Coil Spring Patents (Class 192/85.41)
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Patent number: 12209618Abstract: Methods and apparatuses can be used to adjust the torque transfer capacity and improve the overall performance and longevity of a clutch assembly. Through the use of various improved clutch components disclosed herein, it is possible to: (1) increase clutch apply forces through an increase in the fluid pressure apply surface area, or piston reaction area, of a clutch piston, thereby increasing frictional forces generated within a clutch pack for transferring input torque from a drive shaft to a driven shaft; (2) improve clutch plate contact conditions through a more rigid clutch pressure plate configuration, thereby reducing clutch pack/plate distortion and supporting structure deformation and/or wear that can otherwise lead to excessive heat generation and overall clutch performance degradation and/or failure; and/or (3) improve the clutch assembly's ability to dissipate and/or tolerate heat generated through clutch plate friction by means of an improved clutch pack configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2023Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Sonnax Transmission CompanyInventors: Brian T. Copeland, Gregg A. Nader
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Patent number: 12055207Abstract: A housing is provided with a receiving area for a mounting part of a mount assembly fastened to the receiving area by a substance-to-substance bond. The receiving area has a centering portion for the mounting part and possibly a positioning portion for the mounting part which is operative in axial direction and transitions into an adjacent housing wall via a housing edge. The receiving area is provided in the radial extension region of the housing edge with a clearance operative in axial direction relative to the mounting part.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Monika Röβner, Thomas Bauer
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Patent number: 11773919Abstract: A disconnectable coupling device rotatable about an axis is provided with a first shaft having an end and a hub formed on the end, the hub including a flange extending radially from the end and a round wall projecting axially from the flange and defining a hollow; a second shaft aligned with the first shaft and opposed to the end of the first shaft, the second shaft having a drum overhanging the hub; a multi-plate clutch held between the hub and the drum to disconnectably connect the hub with the drum; a cup so fixed with the hub as to define a gutter around the first shaft; and one or more perforations axially passing through the flange to establish fluid communication between the gutter and the hollow.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: GKN Automotive LimitedInventors: Lei Yang, Christopher M. Zagacki
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Patent number: 11746900Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a brake including a fixed-side cylindrical member spline-coupled to a transmission case, a rotation-side cylindrical member coupled to a given rotating member, a plurality of friction plates disposed between the fixed-side cylindrical member and the rotation-side cylindrical member, and including a fixed-side friction plate configured to be spline-engaged with the fixed-side cylindrical member and a rotation-side friction plate configured to be spline-engaged with the rotation-side cylindrical member, and a piston configured to engage the plurality of friction plates. The automatic transmission further includes a shock absorbing member disposed between a spline part of the transmission case and a spline part of the fixed-side cylindrical member and configured to absorb impact when the fixed-side cylindrical member rotates relative to the transmission case.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Narifumi Domen, Kenta Fukuchi, Kotaro Suzuki, Masanori Sasaki, Tomotaka Ishizaka, Atsushi Abe
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Patent number: 11739800Abstract: A first multi-plate brake device and a second multi-plate brake device are arranged side by side in a direction of a rotating axis X along an inner peripheral surface of a transmission case. In the second multi-plate brake device, the snap ring is supported by a supporting portion which is formed on the first multi-plate brake device side of the snap ring and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the transmission case radially inward to the rotating axis X. The piston retainer of the first multi-plate brake device includes an abutting portion that protrudes to the second multi-plate brake device side and abuts the supporting portion from the opposite side of the snap ring of the second multi-plate brake device. The abutting portion includes a thick portion whose radial thickness on a lower side in a vertical direction is increased as compared to on an upper side in the vertical direction based on a state of mounting the automatic transmission on a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hisashi Toyama, Yuya Kimura
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Patent number: 10982696Abstract: An automobile vehicle transmission air vent system includes a first component of a vehicle transmission having a resilient material seal member retained in a cavity created in the first component. A second component of a metal material includes a vent groove facing toward the seal member. A clutch pack of the vehicle transmission is actuated by one of the first component or the second component being displaced into engagement with the clutch pack. The vent groove receives a portion of the seal member in a first displaced position of the displaced one of the first component or the second component defining an air and oil flow path through the vent groove between the first component and the second component. The seal member is positioned outside of the vent groove in a second displaced position of the displaced one of the first component or the second component.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Scott Heitzenrater
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Patent number: 10883551Abstract: Provided is a frictional engagement device including outer and inner base bodies, outer and inner friction plates, a piston, a return spring, and a spring seat. Sliding grooves which guide sliding movement of the outer or inner friction plate in the axial direction are provided in at least one of the outer and inner base bodies at intervals in a circumferential direction, the outer or inner friction plate which slides in the sliding grooves includes protruding pieces fitted in the sliding grooves, a spring seat which is located on one end portion of each of the sliding grooves and supports one end of the return spring is provided on the outer or inner base body in which the sliding grooves are provided, and a through-hole which communicates with the sliding grooves and is capable of discharging lubricating oil that has accumulated in the sliding grooves is provided in the spring seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shoji Nomura
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Patent number: 10274025Abstract: A balance module 10 for a clutch comprises a first annular piston part 11, a second annular piston part 12, which is arranged opposite the first piston part 11 in the axial direction and spaced therefrom, at least three spring elements 13 operating in the axial direction, which are arranged axially between the first 11 and the second piston part 12, and a sealing element 14 with at least one radially outwardly directed sealing lip 15, which is attached on the first piston part 11. The spring elements 13, the first 11 and the second piston part 12 are connected to one another in a loss-proof manner, in order to form an integral module 10.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems GmbHInventors: Cem Yoldjou, Erika Szele
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Patent number: 10054173Abstract: A brake or clutch assembly includes a piston that moves within a housing in response to fluid pressure and is engaged with a clutch pack. A ring-shaped return spring includes a plurality of coil springs extending axially from a face of the return spring. An outer periphery of the return spring is disposed in an annular groove in the housing which axially fixes the return spring in the housing. The springs are engaged with and bias the piston away from the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Luke A. Rippelmeyer
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Patent number: 9027724Abstract: A lockup clutch mechanism of a hydraulic transmission device includes a lockup piston that is capable of moving toward a front cover to press first and second friction plates, and a flange member that together with the lockup piston defines an engagement-side oil chamber. The front cover and the lockup piston define a first lubricant passage that supplies hydraulic oil to the first and second friction plates. A second lubricant passage communicating with the first lubricant passage is formed in a centerpiece of the front cover. A first shaft oil passage communicating with the engagement-side oil chamber and a second shaft oil passage communicating with the second lubricant passage are formed in an input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Tanaka, Yuito Abe, Kazuyoshi Ito, Koji Maeda, Naohisa Momiyama
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Patent number: 8991583Abstract: A spring pack for a transmission includes first rotatable piston and a second rotatable piston. The first rotatable piston includes a first retainer plate, and the second rotatable piston includes a second retainer plate. The spring pack further includes a tabbed retainer plate that is stationary with respect to the first piston and the second piston and also includes a set of biasing members with a first subset of biasing members and a second subset of biasing members. The first subset of biasing members is disposed between the first retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate, and the second subset of biasing members is disposed between the second retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate. As the first and second pistons are activated, they stroke independently of each other as each retainer plate compresses its respective subset of biasing members against the tabbed retainer plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 8893870Abstract: A dual shift coupling including two operatively connected coupling units mounted on a shared, integrally formed inner body in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner. Further, a multi-part pressure disk is arranged between the coupling units in an axially fixed manner and is supported by the inner body, and has two axially movable pressure pistons ventilated by respective pressure spring assemblies arranged in the inner body. A radial notch for accommodating the pressure disk is provided in the inner body, wherein the radial depth of the notch extends at least to radial inner wall segments of recesses for the pressure spring assemblies. Each pressure spring assembly has a plurality of pressure springs which rest on the inner side of the pressure disk relative to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: GKN Stromag AGInventors: Robert Rank, Matthias Glomm, Christian Hampel, Thomas Haeseker
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Patent number: 8813935Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Anthony L. Smith
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Patent number: 8794415Abstract: The invention relates to a positively engaging shifting element which can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated, comprising a hydraulically or pneumatically actuatable piston (I) having a piston compartment (2) containing a hydraulic medium or pressure medium, a pressure medium supply (6) for the piston (I), a jaw (3) and a mating jaw (4) with which the jaw (3) meshes when engaged. The engaging speed of the jaw (3) can be increased by decoupling the jaw (3) from the hydraulic or pneumatic volume flow when the jaws (3) and (4) are in a tooth butt position in relation to each other and by pretensioning the jaw (3) by means of a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure reservoir (7) that is actively connected to the piston (I) and that is connected to the pressure medium supply (6). The gap between the jaws, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Matthias Reisch, Ralf Dreibholz, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Peter Ziemer, Mark Mohr, Manuel Götz
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Patent number: 8408375Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a plurality of reaction plates separated by one or more separator springs to maintain a distance between the reaction plates when the clutch is not activated.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Kevin A. Copeland
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Patent number: 8256600Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. A hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William S. Reed, Douglas Scott Burchett, Rayman Eton Bazilio
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Patent number: 8245827Abstract: A clutch-brake assembly transmits force to rotate a shaft and to retain the shaft against rotation. The assembly includes a plurality of force transmitting members which transmit force between a piston and a base member. A plurality of springs urge the piston to move relative to the base member. A plurality of spring retainers are disposed between the base member and the piston. Each of the spring retainers includes a plurality of projecting portions extending from the base portion. Each of the springs is telescopically disposed on one of the projecting portions. Each of the force transmitting members is disposed between adjacent spring retainers.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Robert Steve Tekesky, James M. Latsko, Gerald Matthew Szpak
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Patent number: 8235197Abstract: A seal structure provided in an inner mechanism of an automatic shift gear includes: a housing; a piston; a canceller; a return spring; an opponent member which is disposed opposite to a centrifugal canceller chamber in the canceller and forms an oil path between the opponent member and the canceller; an outer circumferential seal unit which is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the canceller and comes into contact with the piston to seal an operating oil supplied to the canceller chamber; and a second outer circumferential seal unit which is provided on the outer circumferential portion of the canceller and comes into contact with the opponent member to seal an operating oil flowing through the oil path, in which the second circumferential seal unit has an axial seal shape which comes into contact with an inner circumferential shape of a cylindrical shape provided on the opponent member.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: NOK CorporationInventor: Tomoaki Nishimura
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Patent number: 8181762Abstract: An annular frictional engaging piston includes an annular pressure apply portion which pushes a frictional engagement element in an axial direction against urging force of a return spring that urges in a direction opposite the frictional engagement element, and which has a cutout portion where a portion in the circumferential direction has been removed to avoid interference between the piston and another member. A partially removed region is provided, and a mounting hole for mounting the return spring on the piston is provided in a region other than the partially removed region.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabuskiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Terasu Harashima, Shundou Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7954615Abstract: A device for actuating a disk clutch (B) in a transmission, which consists of an actuating piston-cylinder arrangement with rotation pressure compensation, whose actuating piston (6) is associated with a pressure chamber (4) for a pressure medium fluid to produce the actuating force, and in which a pressure compensation chamber (26) is provided, in which by virtue of centrifugal action a pressure medium fluid produces on the actuating piston a compensation force directed in opposition to the actuation direction of the actuating piston, the pressure chamber and the pressure compensation chamber each having a delivery line (9, 21) for pressure medium fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Tiesler, Christoph Margraf
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Patent number: 7921975Abstract: A clutch actuation mechanism having a plurality of friction plates engaged with a clutch outer and a clutch inner in a relatively non-rotatable manner and arranged alternately between a bearing plate portion and a pressing plate portion. A clutch disengage/engage control mechanism for switching disengagement/engagement of the clutch actuation mechanism. A clutch piston having opposite sides facing toward a control hydraulic chamber and a hydraulic canceler chamber. A division wall member forming the hydraulic canceler chamber between the division wall member and the clutch piston for forming an oil passage, which introduces lubricating oil toward the friction plates, in cooperation with the clutch inner. A control hydraulic chamber, hydraulic canceler chamber, and division wall member are arranged within a range corresponding to the space between the outer surfaces of a bearing plate portion and pressing plate portion and radially inward of a clutch actuation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Ogasawara, Yoshinki Tsukada, Junya Watanabe, Takashi Ozeki, Shigeru Tajima, Kazuyuki Fukaya
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Patent number: 7845480Abstract: A support structure for supporting a brake, as a frictional coupling device, includes a snap ring, a friction plate, and a back plate. The snap ring fits in a groove that extends in a circle. The back plate is disposed between the friction plate and the snap ring. The back plate is pressed against the snap ring. The snap ring has a first end face that faces the back plate and a second end face that faces the opposite side from the first end face and is in contact with a sidewall of the groove. The back plate has an end face that is in contact with the first end face. The static friction coefficient between the first end face of the snap ring and the end face of the back plate is smaller than that between the second end face of the snap ring and the sidewall of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuo Obata, Tetsuya Kohno, Junichi Nishinosono, Hirofumi Onishi, Yuji Yasuda, Takanori Nukata
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Patent number: 7841457Abstract: A transmission having a shaft driven by a prime mover such as an engine or motor is provided. The transmission includes a first stationary element for supporting the shaft for rotation, and a torque transmitting device connectable to the shaft and rotatable about an axis. The torque transmitting device is actuated by a hydraulic fluid. A first passage is connected to the torque transmitting device and is in communication with the hydraulic fluid. The first passage extends radially inward from the torque transmitting device. A vent passage is located within the first stationary element and is in communication with the first passage. Rotation of the torque transmitting device about the axis separates entrained air from the fluid and urges air radially inward through the first passage and into the vent passage, thereby removing air from the hydraulic fluid and circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Drew A. Crafton, Charles F. Long, Randall S. Conn
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Publication number: 20100279810Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a piston-actuated clutch assembly for a transmission. Interconnecting members are integrated into a pressure plate of the clutch assembly. The interlocking members are configured to selectively interlock the piston and the pressure plate. The location of the interlocking members reduces wear on the piston and other transmission components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Bradley Ronald Heuver
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Publication number: 20100140038Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a piston apparatus of an automatic transmission includes a piston member capable of moving in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and a hydraulic chamber, and has been configured so that the piston member moves in the axial direction due to pressure in the hydraulic chamber. The piston member includes a cylinder part that extends in the axial direction and to which pressure in the hydraulic chamber is transmitted, a pressing part that extends in the radial direction and presses against a friction engaging element of the automatic transmission, and a connecting part that connects the cylinder part and the pressing part and, with respect to the axial direction, is offset from the pressing part in a direction of separation from the friction engaging element. Also, the axial direction offset amount of the connecting part from the pressing part of the piston member has been set larger than the stroke amount of the piston member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shintaro Goto, Hirofumi Morishita, Naoki Kato