Automatic Patents (Class 192/70.252)
  • Patent number: 11512745
    Abstract: A self-adjusting clutch actuator includes a transmission element displaceable in a displacement direction; and a compensation mechanism having a piston displaceable in the displacement direction of the transmission element. The compensation mechanism allows a first relative displacement (X) of the transmission element relative to the piston in the displacement direction when there is no actuating force in the clutch actuator, and blocks the first relative displacement (X) when an actuating force is introduced into the clutch actuator by bringing a frictional element (4) into contact with a counter-element. The frictional element (4) is designed for a second relative displacement (Y) relative to the counter-element when the first relative displacement (X) is not blocked by the compensation mechanism (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Schaller
  • Patent number: 11391329
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism for actuating a friction clutch, which can be disengaged against a spring force and is arranged between an internal combustion engine and a manual transmission, includes two lockable elements that are movable toward one another longitudinally to automatically change the length and compensate for clutch wear. The first element consists of a spindle which is coupled to a non-rotatable component of a disengagement mechanism of the friction clutch in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner and has a steep-pitch external thread. The second element consists of a nut having a steep-pitch internal thread into which the spindle can be screwed, the pitch of the steep-pitch thread being dimensioned in such a way that no self-locking can occur between the two elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ZF CV Systems Hannover GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Gerd Schünemann, Robin Gucia
  • Patent number: 11316407
    Abstract: Provided is a generator that converts mechanical energy transmitted through a rotation shaft perpendicularly coupled to a flywheel as an output shaft of an engine into electrical energy. The generator includes: a rotor coupled to the rotation shaft and rotated together when the rotation shaft is rotated; and a stator which has an inner surface positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the rotor and is wound around with a coil, wherein the engine includes: a plurality of blades installed in a side surface of the flywheel facing the rotor and rotated together with the flywheel when the rotation shaft is rotated; and an engine bracket which has a through hole through which the rotation shaft passes, has one side that is opened to accommodate the flywheel therein, and is coupled to the stator, wherein the engine bracket forms an air flow path for guiding air flowed into the flywheel through an inside of the rotor to the stator, when the plurality of blades are rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seunghyoung Ha, Song Choi
  • Patent number: 11267331
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes an electric machine, a clutch device, and a frictionally-engaging separating clutch. The separating clutch is arranged between a dual-mass flywheel and an intermediate shaft. The separating clutch includes a counter-plate, an outer lamella carrier rigidly connected to the counter-plate, a pressure plate, axially movable relative to the outer lamella carrier, an intermediate plate, axially movable relative to the outer lamella carrier, a first clutch disk, axially movable and extending between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate, and a second clutch disk, axially movable and extending between the counter-plate and the intermediate plate. The pressure plate or the intermediate plate is connected to the outer lamella carrier for conjoint rotation therewith via a leaf spring, or the pressure plate or the intermediate plate is connected to the counter-plate for conjoint rotation therewith via a leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Reimnitz
  • Patent number: 11235884
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric drive for an aircraft hybrid system. This electric drive comprises a rotor and a stator, wherein the stator may be connected to a structure of the aircraft and the rotor has an annular flange with a shaft through opening for mounting on a propeller flange, wherein the flange is formed of at least two parts, wherein each of these parts of the flange delimits a section of the shaft through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Johann Schwöller
  • Patent number: 10801555
    Abstract: A wear compensation device of a clutch actuator may include a screw movable along a longitudinal direction of a pull-rod axially received in the screw, a screw guider holding the screw to allow movement in the longitudinal direction and having a connection pin connected to a link member, a compensation nut supported by the screw guider, engaged with the screw, and having catching teeth, a compensation ring externally coupled with the compensation nut, having a catching protrusion to be locked with the catching teeth in one direction thereof, and having a guide pin on an external circumference of the compensation ring, and a guide block fixed to a housing, having a guide groove to receive the guide pin, and guiding the guide pin to rotate the compensation ring when the pull-rod is operated to a wear compensation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jong Min Kim, In Tae Park, Jinwoo Lee, Euihee Jeong
  • Patent number: 10527112
    Abstract: A control device controls a driving force transmission device that presses a main clutch using an actuator that generates a pressing force according to a supply current. The control device includes a current command value setting unit that sets a current command value based on I-T characteristic information indicating the relationship between a current supplied to the actuator and a driving force transmitted, a correction duration setting unit that sets a correction duration based on a responsiveness related value related to the responsiveness of the main clutch when an increase in the driving force to be transmitted by the main clutch becomes greater than or equal to a threshold, a correction unit that increases and corrects the current command value for the set correction duration, and the current control unit that performs current feedback control such that a current corresponding to the current command value is supplied to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kato, Kotaro Sarai, Toshimi Hara, Naoki Sawada, Masahito Uesaka
  • Patent number: 10486519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission device (1), having torque input means (2, 24) intended to be rotationally coupled to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine (7), and torque output means (8) intended to be rotationally coupled to an input shaft (10) of a gearbox (36) and to a rotor (34) of an electric machine, the torque input means (2, 24) being capable of pivoting with respect to the torque output means (8) around an axis (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Gilles Lebas, Emmanuel Commeine
  • Patent number: 9217477
    Abstract: A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle to reduce the rotational inertia of the clutch system, provide torsional damping within the system, and minimize vibration (e.g., rattling) between a floater and a flywheel. For example, a damping assembly secured to the floater may engage a locator pin secured to the flywheel and thereby reduce vibration. The friction clutch system may include a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: TNMJ CALIBER, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Wilson, Kevin C. Payne, William F. Baty
  • Patent number: 9151337
    Abstract: A self-adjusting mechanism for a friction clutch is disclosed. The mechanism includes first and second hub members with mating ratchet teeth, and an adjustment arm having a non-slip connection with the first hub member for driving the first hub member in opposite rotational directions, and a worm gear which, when rotated, moves an adjustment ring of the clutch to adjust the friction surfaces to compensate for wear. The mechanism also includes a lost-motion connection located between the worm gear and the release mechanism of the clutch. The adjustment arm on the first hub member has a connection with the release mechanism of the clutch. The release mechanism is movable through an adjustment cycle during which the worm gear is rotated to move the adjustment ring of the clutch to adjust friction surfaces to compensate for wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ace Manufacturing & Parts Company
    Inventor: Brian Robert Ley
  • Patent number: 9151338
    Abstract: A friction clutch having a counter-pressure plate and a pressing plate that is rotationally fixed and axially movable in relation to the latter, a cover part which is firmly connected to the counter-pressure plate, a lever spring clamped between the pressing plate and cover part having an encircling power rim and levers extending radially inward and distributed around the circumference and support zones extending radially outward, a clutch plate having friction linings which may be brought into frictional engagement between the counter-pressure plate and the pressing plate dependent on an axial engaging force applied to the levers contrary to the effect of a lining resiliency, a compensation spring effectively countering the lining resiliency between the counter-pressure plate and the pressing plate, and an adjusting device having a drive spring in the form of an opened ring situated on the lever spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Herkommer, René Daikeler
  • Patent number: 9115767
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is equipped with a clutch cover that is fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an wear-amount detecting mechanism, and a wear tracking mechanism. The wear-amount detecting mechanism has a contact member, an opposing member, and a wedge member. The contact member is attached to the pressure plate and is in contact with the flywheel. The opposing member is attached to the contact member and opposes the pressure plate. The wedge member fits between the opposing member and the pressure plate and moves in a circumferential direction in accordance with the wear-amount of a friction member. The wear tracking mechanism moves the pressing member to an initial posture side in accordance with the amount of movement of the wedge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9115772
    Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for automatically calibrating clutches within a transmission of a work vehicle may include determining, with a computing device, whether a plurality of predetermined conditions are satisfied for performing a clutch calibration on a clutch of the transmission. The predetermined conditions may require that the work vehicle be in park and that a predetermined time period has elapsed since a previous clutch calibration was performed on the clutch. In addition, the method may include automatically initiating the clutch calibration without requiring operator input when the predetermined conditions are satisfied and performing the clutch calibration in order to calibrate the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros
  • Patent number: 9062722
    Abstract: A clutch device having at least one torque transmission device, which has at least one pressure plate which is connected non-rotatingly to a housing component, a pressing plate which may be moved non-rotatingly and in an axial direction with respect to the pressure plate, and a clutch plate which may be clamped in a frictionally engaged manner between the pressure plate and the pressing plate, and having at least one wear adjustment device which has at least one ramp ring which is rotatable in a circumferential direction by means of at least one coil spring for sensing and for compensating for wear-induced axial play between the housing component and the pressing plate, wherein the coil spring is mounted on the ramp ring side and on the housing component side, there being a hook-in securing means provided between the ramp ring and the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Vilkner
  • Patent number: 8997963
    Abstract: A dry friction clutch is provided having an innovative baffle design wherein the baffle has a tab that sets the limit for maximum adjustment of an adjustment mechanism of the dry clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Troy Scott Reinoehl, Steven Michael Peterson, James Lee Whitaker, Clinton Lee McClellan, Steven Joe Rynearson, Jr., James Robert Hockemeyer, John Alan Schenkel, III
  • Patent number: 8967354
    Abstract: In a clutch cover assembly, accurate abrasion compensation is constantly enabled by stabilizing the actuation of an abrasion amount detecting mechanism. The present clutch cover assembly includes a clutch cover fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an abrasion amount detecting mechanism and an abrasion tracking mechanism. The abrasion amount detecting mechanism is a mechanism having a plurality of meshing positions and includes a mobile detecting member configured to release meshing in a first meshing position and move to a second meshing position when the abrasion amount of a friction member reaches a predetermined amount. The abrasion tracking mechanism moves the diaphragm spring to an initial posture side thereof in accordance with the displacement of the mobile detecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8844699
    Abstract: A clutch assembly, particularly for a friction clutch of a motor vehicle, with at least one clutch housing in which is arranged a diaphragm spring that acts on a pressure plate and is secured to the clutch housing by a holding ring with retaining tabs distributed over a circumference at a distance axially from the holding ring. The retaining tabs define an axial stop. A spring element is arranged between two adjacent structural component parts of the clutch assembly that are arranged between the holding ring and the axial stop of the retaining tabs that exerts an axial spring force on the adjacent structural component parts. The spring element is arranged on at least one retaining tab and has at least two edge-side support regions that extend in direction of the adjacent retaining tabs and at least partially contact one structural component part and at least one axial raised portion arranged between the support regions that at least partially contacts the other structural component part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Schömig, Marco Greubel
  • Patent number: 8813937
    Abstract: A clutch control assembly for a transmission, including a piston plate including a first side having a first circumferentially aligned and axially extending ramp, and a second side. The assembly includes an adjustment ring in contact with the first ramp, and at least one rotary piston with a first end fixed to the adjustment ring. In response to a first force applied to the second radially disposed side and the at least one rotary piston, the at least one rotary piston is displaceable to urge the adjustment ring in a first circumferential direction along the first ramp such that the adjustment rings displaces in a first axial direction away from the piston plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 8776978
    Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle is provided. The friction clutch is disengaged when unpowered and engaged by axial movement of an actuating lever operated by an actuating device via a further lever. In the event of overtravel traversed beyond the unpowered state the friction clutch compensates for an incorrect axial gap between the friction surfaces provided in a friction clutch caused by wear. The friction clutch includes a switchable stop provided on the actuating device. The switchable stop releases an overtravel path for the further lever when a detected engagement path of the further lever exceeds a predefined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marco Becht
  • Patent number: 8770366
    Abstract: A clutch unit which has a friction clutch, that includes a pressure plate, which is rotationally fixed to the housing, yet displaceable to a limited extent in the axial direction. The housing can be connected to a counter-pressure disk, and lever elements which are positioned in an annular arrangement and which are disposed between the housing and the pressure plate. The elements are supported on a rolling support carried by the housing and to which pressure can be applied at the radially inner lever tips thereof in order to close the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Dussel, Goetz Rathke, Dirk Reimnitz
  • Patent number: 8746428
    Abstract: A clutch device including at least one torque transmission device engageable and/or disengageable in an axial direction by a lever element and forming a friction-locking connection when engaged, at least one wear readjustment device that includes at least one rotatable ramp ring at least temporarily clampable by the lever element and at least one spindle drive rotatably supported to act on the ramp ring and including a spindle shaft, where the wear readjustment device includes at least one infinitely variable freewheel unit to rotate the spindle shaft in the case of a sensed wear condition of the torque transmission device, the infinitely variable freewheel unit including at least one wrap spring or at least one freewheel sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christoph Raber
  • Patent number: 8733525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjusting device for a friction clutch of a motor vehicle, having a spindle, a spindle nut screwed onto the spindle to carry along an adjusting element to adjust a wear-related incorrect gap between a counter plate and a pressure plate for pressing a clutch plate between the pressure plate and the counter plate, and an essentially frictionally engaged and/or essentially stepless means of swiveling for swiveling the spindle to adjust the wear-related incorrect gap, as well as to a friction clutch having such an adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Raber, Christian Asal
  • Patent number: 8718888
    Abstract: A method for adapting a clutch characteristic curve, in particular one that exhibits hysteresis, where at least one characteristic value obtainable from the characteristic curve is compared to an appropriately measured characteristic value, and if the comparison shows that there is a deviation between the two characteristic values which is greater than a predetermined value, an adjustment is made to the clutch characteristic curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ekkehard Reibold
  • Patent number: 8607953
    Abstract: A clutch adapted to transmit the motion from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, having an axis of rotation coaxial to the driven shaft and comprising, a ring gear, a first bell integral in rotation with the ring gear and coaxial to the axis of rotation, an axially fixed hub internal to the first bell and coaxial to the axis of rotation, an axially movable pressure assembly including a disk-pusher element, a disk pack, a plurality of elastic elements, and a centrifugal assembly. The clutch comprises at least one first clearance-recovery device of a unidirectional type, adapted to limit the separation of the disk-pusher element from the axially fixed hub and from the disk pack, and a second clearance-recovery device of a unidirectional type, adapted to enable an axial movement of the centrifugal assembly only towards the disk-pusher element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Adler S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfio Morone, Roberto Morone
  • Patent number: 8543304
    Abstract: A method operates a clutch release system of a vehicle having an electrically actuable clutch release unit including a sensor for detecting a position of a release piston, a control unit for controlling the release piston as a function of a detected position of a clutch actuating device, and a sensor for detecting the position of the clutch actuating device. A characteristic curve function describes a relationship between the position of the clutch actuating device and the position of the release piston. The function is taken into consideration during actuation of the clutch release system to obtain a consistent clutch release at a defined position of the clutch actuating device despite progressive wear of the clutch release system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Hilberer
  • Patent number: 8463482
    Abstract: An improved method for predicting the health of a power transmission and an apparatus for practicing the same are provided. The method includes: monitoring a total number of converged shifts after a first shift has converged; determining if the total number of converged shifts is greater then a calibrated number of completed converged shifts; if yes, determining an initial clutch volume, an initial free running clearance, a free running clearance, and a free running clearance per face and monitoring a change in free running clearance per face; determining if either the free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated free running clearance per friction surface for failure or if the change in free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated change in free running clearance per friction surface for failure; if yes, activating a service indicator configured to warn vehicle occupants that transmission service is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Rains, Brett R. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8381890
    Abstract: A friction clutch having a wear adjuster that compensates for wear in the form of an incorrect spacing between the pressure plate and the pressing plate as a result of an abrasion of the clutch friction linings. The incorrect spacing between the disk spring and the pressing plate is compensated by a ramp device. The ramp device and the pressing plate are coupled to one another by a positive connection, which, in order to compensate for the incorrect spacing, is temporarily suspended only when the incorrect spacing has been detected by a position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christoph Raber
  • Patent number: 8297424
    Abstract: A self-adjusting twin or dual dry clutch assembly for a dual clutch transmission includes a single actuator. The clutch assembly includes one center and two outer clutch drive plates or discs which independently engage a pair of interleaved driven clutch plates or discs which are coupled to and drive a respective pair of transmission countershafts or layshafts. The single actuator translates an internal clutch carrier which acts upon the outer clutch plates through respective pluralities of linear one way clutches. Self-adjustment of the dual clutch assembly is achieved by additional linear one way clutches acting through pairs of spring biased control rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jesse B. Bradley
  • Patent number: 8292055
    Abstract: In transmissions having input clutches, a lever arm configured as a second class lever is pivoted at one end, applies force to a clutch bearing near its middle and is acted upon by a linear actuator at its opposite end. The present invention relates to mechanisms for adjusting the location of the pivot to compensate for clutch wear. The fixed pivot is replaced by a linear one way clutch mechanism. As the clutch facing wears and the clutch is activated, an extension of the actuating lever arm abuts a stationary stop beyond the one way clutch pivot which translates the pivot point provided by the one way clutch mechanism toward the clutch to reduce pre-travel and compensate for clutch facing wear. Hydraulic and spring biasing of the pivot point are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A Wilton, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8245829
    Abstract: A wear compensating device, including: at a first axial end, an annularly-shaped base element; an index trigger element connected to the base element; a first annularly-shaped element, at least partially rotatable with respect to the base element, engaged with the index trigger element, and at least partially rotatable with respect to the index trigger element; and at a second axial end, opposite the first axial end, a second annularly-shaped element with a first ramp, the second annularly-shaped element engaged with the first annularly-shaped element and rotatable with respect to the first annularly-shaped element. In response to a specified amount of displacement by a portion of the index trigger element, the first and second annularly-shaped elements are rotatable to change a circumferential position of the first ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mavinkal Jayaram, Philip George
  • Patent number: 8201679
    Abstract: An actively closed friction clutch actuated by a lever actuator and having an adjusting means, the lever actuator taking the form of a roller displaced radially by a spindle, which roller acts on a unilaterally suspended lever, the latter being displaced axially and acting axially on a clamping means such as a lever, lever spring or diaphragm spring. The adjusting means for compensating friction lining wear is enabled by an end stop position widened axially relative to a stop position of the lever, which end stop position is enabled by means of an engageable/disengageable stop. To distinguish the two stop positions, the force/travel characteristic line of the lever actuator is detected by the controller of the lever actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Burkhart, Alexander Dreher
  • Patent number: 8172062
    Abstract: A device for actuating a friction clutch with automatic adjustment. An actuating movement for engaging and disengaging the clutch is transmitted to a pressing component. The adjusting device includes a sensing component that is biased in the direction of an adjusting movement and compensates for sensing play that occurs as a result of wear when the clutch is engaged, and that compensates for play that occurs when the clutch is disengaged after compensation of the sensing play in the movement transmission between the actuating component and the transmission component. When the clutch is engaged and wear is present, the sensing component moves out of contact against a spring component which, when the clutch is engaged and wear is present, comes into contact against a stop before the fully engaged state of the clutch is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Götz Rathke, Klaus Dussel
  • Patent number: 8162120
    Abstract: A friction clutch for a drive train, the clutch including a pressure plate rotatably fixed and axially displaceable relative to a housing. A disc spring is provided between the housing and the pressure plate to axially act on the pressure plate. An adjusting device is effective between the housing and the disc spring to compensate for friction lining wear of a clutch plate that interacts with the pressure plate when the clutch is operated in the drive train. The disc spring is pivotable relative to an annular support carried by the housing. An axial force is applied to the disc spring in the direction of the support by springs that include a leaf-spring, a sensor spring, and an additional spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Yannick Simon, Christoph Raber
  • Patent number: 8113327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple clutch assembly comprising: first (5, 9) and second (7, 11) friction elements; first (15) and second (17) plates for applying pressure to said respective friction elements; first (21) and second (25) diaphragms for actuating said respective plates, each diaphragm being mobile between a disengaged position (21a, 25a or 25b) and an engaged position (21b or 21c, 25c), said first diaphragm (21) approaching the second diaphragm (25) when it passes from the disengaged position thereof to the engaged position thereof; and first (23) and second (27) means for actuating said respective diaphragms. Said second actuating means (27) comprise means for renewing the course of the second diaphragm (25), in such a way that the second diaphragm (25) follows a pre-determined course between the disengaged position (25a or 25b) and the engaged position (25c) thereof, independently of the degree of wear of the second friction element (7, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Ivan Dutier, Francois Thibaut
  • Patent number: 8100812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for controlling an automated friction clutch with a wear adjustment device that adjusts extended clutch stroke by a discrete magnitude through the wear of friction lining at maximum transmittable torque of the friction clutch. To guarantee safe self-adjustment, also during a long operation period under the maximum clutch torque, under specified preconditions, for instance, during the start of the internal combustion engine and without gear engagement, the friction clutch is closed for maximum clutch torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Laszlo Man, Alexander Dreher, Dirk Burkhart
  • Patent number: 8051969
    Abstract: In a torque coupling having an input flange, an input shaft, an actuator, and a multiple clutch pack, and a driving mechanism, the present invention broadly comprises an actuator for transferring the input toque to the output shaft. The actuator comprises an actuator plate which is limited to only rotational movement, a pressure plate which is limited to only axial movement, and a plurality of actuator pins. The driving mechanism rotates the actuator plate through a gear set and forces the actuator pins to move vertically. The vertical movement of the actuator pins forces the pressure plate in an axial direction. In a torque coupling, the actuator is used to transfer the input torque to the output shaft through compression of the multiple clutch pack by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Smith, Jeffrey Hemphill, James Habegger
  • Patent number: 8042673
    Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus includes a cover portion generally defined by a first axis. The cover portion includes a plurality of adjustment apertures. The apparatus also includes a flywheel coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith, wherein the flywheel is restrained from axial movement relative to the cover portion. The apparatus also includes a pressure plate coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. The pressure plate is axially moveable relative to the cover portion. The apparatus also includes a clutch disk at least partially interposed between the flywheel and the pressure plate. The apparatus also includes a plurality of first members extending between the pressure plate and the cover. Each first member exerts a biasing outward radial force on the adjustment aperture to resist axial movement therebetween. A portion of the first member exerts a biasing axial force on the pressure plate thereby biasing the pressure plate toward the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Barry Thomas Adams
  • Patent number: 8037979
    Abstract: An arrangement for reducing a rotational speed of a rotating member includes a first and second pressure member arranged at a distance from each other and an opposite sides of the rotating member for movement relative to each other between a retracted position and a forward position engaging the rotating member. The arrangement includes an adjustment device including a friction structure forming a friction joint with one of the pressure members for maintaining a position relative to one another provided a maximum friction force is not exceeded. The arrangement further includes a spring acting on the friction structure for separating the pressure members after having been compressed. The spring has a gradually increasing spring force between a non-compressed state and a totally compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Jonny Strandberg, Thomas Andersson
  • Publication number: 20110056790
    Abstract: A friction clutch having a wear adjuster that compensates for wear in the form of an incorrect spacing between the pressure plate and the pressing plate as a result of an abrasion of the clutch friction linings. The incorrect spacing between the disk spring and the pressing plate is compensated by a ramp device. The ramp device and the pressing plate are coupled to one another by a positive connection, which, in order to compensate for the incorrect spacing, is temporarily suspended only when the incorrect spacing has been detected by a position sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Christoph RABER
  • Publication number: 20110024254
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch is provided to couple a drive shaft from a gas turbine engine with a driven shaft of a lift fan. When disengaged the plates of the clutch can be physically separated. Plates of one shaft are coupled to the shaft with individual energy members that return the plates to a disengaged position. The plates of the other shaft can be coupled together with a travel member and/or lug key and energy devices between at least some of the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Al Cookerly, Andrew D. Copeland
  • Publication number: 20100258399
    Abstract: A friction clutch for a drive train, the clutch including a pressure plate rotatably fixed and axially displaceable relative to a housing. A disc spring is provided between the housing and the pressure plate to axially act on the pressure plate. An adjusting device is effective between the housing and the disc spring to compensate for friction lining wear of a clutch plate that interacts with the pressure plate when the clutch is operated in the drive train. The disc spring is pivotable relative to an annular support carried by the housing. An axial force is applied to the disc spring in the direction of the support by springs that include a leaf-spring, a sensor spring, and an additional spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Yannick Simon, Christoph Raber
  • Publication number: 20100181137
    Abstract: A clutch includes an automatic play adjusting mechanism interposed between a pressure plate and a pull rod, to allow movement of the pressure plate relative to the pull rod in a clutch axial direction in a clutch connected state, and to restrict the movement of the pressure plate relative to the pull rod in the clutch axial direction when the pull rod moves more than a prescribed play amount in the clutch axial direction. As a result, the clutch can restrict the shift of a touch point caused by thermal expansion or wear, and the play amount of the clutch can be adjusted automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20100133057
    Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus includes a cover portion generally defined by a first axis. The cover portion includes a plurality of adjustment apertures. The apparatus also includes a flywheel coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith, wherein the flywheel is restrained from axial movement relative to the cover portion. The apparatus also includes a pressure plate coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. The pressure plate is axially moveable relative to the cover portion. The apparatus also includes a clutch disk at least partially interposed between the flywheel and the pressure plate. The apparatus also includes a plurality of first members extending between the pressure plate and the cover. Each first member exerts a biasing outward radial force on the adjustment aperture to resist axial movement therebetween. The apparatus also includes a plurality of biasing members. At least one biasing member is interposed between one of the first members and the flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Barnholt
  • Publication number: 20100126821
    Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus includes a cover portion generally defined by a first axis. The cover portion includes a plurality of adjustment apertures. The apparatus also includes a flywheel coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith, wherein the flywheel is restrained from axial movement relative to the cover portion. The apparatus also includes a pressure plate coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. The pressure plate is axially moveable relative to the cover portion. The apparatus also includes a clutch disk at least partially interposed between the flywheel and the pressure plate. The apparatus also includes a plurality of first members extending between the pressure plate and the cover. Each first member exerts a biasing outward radial force on the adjustment aperture to resist axial movement therebetween. A portion of the first member exerts a biasing axial force on the pressure plate thereby biasing the pressure plate toward the flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Barry Thomas Adams
  • Publication number: 20100116614
    Abstract: The present invention is a ratcheting one-way clutch for an automotive component such as, for example, a stator for a torque converter. A plurality of ramp plates is provided that are positioned on either side of the catch plate. Each ramp plate includes a series of locking fingers directed at an angle toward the catch plate in a plane that enables the fingers to engage with one of the at least one windows on the catch plate. Such an engagement prevents the catch plate from rotating in the engagement direction, while the angled orientation of the locking fingers allows the catch plate to rotate freely in the opposite (freewheeling) direction. Biasing elements are proved to axially bias the ramp plates toward the centrally positioned catch plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventor: Todd J. STURGIN
  • Publication number: 20100089685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch having two clutch parts which can be brought into engagement in form fitted manner for the torque transfer; and a shift member which is movable in a first direction to bring the clutch parts out of engagement and is movable in a second direction to bring the clutch parts into engagement. A motor is provided for the movement of the shift member in the first direction and a spring element is provided for the movement of the shift member in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Simon Kaimer, Klaus Eder, Todd Ekonen
  • Patent number: 7611005
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to shorten the axial dimension of the clutch cover assembly that includes a wear compensation mechanism and a low release load mechanism. A clutch cover assembly 1 includes a clutch cover 2, a pressure plate 3, a diaphragm spring 4, a first wear compensation mechanism 8, and a mechanism 30 to achieve low release load characteristic. The low release load characteristic achieving mechanism 30 is made of a support bolt 31, a holder 32, and a second adjust spring 39. The second adjust spring 39 is located on a side of the holder 32 near the friction member 53 in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Norihisa Uenohara
  • Patent number: 7607524
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly 1 has a clutch cover 2, a pressure plate 3, a diaphragm spring 4, a first low release load characteristic achieving mechanism 8, and a second low release load characteristic achieving mechanism 30. The second low release load characteristic achieving mechanism 30 includes a support bolt 31, a holder 32, and an adjust spring 39. The adjust spring 39 is located on a side of the holder 32 near the friction member 53 in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Norihisa Uenohara
  • Publication number: 20090223772
    Abstract: An actively closed friction clutch actuated by a lever actuator and having an adjusting means, the lever actuator taking the form of a roller displaced radially by a spindle, which roller acts on a unilaterally suspended lever, the latter being displaced axially and acting axially on a clamping means such as a lever, lever spring or diaphragm spring. The adjusting means for compensating friction lining wear is enabled by an end stop position widened axially relative to a stop position of the lever, which end stop position is enabled by means of an engageable/disengageable stop. To distinguish the two stop positions, the force/travel characteristic line of the lever actuator is detected by the controller of the lever actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Dirk Burkhart, Alexander Dreher
  • Publication number: 20090218188
    Abstract: A clutch unit which has a friction clutch, that includes a pressure plate, which is rotationally fixed to the housing, yet displaceable to a limited extent in the axial direction. The housing can be connected to a counter-pressure disk, and lever elements which are positioned in an annular arrangement and which are disposed between the housing and the pressure plate. The elements are supported on a rolling support carried by the housing and to which pressure can be applied at the radially inner lever tips thereof in order to close the friction clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Klaus DUSSEL, Goetz RATHKE, Dirk REIMNITZ