrounding the driving member and including a radially inward extending driven tooth, and a synchronizer coaxially positioned between the driving member and the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph R Littlefield, Jonathan Boyd
  • Patent number: 9771984
    Abstract: A dual gain friction clutch is adapted to transmit an operational range of torques from a drive member to a driven member. The dual gain friction clutch incorporates a first friction clutch pack and a second friction clutch pack, the pack being axially aligned and adapted to address one of two segments of the operational range of torques. The clutch further includes a spring-loaded skate detent unit configured to control transition between the two segments of operational ranges of torques. Each friction clutch pack may include identical respective friction discs coupled to the drive member and respective pressure plates coupled to the driven member for selectively providing torque control within either of the lower and higher segments of the operational ranges of torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Vierk, Steven J. Kowal
  • Patent number: 9726228
    Abstract: A clutch (3) includes: a clutch housing (32) which is provided with a drive plate (33) to be movable in an axial direction; a clutch hub (34) which transmits a rotary motive power to an output shaft; a clutch sleeve (35) which is provided with a driven plate (36) to be movable in the axial direction; and a pressure disk (40) which biases the drive plate (33) and the driven plate (36) toward the clutch hub (34), further includes a back torque limiter (7) which moves the pressure disk (40) in a direction away from the clutch hub (34) when back torque is applied, and the clutch hub (34) is provided with a restricting apparatus which restricts movement of the pressure disk (40) in the direction away from the clutch hub (34) when a number of rotations of the output shaft is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ikuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 9689439
    Abstract: A clutch device includes a slipper cam mechanism which releases a back torque by moving a clutch center in an axial direction, and a plunger mechanism provided to the clutch center. The plunger mechanism engages with a movement restricting portion until a rotational speed of the clutch center reaches a threshold value thus restricting the movement of the clutch center in the clutch axial direction, and the plunger mechanism is operated by a centrifugal force when the rotational speed of the clutch center exceeds the threshold value such that it disengages from the movement restricting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Miyazaki, Hisashi Sakuyama, Hideo Senmyo, Akira Tokito
  • Patent number: 9408377
    Abstract: A fishing reel having a drag assembly. The drag assembly brakes the unwinding rotation of a spool to prevent a fishing line from being excessively rapidly unwound from the spool and thus from being snapped when the fishing line is drawn out by a hooked fish. The drag assembly includes a washer retainer coupled to a drive gear, and a washer group having a brake washer. Therefore, there is no need for the drive gear to have a shape corresponding to the washer group, whereby the manufacturing process can be facilitated, the time it takes to manufacture the fishing reel can be reduced, and the production cost can also be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: DOYO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kang-Ho Hyun
  • Patent number: 8967350
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a first cam mechanism that converts rotational force from a housing into first cam thrust force used as clutch force of a main clutch when the first cam mechanism is actuated through clutch action of a pilot clutch; and a second cam mechanism that is actuated prior to conversion of the rotational force into the first cam thrust force by the first cam mechanism, and that generates second cam thrust force for reducing an interval between clutch plates of the main clutch. The second cam mechanism includes an input cam member that rotates upon receiving rotational force used as actuating force of the input cam member from a cam actuating driving source, and an output cam member that generates the second cam thrust force between the output cam member and the input cam member and outputs the second cam thrust force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fujii, Hiroshi Takuno, Kunihiko Suzuki, Yuji Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8960398
    Abstract: A power unit for a motorcycle having a clutch operation assisting device. The clutch operation assisting device includes a push shaft, a bearing plate that supports the push shaft, and a first rotary plate rotatably supported on the bearing plate and connected to a clutch wire. The first rotary plate causes the push shaft to slide as it rotates and is gear-coupled to a second rotary plate. A spring unit that applies an assist force in a direction for disengaging a friction clutch is pin-coupled to the second rotary plate. The spring unit is supported on a mounting seat in a swingable manner and is installed such that, as viewed from the axial direction of the push shaft, the expansion/contraction direction of an auxiliary spring in the spring unit does not pass through a rotation center of the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akifumi Oishi
  • Patent number: 8950560
    Abstract: A power unit includes, electric motors for generating driving forces for respectively engaging clutches, and a clutch cover covering outer sides of the clutches in a direction along a power shaft. The electric motors are disposed in such a manner that drive axes arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof are perpendicular to the direction along the power shaft; further, the electric motors are disposed on the periphery of the clutch cover within a width W in the direction along the power shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kinya Mizuno, Yasushi Fujimoto, Masaya Murao, Kazuhiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8944231
    Abstract: A mechanism for changing the operating condition of a shifting element having two shifting element halves, which can either be functionally connected to connect two components or disengaged to break the connection between the components. The mechanism includes a drive machine and a drive converter unit in the area of which rotary drive motion of the drive machine can be converted into a translational actuation movement of the shifting element. A spring device is associated with the drive converter unit, whose spring force assists with actuating the shifting element in the engaging direction. The spring device includes an approximately circular flat spring element which, in at least one area of the drive converter unit, is in contact with at least one cam, whose stress condition varies as a function of an operating condition of the drive converter unit and is designed to be rotationally fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Detlef Baasch, Ulrich Mair
  • Publication number: 20150014113
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: an inner hub; an outer race including an axially extending portion; and a plurality of wedge plates radially located between the inner hub and the axially extending portion. In a closed position for the clutch, the plurality of wedges is non-rotatably connected to the inner hub and the axially extending portion. In an open position for the clutch: the plurality of wedge plates is rotatable with respect to the outer race; each wedge plate is separated, in a radial direction, from the axially extending portion by a respective first radial distance; and the respective first radial distance for said each wedge plate is different from the respective first radial distance for each remaining wedge plate in the plurality of wedge plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Carsten Ohr, Brian Lee
  • Publication number: 20150001028
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus comprising a switching device for switching an urging device between an urging force applying position wherein an abutment between the other end of the urging device and the pressure member is kept to apply the urging force of urging device to the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member, and an urging force cutting-off position wherein the other end of the urging device is separated from the pressure member to cut-off the urging force of urging device to the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member. In some embodiments, the urging device is set at the urging force applying position while the intermediate member is stopped when the vehicle is stopped and the urging device is set at the urging force cutting-off position while the intermediate member is rotated when the vehicle is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Katsu Yoshimoto, Han Hiong Chen, Akira Kosaka
  • Patent number: 8850911
    Abstract: A preload unit module, which has at least one ramp disk and a cage, which carries a plurality of rolling bodies that are held axially against one another in a positively locking fashion. The cage is rotationally pivotable relative to the at least one ramp disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ramon Jurjanz, Fritz Wiesinger, Tomas Smetana
  • Publication number: 20140291103
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided. The clutch assembly includes a basket member, an input member and an actuator that is disposed within the basket member. A hub member, having a hub spline and an inclined portion is disposed adjacent to the actuator. A cam member, having a cam spline and cam lobes is rotatably disposed on the input member. A shaft member, having a shaft spline and plurality of slots is rotatably disposed on the input member. The hub spline is engaged with the cam spline in a disengaged position of the actuator. The clutch assembly further includes a plurality of balls received within the corresponding slots of the shaft member. While moving towards an engaged position of the actuator, the cam spline aligns with the shaft spline thereby the hub spline engages with the shaft spline in the engaged position of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Gaurav Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 8844698
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch system includes a centrifugal weight, an outer member, an inner member, a first clutch plate, a second clutch plate, a bottom portion side pressure member, and an open side pressure member. The centrifugal weight is movable in a radial direction of the clutch system. The outer member is rotatably supported on a rotation axis and subjected to a driving force. The inner member is integrally and rotatably supported on the rotation axis. The first and second clutch plates are respectively supported in the outer and inner member. The bottom portion side pressure member thrusts each clutch plate to an open side of said outer member and releases the thrusting force by the movement of said centrifugal weight. The open side pressure member thrusts each clutch plate to a bottom portion of said outer member. The open side pressure member is supported on said inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8776977
    Abstract: A drive system for each arm of a mobile robot, each drive system including a drive motor and an adjustable clutch system interconnected between its associated arm and the drive motor and having a high friction locked position for enabling direct drive of the arm by the drive motor and a reduced friction slip position for enabling manual movement of the associated arm without back-driving the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Lansberry, Lance L. Andrus, Brian DeStefano
  • Patent number: 8771128
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Publication number: 20140174878
    Abstract: A transmission clutch including: a carrier; a clutch pack; friction plates; a compression plate including a portion; and a first ramp ring including: a first portion in contact with the portion of the compression plate; and a second portion. The clutch includes a second ramp ring including a third portion axially aligned with the second portion; a lever spring; and a piston. The piston displaces the spring in an axial direction such that: the spring applies a force to the second portion; the first ramp ring rotates in a circumferential direction and axially displaces in the axial direction; and the first ramp ring urges the compression plate in the axial direction to contact the clutch pack. The piston displaces the lever spring further in the axial direction such that the compression plate clamps pressure plates and friction plates in the clutch pack to rotationally fix the carrier to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George
  • Patent number: 8708122
    Abstract: A multiple-disk clutch has inner and outer clutch members, and a plurality of driving and driven friction disks. The driven and driving friction disks are arranged alternately. A first axially movable pressure member is biased to urge the driving and driven friction disks together in a compression direction. A first actuation system is connected to the first pressure member. The first actuation system is adapted release the compression force exerted by the first pressure member on the driving and driven friction disks. A second actuation system includes a second pressure member and is axially movable to compress the driving and driven friction disks together. The driving and driven friction disks are disposed between the first and second pressure members. The second actuation system is a centrifugal actuation system. The first actuation system is connected to and is axially movable with the second pressure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Einboeck
  • Patent number: 8678158
    Abstract: A torque transmission arrangement including a primary shaft, a friction clutch, a housing in which the primary shaft is rotatably supported by a roller element bearing including an inner ring and an outer ring. An actuator is disposed in the housing between the friction clutch and the roller element bearing for actuating the friction clutch. The actuator comprises a fixed support element, an adjusting element axially offset from the support element and displaceable for engaging the friction clutch, and an actuating mechanism designed for displacing the adjusting element relative to the support element in an axial adjusting direction away from the roller element bearing. The roller element bearing is designed as a tapered roller bearing, and the support element is operationally connected to the tapered roller bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Helmuth Sachsenmaier, Hannes Sperker, Robert Luef
  • Publication number: 20140027238
    Abstract: A friction drive clutch includes a hub, a thrust plate that rotates with and is axially slidable on the hub, a first housing rotatable with respect to the hub and including at least two first ramped members each having a sloped face, a second housing rotatable with respect to the thrust plate and axially movable together with the thrust plate, the second housing including at least two second ramped members each having a sloped face, a third housing rotatable with respect to the hub, and a spring assembly biasing the thrust plate and second housing axially toward the first housing, wherein when the second housing is rotated in one direction, the sloped faces of the first and second members slide over each other to urge the second housing and thrust plate axially in opposition to the spring assembly to bring the thrust plate into frictional engagement with the third housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Robert A. Schlaufman, Brenton H. Barron
  • Patent number: 8627938
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus can include a clutch housing, a plurality of driving and driven clutch plates, a clutch member, a pressure member, an intermediate member, a plurality of urging devices, and a back-torque limiting cam. The power transmitting apparatus can further include an urging force cut-off device for cutting-off the urging force applied to the pressure member from particular urging devices of the plurality of urging devices by separating the inner ends of the particular urging devices from the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member by the action of the back-torque limiting cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kataoka, Naoyuki Miwa, Satoru Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 8579097
    Abstract: A clutch release mechanism includes a fixed cam plate having a cylindrical boss portion, and a movable cam plate supported on the cylindrical boss portion through a cylindrical projecting portion thereof. A ball unit is retained on the cylindrical boss portion by a retainer, and a release member disengages a clutch by transmitting a thrust force, generated by relative turning between the fixed and movable cam plates which hold the ball unit therebetween, to a pressure-applying plate. A pressing member is pressed by the movable cam plate to transmit the thrust force to the release member. The cylindrical projecting portion of the movable cam plate projects toward the pressing member, and is fitted a the hollow portion thereof with a gap therebetween. The movable cam plate presses the pressing member so as to be relatively shiftable on a flat surface perpendicular to a pressing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Kanai, Kenji Matsuo, Hiromi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8579095
    Abstract: A clutch including a pre-clutch and a main clutch, where the pre-clutch can be brought into an engaged or disengaged state by a disc spring, where the pre-clutch is connected via an effective connection to the main clutch, such that in the disengaged position and engaged position are transmitted to the main clutch, where the pre-clutch is arranged between the main clutch and a connection area for an actuating element of the disc spring, that the disc spring is effectively connected to an outer area by means of a clutch hub of the pre-clutch, that the disc spring is effectively connected in a middle area to a disc of the counter-disc of the pre-clutch, and that the disc spring has a contact area for the actuating element in an inner area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Chambrion, Christoph Raber, Yannick Simon
  • Publication number: 20130256083
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes a cam mechanism that converts motor torque from an electric motor into first cam thrust force and second cam thrust force. The cam mechanism includes: a cam member that rotates upon reception of the motor torque from an electric motor; a rolling member that rolls on the cam member; and a retainer that outputs the first cam thrust force and the second cam thrust force toward a multiple disk clutch as the rolling member rolls. The rotation of the retainer around a rotation axis is restricted, and the retainer moves in a direction of the rotation axis while retaining the rolling member such that the rolling member is rollable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki FUJII, Katsushi KITAMURA, Kunihiko SUZUKI, Tomoyoshi TAKAI
  • Publication number: 20130256082
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus including a compressive force boosting member for biasing a presser plate in a direction to compress friction plates between a pressure bearing plate and the presser plate upon accelerated rotation of a clutch inner member. A movable cam member is formed independently wherein the machinability thereof is enhanced. A compressive force boosting member includes a cam mechanism. The movable cam member is separate from a clutch inner member and a movable spring retainer member for movement independent of said clutch inner member in response to accelerated rotation of the clutch inner member. A pressure bearing plate is fixed to a clutch inner member rotatable relatively to an output shaft. A plurality of bosses extending through a presser plate have respective ends affixed thereto. A back torque limiter member has a cam mechanism disposed between a clutch inner member and an output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun MIYAZAKI, Taito KOBAYASHI, Akira TOKITO, Yoshinobu SHIOMI
  • Patent number: 8534439
    Abstract: A friction clutch assembly selectively engages an input member and an output member to allow selective transfer of torque therebetween. The friction clutch assembly includes a clutch pack including a first clutch member operatively coupled to the input member and a second clutch member operatively coupled to the output member. The clutch assembly further includes a plurality of lever arms and an actuating member with a movable member that is movably disposed between the plurality of lever arms. The movable member is movable generally along a linear axis between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and the movable member cams the plurality of lever arms relative to linear axis to cause the first and second clutch members to engage when the movable member moves to the engaged position. The first and second clutch members disengage when the movable member moves to the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Curt D. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 8490768
    Abstract: A pressure plate is movable in an axial direction to cause multiple driving friction plates and driven friction plates to come in pressure contact with each other. The pressure plate is biased by a clutch spring in a direction to bring the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates in pressure contact with each other. When acceleration torque is changed, an assist mechanism increases the pressure-contact force of the pressure plate. A pressure plate and a clutch inner are connected together and are capable of being separated from each other in an axial direction. When an assist mechanism increases a pressure-contact force of the pressure plate, the pressure plate is moved in a direction to bring driving and driven friction plates into pressure contact with each other, while the clutch inner is moved relative to the pressure plate in the same direction so as to be detached from the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Jun Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Patent number: 8479904
    Abstract: A device for setting the torque transferred from a primary shaft to a secondary shaft by a friction clutch comprises a supporting element and an axially displaceable adjusting element which is rotatable with respect to the supporting element and which is operatively connected to the friction clutch for the actuation of the latter, the adjusting element comprising a toothed ring, and the supporting element and adjusting element cooperating via coupling elements in such a way that a rotation of the adjusting element in relation to the supporting element brings about an axial displacement of the adjusting element in relation to the supporting element. The device comprises a linearly displaceable rack element which is in engagement with the toothed ring of the adjusting element, and an electrically activatable linear drive arrangement for the controlled displacement of the rack element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: August Krieberneg, Helmuth Sachsenmaier
  • Patent number: 8474585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch device, for example, a booster clutch device, including a first clutch element and a second clutch element, where a torsion spring device is provided coupling the first clutch element to the second clutch element, the torsion spring device having a multi-stage spring characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Chambrion, Yannick Simon, Christoph Raber
  • Publication number: 20130161150
    Abstract: Various pulley assemblies are described that include a pulley body, a hub defining an axis of rotation disposed within a bore of the pulley body, and an actuator and a clutch mechanism disposed about the hub. The actuator axially expands when the pulley body rotates in a predominant direction, and the clutch mechanism is activated thereby into an engaged position. In this engaged position, the clutch mechanism links the pulley body to the hub for simultaneous rotation in the predominant direction. Then, when the pulley body rotates in a non-dominant direction or experiences a deceleration, the pulley assembly enters an overrun position where the clutch mechanism disengages and allows the hub to rotate at speeds greater than the pulley body. Additionally, a reverse configuration is described where the actuator axially expands when the hub rotates and the clutch mechanism, when engaged, links the hub to the pulley body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Paul T. McCrary
  • Patent number: 8469169
    Abstract: To provide a multiple disc clutch in which the engagement/disengagement timing of the clutch can be adjusted to a fixed value, and an assembling method for the multiple disc clutch. Two kinds of clutch discs different at least in thickness are combined, and the clutch disc or discs are replaced with the clutch disc or discs of other thickness so that the total thickness of a required number of the combined clutch discs when a predetermined pressure is applied thereto will be equal to a predetermined size, whereby the total thickness is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Nakamura, Satoru Nojima
  • Patent number: 8464852
    Abstract: A wet clutch including a main clutch, a clutch basket, which is actively connected to a crankshaft, forming an intake part and having a plurality of discs mounted therein so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, a clutch hub which is connected to a transmission input shaft, forming an output part and having counter-discs that are layered in an alternating manner with the plurality of discs, where the counter-discs are mounted so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, and a pilot clutch, actuated by means of a lever element, where the pilot clutch is upstream from the main clutch and the pilot clutch and the main clutch are connected to each other by means of a ramp device which is provided, in the circumferential direction, with ramps that are active at least in the direction of traction of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Yannick Simon, Christoph Raber, Christoph Wittmann
  • Patent number: 8448770
    Abstract: A multiplate clutch has an assistive cam mechanism comprising a first cam member having a first recess and a second cam member having a first tooth inserted in the first recess, wherein at least one of abutment surfaces of the first recess and the first tooth in a power transmitting state for transmitting power from an input member to an output member comprises a slanted surface for increasing an urging force of a clutch spring upon acceleration in the power transmitting state. The multiplate clutch is prevented from being connected abruptly while sufficiently reducing a load with which to operate the clutch. The angle of intersection between the slanted surfaces and a plane perpendicular to a clutch central axis is set to a range from 80 degrees to 85 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Yoshinobu Shiomi, Hirotaka Kawatsu, Katsumi Sato, Taito Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8424662
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch system includes: a pressure plate which is biased by a clutch spring in a direction in which driving friction plates and driven friction plates are brought into pressure contact with each other; and at least one of assist device configured to increase a pressure contact force when torque is changed for acceleration and the slipper device configured to decrease the pressure contact force when the torque is changed for deceleration. A ring member whose inner peripheral surface is put in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of one cam plate out of paired cam plates, which are included in at least one of the assist device and the slipper device, is fixed to a clutch inner, and oil discharging passages for guiding oil to a sliding contact portion between the one cam plate and the ring member are provided in outer peripheral edge portions of concave cams formed in the one cam plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kyushu Musashi Seimitsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Jun Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Shiomi, Michitaka Ogata
  • Publication number: 20130025997
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus can include a clutch housing, a plurality of driving and driven clutch plates, a clutch member, a pressure member, an intermediate member, a plurality of urging devices, and a back-torque limiting cam. The power transmitting apparatus can further include an urging force cut-off device for cutting-off the urging force applied to the pressure member from particular urging devices of the plurality of urging devices by separating the inner ends of the particular urging devices from the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member by the action of the back-torque limiting cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C
    Inventors: Makoto KATAOKA, Naoyuki MIWA, Satoru KASHIWAGI
  • Patent number: 8348038
    Abstract: A disk friction clutch apparatus using a self-energizing effect is disclosed. The clutch apparatus includes a drive friction disk connected to a drive shaft, a driven friction disk connected to a driven shaft, a push member configured to press the driven friction disk against the drive friction disk at an engagement position of a clutch, and an operation unit configured to shift the push member from the release position of the clutch to the engagement position. The operation unit is operated to increase a force of the push member to press the driven friction disk when the push member located at the engagement position of the clutch receives a force of rotating the drive shaft. Since the clutch apparatus employs a self-energizing effect, it is possible to fasten the clutch with a small force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Seibum Choi, Hyung Jin Sung, Jinsung Kim
  • Patent number: 8342308
    Abstract: A clutch unit with a clutch hub mounted non-rotatably on a shaft. The clutch unit includes at least two clutch elements that can be brought into frictional engagement with one another for torque transmission when the clutch unit is actuated by a mechanical actuation device with the help of cable-pull. The mechanical actuation device is attached to and held on the clutch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mavinkal Jayaram, Philip George, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 8336691
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch includes clutch discs which are disposed between a clutch outer and a clutch inner and are movable in an axial direction of the transmission shaft to permit and cut off the transmission of the rotational driving force from a crankshaft to a transmission shaft. A first biasing mechanism is configured to apply a clamping force to the clutch discs. A cam mechanism is configured to adjust the clamping force in accordance with the rotational driving force. A second biasing mechanism is configured to generate a biasing force to separate the clutch discs away from one another and to weaken the clamping force. The cam mechanism is configured to apply to the second biasing mechanism a force against the biasing force generated by the second biasing mechanism in accordance with the rotational driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Patent number: 8302752
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch includes a clutch inner member, having a cylindrical portion and a pressure-applying plate portion, and a pressure-receiving plate opposite the pressure-applying plate portion with plural driving and driven friction plates interposed therebetween. The multi-plate clutch also includes a center cam having a disc portion, an assist cam and a slipper cam disposed on the disc portion. The assist and slipper cams include identical material, and have substantially identical shapes. An outer circumference of the assist cam is splined to an inner circumference of the cylindrical portion of the clutch inner member, so the assist cam can move in the axial direction relative to the clutch inner member. An outer circumference of the slipper cam is splined to the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion, so that axial motion of the slipper cam, relative to the clutch inner member away from the disc portion, is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Takafumi Asakura, Hirotaka Kawatsu
  • Patent number: 8272489
    Abstract: A multiple disc clutch includes a pressing member movable in an axial direction and which turns together with an output shaft to compress driving friction plates and driven friction plates, a clutch spring that axially presses the pressing member, a clutch lifter arranged coaxially with the pressing member and a lifter plate that is held by the periphery of the clutch lifter via a clutch bearing. The lifter plate moves the pressing member in a reverse direction to a direction pressed by the clutch spring according to the axial movement of the clutch lifter. This multiple disc clutch does not require a dedicated clutch lifter for every clutch bearing different in size and therefore the cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Hirotaka Kawatsu
  • Publication number: 20120228078
    Abstract: A multiple-disk clutch has inner and outer clutch members, and a plurality of driving and driven friction disks. The driven and driving friction disks are arranged alternately. A first axially movable pressure member is biased to urge the driving and driven friction disks together in a compression direction. A first actuation system is connected to the first pressure member. The first actuation system is adapted release the compression force exerted by the first pressure member on the driving and driven friction disks. A second actuation system includes a second pressure member and is axially movable to compress the driving and driven friction disks together. The driving and driven friction disks are disposed between the first and second pressure members. The second actuation system is a centrifugal actuation system. The first actuation system is connected to and is axially movable with the second pressure member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Fritz EINBOECK
  • Patent number: 8256595
    Abstract: A multiple disc clutch includes a pressing member that can be axially moved and that is turned together with an output shaft so as to compress driving friction plates and driven friction plates, a ringed set plate is provided on a side of the pressing member so as to receive a load by a clutch spring that axially presses the pressing member and a cam plate fixed to the pressing member so as to enable increasing or reducing frictional fitting force of the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates. The area for receiving the set plate is extended using a minimum number of parts, preventing a shape of the pressing member from being intricate and strength for supporting the set plate is enhanced. A part of the set plate axially touches the cam plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Hirotaka Kawatsu
  • Patent number: 8256597
    Abstract: A cam face 81 and a cam face 181 are formed in such a manner that an angular velocity ? represented by the following equation increases when a parameter R increases and the angular velocity ? decreases when the parameter R decreases, ?2=(1/m)ยท[F(tan ?+tan ?)/R], where the mass of the centrifugal weight (41) is m, the revolution radius that is the distance from the rotation center (0) of the centrifugal weight (41) to the center of gravity of the centrifugal weight (41) is R, the angle formed by a radial line (L0) and a tangent line (L1) of a point of the cam face (81) being in contact with the centrifugal weight (41) is ?, the angle formed by a radial line (L0) and a tangent line (L2) of a point in the cam face (181) being in contact with the centrifugal weight (41) is ?, and the urging force of a Belleville spring that urges a roller retainer (78) is F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8231492
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Li Chen, Chengliang Yin, Jie Shu, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Yu Dong