Fluid Coupling Patents (Class 464/24)
  • Patent number: 11940041
    Abstract: A power take off unit includes an input gear, an output gear, and an intermediary gear that cooperate to transfer power from a rotational power source to an operating target. The power take off unit has a control module that biases the intermediary gear relative to the input gear and the output gear to reduce gear rattle vibrations associated with intermeshed tooth looseness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Burrell, John Loeffler, Brian L. Rang
  • Patent number: 11788584
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device for transmitting torque between a first drive element and an output element, having a torque transmitting unit with a housing delimiting a first fluid chamber filled with a liquid, and a separating clutch arranged outside of the torque transmitting unit and the first fluid chamber in a second fluid chamber separated from the first chamber and which selectively transmits torque between the first drive element and the torque transmitting unit. The separating clutch has a clutch output that is connectable to a clutch input via a friction device and a clutch actuator that comprises a pressing element and an actuation element to which fluid pressure can be applied to move the actuation element. The pressing element is arranged within the second fluid chamber, and the actuation element is at least partly arranged within the first fluid chamber so that pressure is applied thereto by fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, René Daikeler, Christian Hügel
  • Patent number: 11652389
    Abstract: A rotor assembly of an electric machine includes a rotor body and a shaft assembly positioned at a central axis of the rotor assembly, and operably connected thereto. The shaft assembly includes a main rotor shaft operably connected to the rotor body, a center drive shaft located inside of the main rotor shaft, and a hydraulic damper sleeve located radially between the main rotor shaft and the center drive shaft. The hydraulic damper sleeve defines a plurality of cavities between the hydraulic damper sleeve and the center drive shaft. The hydraulic damper sleeve is configured to urge a fluid into and out of the plurality of cavities thereby damping relative circumferential motion between the main rotor shaft and the center drive shaft. A plurality of flow restrictors are configured to easily allow fluid into the plurality of cavities, while restricting flow of fluid out of the plurality of cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 11473495
    Abstract: A system includes a clutchless synchronous condensing coupling configured to couple a turbine shaft of a gas turbine system to a generator shaft of a synchronous generator of a power generation system. The clutchless synchronous condensing coupling includes a first coupling portion configured to couple to the turbine shaft, and a second coupling portion configured to couple to the generator shaft. The clutchless synchronous condensing coupling is configured to allow the power generation system to operate in an active power mode and a reactive power mode without a clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vineet Sethi, Randall John Kleen, Tho Vankhanh Nguyen, Douglas Alan Jones
  • Patent number: 10288159
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrokinetic torque converter (TC) with a TC housing. An impeller is disposed within the TC housing and connects to an engine output shaft. A turbine is disposed within the TC housing and connects to a transmission input shaft via a TC output shaft. A torque converter clutch (TCC), which is disposed within the TC housing and coupled to the TC output shaft, selectively locks the impeller to the TC output shaft. A damper, which is disposed within the TC housing and coupled to the TCC, dampens vibrations transmitted by the TCC. A disconnect device, which is disposed within the TC housing and coupled to the damper assembly and TC output shaft, connects the turbine to the TC output shaft or damper when positive torque is being transferred, and disconnects the turbine and TC output shaft or damper when negative torque is being transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 10190653
    Abstract: A mass damper system is provided with a damper mass carrier with at least one damper mass movable relative to the damper mass carrier and at least one stop. The damper mass moves within a predetermined movement region when a rotational movement of the damper mass carrier exceeds a predetermined limit speed. The predetermined movement region has a first movement region portion bounded at one end by an initial position in which the damper mass is free from a deflection in circumferential direction and by a limit position in which the damper mass has undergone a deflection, and a second movement region portion is defined at one end by the limit position and at the other end by a stop position in which the damper mass has come in contact with the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Kyrill Siemens, Jörg Sudau
  • Patent number: 10144506
    Abstract: A drive system for rotating a wheel of an aircraft landing gear. The drive system has a drive pinion and a motor operable to rotate the drive pinion via a drive path. A rotary damper is provided in the drive path between the motor and the drive pinion. A driven gear is adapted to be attached to the wheel so as to be capable of rotating the wheel. The drive system has a drive configuration in which the drive pinion is capable of meshing with the driven gear to permit the motor to drive the driven gear via the drive path. One of the drive pinion and the driven gear comprises a roller gear having a series of rollers arranged to form a ring, each roller being rotatable about a roller axis, and the other of the drive pinion and the driven gear comprises a sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Arnaud Didey, Fraser Wilson
  • Patent number: 10060502
    Abstract: An isolator includes a driver that is connectable with a shaft of a device, a rotary drive member that is engageable with an endless drive member; and a first isolation spring and a second isolation spring. The first and second isolation springs are positioned such that during rotation of the driver in a first direction torque is transferred from the driver to the first rotary drive member through the first isolation spring and not through the second isolation spring, and such that during rotation of the first rotary drive member in the first direction torque is transferred from the first rotary drive member to the driver through the second isolation spring and not through the first isolation spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Andrew M. Boyes, Warren J. Williams, Gary J. Spicer
  • Patent number: 10023049
    Abstract: In a transfer structure of a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention, a drive shaft includes: a first power transfer shaft including a first end coupled to a differential device; a second power transfer shaft including a first end coupled to a second end of the first power transfer shaft through a first universal joint; and a third power transfer shaft including a first end coupled to a second end of the second power transfer shaft through a second universal joint and a second end to which a driving wheel is coupled, and dampers are provided on at least two respective power transfer shafts. Among these dampers, a predetermined damper arranged on the longest power transfer shaft out of the at least two power transfer shafts functions in a frequency region lower than a frequency region in which a remaining damper functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Nishimura, Eiji Mito
  • Patent number: 9829065
    Abstract: A torsional vibration reducing device includes a rotating body, and a connection member. The rotating body has a plurality of guide holes. The rotating body includes a plurality of rolling bodies that are accommodated in the plurality of guide holes, respectively. The connection member connects the plurality of rolling bodies such that the plurality of rolling bodies moves integrally in the rotating direction of the rotating body. The connection member is supported so as to be reciprocally swingable in the rotating direction. A first moment that results from a weight of any one of the plurality of rolling bodies and rotates the connection member in a first rotating direction, a second moment that results from a weight of the other of the plurality of rolling bodies and rotates the connection member in a second rotating direction being applied to the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Suzuki, Hiroyuki Amano, Yu Miyahara
  • Patent number: 9435397
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional vibration damping device in which a contact site with an inertial mass can be lubricated effectively while reducing resistance of the inertial mass to oscillate. The vibration damping device includes a rotary member that is rotated by a torque, and an inertial mass that is oscillated by torque pulses. The inertial mass is held in a chamber formed on the rotary member liquid-tightly together with lubrication oil while being allowed to be oscillated by torque pulses in the rotational direction of the rotary member. An amount of the lubrication oil is adjusted in a manner such that the inertial mass will not be brought into contact with an oil film of the lubrication oil centrifugally adhering to a radially outer section of an inner face of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shingo Aijima, Yu Miyahara, Fusahiro Tsukano, Hiroyuki Amano, Hirotsugu Yoshino, Tadashi Sekiguchi, Syuhei Horita, Naoyuki Kishimoto, Yoshihiro Miyamachi
  • Patent number: 9303719
    Abstract: A powertrain mechanism comprising a carrier plate connected to the crankshaft, a drive plate connected to the gearbox shaft and at least one spring positioned between at least one first spring housing provided on the carrier plate and at least one spring housing provided on the drive plate, in order to transfer the torque, obtained from the crankshaft, to the gearbox shaft in vehicles having internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventor: Serkan Gürses
  • Patent number: 9151373
    Abstract: A wet clutch arrangement includes a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a first friction surface formation which is rotatable with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation which is rotatable with a driven member around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation by a piston pump. At least a portion of a torsional vibration damping arrangement is provided in a torque transmission path and includes an input region and an output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement further includes at least in a first torque transmission path a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via a second torque transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Dögel, Michael Kühner, Ingrid Hoffelner
  • Publication number: 20150005078
    Abstract: A vibration damping device in which vibration damping performance of a damper having a chamber holding a rolling member is improved. The vibration damping device is adapted to damp vibrations resulting from a pulsation of torque applied to a rotary member by an oscillating motion of a rolling member connected with the rotary member while being allowed to rotate relatively therewith. The vibration damping device is provided with a casing member enclosing the rolling member, and a sealing member that connects the casing member with the rotary member in a manner such that the rotary member is allowed to rotate relatively with the casing member, while preventing oil from entering into an inner space of the casing member where the rolling member is held to oscillate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Sekiguchi, Hiroyuki Amano
  • Publication number: 20140342840
    Abstract: A rotation transmitter includes: a first member, an intermediate member and a second member that are arranged coaxially with a rotation axis. The first member is formed with a first bearing surface along the rotation axis and a first direction. The second member is formed with a second bearing surface along the rotation axis and a second direction. The intermediate member is formed with a first middle bearing surface facing the first bearing surface and formed with a second middle bearing surface facing the second bearing surface. A static-pressure air bearing is formed between the bearing surface and the middle bearing surface. The rotation transmitter further includes: a preload device that biases the bearing surface and the middle bearing surface in a direction approaching each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hisayoshi Sakai
  • Publication number: 20140227121
    Abstract: A progressing cavity pump system including a rotor and a stator having an inner cavity. The rotor is rotationally disposed inside the inner cavity of the stator such that rotation of the rotor relative to the stator causes material in the inner cavity to be pumped therethrough. The pump system further includes a universal joint directly or indirectly rotationally coupled to the rotor, and a cooling system thermally coupled to the universal joint and configured to cool the universal joint by active heat exchange at a position remote from the universal joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Moyno, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale H. Parrett, Adam C. Downey, David R. Pitsch, Michael D. Amburgey
  • Patent number: 8632413
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper (1) having a damping element disposed between a first element (4) and a second element (5), in which the first element and the second element can rotate relative to each other, with or without a coupling part (3) that is located in a housing (2) and is axially displaceable along an axis (A) between the first and second elements, in which, if a coupling part is present, a) the coupling part is displaceable along the axis (A) against the spring force of at least one spring element (6, 7) and/or b) the coupling part is displaceable along the axis (A) against a medium which acts on both sides of the coupling part, with the medium located in internal or external partial spaces. Alternatively, in a damping element not having a coupling part, c) resilient elements are integrated in third coupling elements, and the coupling elements are connected to the first and second elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Asturia Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Freund, Andreas Kissler, Juergen Schulze
  • Publication number: 20130296061
    Abstract: Actuators, pumps, clutches, brakes and other assemblies may utilize field-responsive fluids that include a plurality of particles suspended in a base fluid. A positive displacement pump is provided by causing particles to align into chains and walls which inhibit traversal by fluid within a fluid enclosure. The field which aligns the particles is moved, thereby causing the walls of aligned particles to move. Because traversal of the walls by the fluid is inhibited, fluid is displaced by movement of the walls of aligned particles. A reciprocating positive displacement pump can be provided by ceasing particle alignment and returning the particles to a starting position. Objects may also be moved in response to collision with chains or walls of aligned particles that move in response to field movement. Fluid circulation features are provided for preventing agglomeration of particles when translating torque between plates in relative rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: MURAT OCALAN, NATHANIEL WICKS
  • Patent number: 8336685
    Abstract: A damper includes a housing, a hollow outer rotor provided inside the housing, an inner rotor disposed inside the outer rotor to constitute a plurality of liquid chambers and rotating in a state decentered relative to an axial core of the outer rotor, a communicating passage connecting between the liquid chambers, and a valve mechanism moving inside the communicating passage. Viscous fluid is filled between the outer rotor and the inner rotor. When the pressure inside the communicating passage reaches a predetermined value or above due to the rotation of the inner rotor, the communicating passage is closed or a flow passage area of they communicating passage is narrowed, and when the pressure inside the communicating passage falls to the predetermined value or less, the communicating passage is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Aiko Inaba
  • Patent number: 8308590
    Abstract: A hub-pulley assembly comprising a hub adapted to be connected to a rotational member of a motor vehicle and having an axis, a pulley adapted to cooperate with a drive belt and driving means arranged between the hub and the pulley. The driving means comprise bidirectional disengagement means which allow a relative rotation between the hub and the pulley in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiordaliso, Alberto Ruffini
  • Patent number: 8303422
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper (1) comprising two elements (4, 5) which are rotatable relative to one another making use of at least one coupling part (3) which is arranged axially displaceable in a housing (2), in which the housing (2) is divided by the coupling element (3) into a first pressure chamber/partial chamber (D1) and a second pressure chamber/partial chamber (D2), and the first pressure chamber (D1) is connected to a first damping chamber (12) and the second pressure chamber (D2) is connected to a second damping chamber (13) and the first pressure chamber (D1) is filled with a damping medium (10) and the first damping chamber (12) is filled with the damping medium (10) and/or a first damping element (14) and the second pressure chamber (D2) is filled with a damping medium (10) and the second damping chamber (13) is filled with the damping medium (10) and/or a second damping element (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Asturia Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Freund, Andreas Kissler, Juergen Schulze
  • Publication number: 20120184377
    Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic coupling in disc construction, in particular for damping torsional vibrations of an internal combustion engine, having the following features: a first coupling half, which comprises two side discs, which are connected in a rotationally-fixed manner on the outer circumference; a second coupling half, which is formed by at least one middle disc assigned to a hub, which is arranged between the side discs and enveloped thereby; the two coupling halves are pivotable to a limited extent to one another against the force of at least one elastic coupling element; the side discs delimit a liquid-tight inner space, which receives the middle disc, at least one damping chamber, which is variable in volume during the mutual pivoting of the coupling halves and is filled with a damping medium, is arranged in the radial outer area of the inner space; a floating damping ring, which is pivotable to a limited extent in relation to each of the two coupling halves, is introduced into the inne
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Gregor Polifke, Rolf Brockmann, Franz Brenner, Werner Koch, Achim Menne
  • Patent number: 8075410
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torsional vibration damper arrangement, especially for the drive train of a vehicle, including a primary side and a secondary side which is coupled to the primary side by a damper fluid arrangement in order for the primary side and the secondary side to rotate about an axis of rotation and rotate relative to one another. The damper fluid arrangement encompasses a first damper fluid that has low compressibility and transmits torque between the primary side and the secondary side as well as a second damper fluid which is more compressible and is loaded when the pressure of the first fluid increases.; The torsional vibration damper arrangement is characterized in that a volume containing the second damper fluid is disposed outside the primary side and outside the secondary side and does not rotate about the axis of rotation along with the primary side and the secondary side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Cora Carlson, Andreas Orlamünder, Thomas Dögel
  • Publication number: 20110130208
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper (1) having a damping element disposed between a first element (4) and a second element (5), in which the first element and the second element can rotate relative to each other, with or without a coupling part (3) that is located in a housing (2) and is axially displaceable along an axis (A) between the first and second elements, in which, if a coupling part is present, a) the coupling part is displaceable along the axis (A) against the spring force of at least one spring element (6,7) and/or b) the coupling part is displaceable along the axis (A) against a medium which acts on both sides of the coupling part, with the medium located in internal or external partial spaces. Alternatively, in a damping element not having a coupling part, c) resilient elements are integrated in third coupling elements, and the coupling elements are connected to the first and second elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Asturia Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Freund, Andreas Kissler, Juergen Schulze
  • Patent number: 7926637
    Abstract: A device for damping vibrations, in particular a torsion vibration damper with a primary component and a secondary component, coupled together through a torque transfer device and a damping coupling device. The torque coupling device includes a ramp mechanism for converting a rotation of one of the two elements, primary component or secondary component, into an axial force proportional to the input moment, which acts upon the other element. A device for compensating the resulting axial forces for generating an opposing force, opposing the resulting axial force, wherein the input moment is designed for a mean input torque. A conversion device is also provided, which directly converts an occurring force difference between the resulting axial force and the opposite force into a control variable for operating an actuation device in the device for damping vibrations, whereby an adaptation of the opposite force is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eugen Kremer, Laurent Ineichen, Christian Huegel
  • Patent number: 7578743
    Abstract: A torsional vibration dampener for dampening torsional vibrations of a rotationally driven shaft. A hub is axially connected to the shaft, and a rotationally symmetrical body of inertia that acts as a vibrational mass is connected to the hub by a rubber elastic ring. The body of inertia comprises a primary part and a secondary part that is coaxial therewith and pivotable thereto. Displacement chambers are formed by and disposed between the primary and secondary parts. At least two displacement chambers communicate with one another via at least one flow control mechanism. Relative movement between the primary and secondary parts alters the volumes of the displacement chambers such that the volume of one decreases by the amount by which the other increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Elmar Kampmann
  • Publication number: 20080128193
    Abstract: A fluid drive system for vertical mixer tubs is provided. Rotational power from the power take-off of a tractor or other suitable vehicle is increased in rotational speed by an input gearbox. The input gearbox is, in turn, coupled to a fluid coupler that locks up when the input rotational speed reaches an optimum speed. The output of the fluid coupler is coupled to an output gearbox that reduces the rotational speed of the fluid coupler. The output of the output gearbox is connected to the drive mechanism of the mixer tub auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Jack Hendriks
  • Patent number: 6938515
    Abstract: Flexural vibrations are reduced in rotating components, such as rotating cylinders of a rotary printing press. One or more actuators are placed in a groove or recess in the cylinder. These actuators act in the axial direction of the rotating component. The amount of force exerted by said actuator will vary with the rotational position of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erhard Herbert Glöckner, Bernd Ulrich Herbert Keller
  • Patent number: 6883655
    Abstract: A variable torsional damper rotatably supported for translating torque between a prime mover and the input of a transmission. The variable torsional damper includes a torque input member operatively connected for rotation with the power take off of a prime mover, an output member operatively connected for rotation with the input to a transmission and a plurality of damping members interposed between the input member and the output member. The damping members act to translate torque between the input member and the output member to dampen torsional forces generated between the prime mover and the transmission. A magneto-rheological damper assembly is disposed in parallel with the damping members and is adapted to operatively vary the hysteresis between the input member and the output member of the variable torsional damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Stefina, William Vukovich
  • Publication number: 20040242335
    Abstract: A fluid coupling device comprising, a drive shaft rotated by a rotational torque of an driving source; a case rotatably supported on the drive shaft and forming a space, a rotor disposed in the space and fixed to the drive shaft and forming a fluid reservoir chamber, an operation chamber formed between the rotor and the case, a flow passage communicating with the fluid reservoir chamber, a flow hole formed in the rotor and the operation chamber, a valve disposed in the fluid reservoir chamber for operating the opening and closing of the flow hole, a rod rotatably disposed in the drive shaft and fixed to the valve, a magnet integrally rotated with the rod and a coil that generates a force in opposite direction to a rotational direction of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsunekazu Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6743105
    Abstract: A damper assembly includes a driving member, a coil spring, a driven member drivable by the driving member via the coil spring, and dividers by which the coil spring is divided into a number of spring sections. The relative rotation between the driving member and the driven member via the coil spring is limited by the engagement between one or more engageable portions arranged on the driving member at predetermined locations and the corresponding engageable portions arranged on the driven member at predetermined locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yabe
  • Patent number: 6699132
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping vibrations between the output element of the engine and the power train in a motor vehicle has flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other. One flywheel is mounted on the output element of the engine and the other flywheel is connectable to the power train by a friction clutch. Vibration dampers are installed between the flywheels, and such dampers are confined in a housing which is provided on the one flywheel and contains a supply of viscous fluid medium for the parts of the dampers. The housing is the input element of the dampers and the output member of the dampers is a flange which extends into the housing and is axially movably coupled to the other flywheel. The flywheels rotate with respect to one another and the dampers contain resilient elements which selectively oppose rotation of the flywheels during various stages of rotation. The resilient elements are also arranged not to oppose rotation of the flywheels during an initial stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Johann Jäckel
  • Patent number: 6679365
    Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling includes a housing rotatably supported to a drive shaft of an engine. An operation plate set in the housing divides a space of the housing into a reservoir and an operation chamber. The operation plate has a communication hole communicating the reservoir and the operation chamber. A rotor fixed to the drive shaft is disposed in the operation chamber. A valve mechanism installed to the operation plate to close and open the communication hole according to ambient temperature of the housing. A driven wheel fixed to the housing is located between the operation plate and the rotor. A torque transmitting section includes a first annular projection concentrically formed on the driven wheel and a plurality of second annular projections concentrically formed on the rotor. The first annular projections are overlappedly adjacent to the second annular projections so as to establish fluid coupling therebetween through the viscous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Katoh, Shinichi Kawada, Kenzi Ohhara, Yasuo Fujita
  • Patent number: 6558260
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping apparatus which operates between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the transmission in a motor vehicle has two flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other against the opposition of one or more dampers installed in a fluid-containing chamber of the flywheel which is connected to the crankshaft. The chamber has one or two annular compartments for the coil springs of the damper or dampers, and such coil springs are caused to store energy by a flange which is connected to the flywheel that drives the input shaft of the transmission and by integral or separately produced stops-of the flywheel which is connected with the crankshaft. The flange cooperates with the respective flywheel to form a flow restrictor which opposes the flow of fluid from and into the compartment or compartments of the chamber in response to expansion or contraction of the coil springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: uK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Johann Jackel, Wolfgang Reik
  • Patent number: 6491586
    Abstract: In a stator shaft in which a shaft member is press-fitted into a press-fit bore of a flange member, first flow passages are formed in the shaft member, and blind bores extending linearly at right angles to a shaft axis from outer circumferential surfaces of the flange member and through the press-fit bore, and communication bores 103 extending linearly from a side surface of the flange member and communicating with free end portions of the blind bores are further formed. Oil passages formed of the parts of the blind bores which extend from the press-fit bore to the free end portions thereof, and communication bores constitute second flow passages, and the shaft member is press-fitted into the press-fit bore with the shaft member positioned so that the portions of the second flow passages which are opened in the press-fit bore, and first flow passages communicate with each other in a mutually opposed state, whereby the first and second flow passages are communicated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Nakamura, Mikio Shoji, Katsuyuki Narai
  • Patent number: 6484859
    Abstract: A shaft coupling having two attachment elements that are rotatable relative to one another and that are connected to one another by a rotationally resilient assembly, and further having a dampening device which is active between the attachment elements for the purpose of suppressing torsional vibrations of the rotationally resilient assembly is disclosed. The rotationally resilient assembly comprises two ramp discs that are rotatable relative to one another and that support one another at least indirectly. One disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and rigid manner on one of the attachment elements and the other disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and axially resilient manner on the other one of the attachment elements by a spring. The dampening device is a viscous coupling having a hub connected to one of the attachment elements and a housing connected to the other one of the attachment elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: GKN Viscodrive GmbH
    Inventor: Adrian Chludek
  • Patent number: 6474458
    Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling includes a housing rotatably supported to a drive shaft of an engine. An operation plate set in the housing divides a space of the housing into a reservoir and an operation chamber. The operation plate has a communication hole communicating the reservoir and the operation chamber. A rotor fixed to the drive shaft is disposed in the operation chamber. A valve mechanism installed to the operation plate to close and open the communication hole according to ambient temperature of the housing. A driven wheel fixed to the housing is located between the operation plate and the rotor. A torque transmitting section includes a first annular projection concentrically formed on the driven wheel and a plurality of second annular projections concentrically formed on the rotor. The first annular projections are overlappedly adjacent to the second annular projections so as to establish fluid coupling therebetween through the viscous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Katoh, Shinichi Kawada, Kenzi Ohhara, Yasuo Fujita
  • Publication number: 20020157915
    Abstract: A shaft coupling having two attachment elements that are rotatable relative to one another and that are connected to one another by a rotationally resilient assembly, and further having a dampening device which is active between the attachment elements for the purpose of suppressing torsional vibrations of the rotationally resilient assembly is disclosed. The rotationally resilient assembly comprises two ramp discs that are rotatable relative to one another and that support one another at least indirectly. One disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and rigid manner on one of the attachment elements and the other disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and axially resilient manner on the other one of the attachment elements by a spring. The dampening device is a viscous coupling having a hub connected to one of the attachment elements and a housing connected to the other one of the attachment elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Adrian Chludek
  • Patent number: 6471593
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for oscillation damping in rotating constructional elements, comprising two oscillating masses, a primary and a secondary mass, that can be rotated in a limited manner in relation to each other in the peripheral direction. The primary and the secondary masses can be coupled to each other by means of a damping and spring coupling. The device comprises means for accomplishing spring coupling including at least one spring device. The invention is characterized by the following features: each spring device comprises at least two spring elements; the spring element of the spring device are pretensioned; the spring element of a spring device are allocated to the primary and the secondary masses in such a way that the spring elements are supported against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hanke, Rolf Brockmann
  • Patent number: 6428417
    Abstract: In a stator shaft made by press-fitting a shaft member into a press-fit bore of a flange member, first oil passages having openings in an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member are formed therein, and plural flow passage-forming bores are formed in the flange member so as to extend from outer circumferential surfaces of a flange portion and through the press-fit bore, the shaft member being press-fitted into the press-fit bore so that inner end openings (openings joined to the press-fit bore)of the flow passage-forming bores are opposed to and communicated with the openings of first flow passages, whereby the first and second flow passages are communicated with each other. In this structure, the plural flow passage-forming bores are formed so as to extend in parallel with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoyuki Wakizaka, Takao Ueno
  • Patent number: 6382050
    Abstract: A vibration damping device for a drive system of a motor vehicle includes a base body arranged for rotating about an axis of rotation and a deflection mass arrangement arranged in said base body and having at least one deflection mass and a deflection path associated with the at least one deflection mass and along which the deflection mass is movable during rotation of the base body about the axis of rotation. The deflection path has a vertex area at a position furthest from the axis of rotation and deflection areas on both sides of the vertex area extending from the vertex area to ends areas. The deflection areas have a decreasing distance from the axis of rotation (A) proceeding from the vertex area toward their end areas. A braking arrangement acts in the end areas of the deflection areas for gradually slowing the approach of the at least one deflection mass to a respective end area of the deflection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Cora Carlson, Bernd Peinemann, Jürgen Weth
  • Patent number: 6305519
    Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling includes a housing rotatably supported to a drive shaft of an engine. An operation plate set in the housing divides a space of the housing into a reservoir and an operation chamber. The operation plate has a communication hole communicating the reservoir and the operation chamber. A rotor fixed to the drive shaft is disposed in the operation chamber. A valve mechanism installed to the operation plate to close and open the communication hole according to ambient temperature of the housing. A driven wheel fixed to the housing is located between the operation plate and the rotor. A torque transmitting section includes a first annular projection concentrically formed on the driven wheel and a plurality of second annular projections concentrically formed on the rotor. The first annular projections are overlappedly adjacent to the second annular projections so as to establish fluid coupling therebetween through the viscous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Katoh, Shinichi Kawada, Kenzi Ohhara, Yasuo Fujita
  • Patent number: 6296096
    Abstract: A shaft coupling having two attachment elements that are rotatable relative to one another and that are connected to one another by a rotationally resilient assembly, and further having a dampening device which is active between the attachment elements for the purpose of suppressing torsional vibrations of the rotationally resilient assembly is disclosed. The rotationally resilient assembly comprises two ramp discs that are rotatable relative to one another and that support one another at least indirectly. One disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and rigid manner on one of the attachment elements and the other disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and axially resilient manner on the other one of the attachment elements by a spring. The dampening device is a viscous coupling having a hub connected to one of the attachment elements and a housing connected to the other one of the attachment elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Adrian Chludek
  • Patent number: 6273823
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes two modules which rotate relative to each other and a spring chamber which is sealed by providing the first module with a first guide surface which seals the spring chamber radially to the outside, and is spaced from the second module by a gap, with the first guide surface having an axial surface component facing the spring chamber, and by providing a second guide surface which has an axial surface component which faces the spring chamber and covers the gap on the spring chamber side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Rohs-Voigt Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Hans Rohs, Dietmar Heidingsfeld
  • Patent number: 6261181
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a motor vehicle door lock or the like, which comprises a motor or in particular an electromotor drive and a gear unit (3) with a drive end and an output end. In order to optimize mechanical back-up actuation in the case of power failure or voltage drop or other interruption of the motor, in particular electromotor drive, according to the invention, between the drive end and the output end of the gear unit (3), is fitted a coupling (10) that is variable in coupling degree, which has a high degree of coupling in the case of high rotational speed, and a low degree of coupling in the case of low rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Reichmann, Erwin Wolf
  • Patent number: 6213881
    Abstract: A damper device includes a casing, a rotor partly housed in the casing, a viscous fluid filled in the casing around the rotor, and a torque generator for generating a torque during a rotating stroke of the rotor. The torque generator includes a fluid torque adjuster for producing a relatively large torque in at least a terminal range of the rotating strokes in normal and reverse directions of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Tok Bearing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirozumi Sasa, Kenji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6196923
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping vibrations between the output element of the engine and the power train in a motor vehicle has flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other. One flywheel is mounted on the output element of the engine and another flywheel is connectable to the power train by a friction clutch. Vibration dampers are installed between the flywheels, and such dampers are confined in a housing which is provided on the one flywheel and contains a supply of viscous fluid medium for the parts of the dampers. The housing is the input member of the dampers and the output member of the dampers is a flange which extends into the housing and is axially movably coupled to the other flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Johann Jackel
  • Patent number: 6193611
    Abstract: A disk-type flexible coupling, specifically for installation into the drive train of a motor vehicle between a combustion engine and a transmission, has a first coupling half. The first coupling half, by use of two side disks which are connected for torsional strength on the outer circumference, encloses a second clutch half which is formed by at least one center disk which is assigned to one hub. The coupling halves are interconnected through flexible coupling elements and have limited torsion relative to each other. The side disks border a liquid-tight inside chamber which is filled with a damping medium and which receives the center disk. In the inside chamber, a floating damping ring is provided which has limited torsion relative to the two coupling halves. The damping ring, together with the first coupling half, forms a first displacement chamber. The damping ring, together with the second coupling half, forms at least one second displacement chamber. The volume of both displacement chambers is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hanke, Armin Hartleitner
  • Patent number: 6179714
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping vibrations between the output element of the engine and the power train in a motor vehicle has flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other. One flywheel is mounted on the output element of the engine and another flywheel is connectable to the power train by a friction clutch. Vibration dampers are installed between the flywheels, and such dampers are confined in a housing which is provided on the one flywheel and contains a supply of viscous fluid lubricating medium for the parts of the dampers. The housing is the input member of the dampers, and the output member of the dampers is a flange which extends into the housing and is axially movably coupled to the other flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Johann J{umlaut over (a)}ckel
  • Patent number: 6176783
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotary drag device having relatively rotatable members one (4) of which has a stack (5) of closely spaced, thin-walled flexible annular plates (20) peripherally mounted thereon to provide annular running faces and a viscous fluid filling the spaces between the plates, and the other (6) of which members has a stack (8) of segmental plates (33) having part-annular running faces interleaved with the annular plates to slide between the plates with relative rotation of the members. Slits (26, 27) in the annular plates permit release of viscous fluid from between the plates as fluid pressure rises ahead of the segmental plates with increasing relative speed between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Vitec Group, PLC
    Inventors: Richard Arthur Lindsay, Robin Andrew Sayer