Machine element or mechanism – Elements – Flywheel – motion smoothing-type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2002-06-25
Luong, Vinh T. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Elements
Flywheel, motion smoothing-type
C074S572200, C464S068800, C192S03000R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06408717
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to torsion vibration dampers and in particular, torsion vibration dampers for use as twin mass flywheels in land vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known twin mass flywheels include an input flywheel and an output flywheel which can rotate relative to each other about an axis to transmit power from an engine to a transmission and reduce torque fluctuations. Relative rotation of the flywheel masses is resisted by some form of damper means which is speed dependent. Example of such flywheels are disclosed in, for example, the Applicant's earlier patent GB 2229793B.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a twin mass flywheel which includes an improved form of speed sensitive damper means.
Thus according to the present invention there is provided a twin mass flywheel comprising a first and second flywheel mass which can rotate relative to each other about an axis, the relative rotation being controlled by damper means including one or more connection means in which the centre of gravity of each connection means moves radially with respect to the axis as the first and second flywheel masses rotate relative to each other and the centripetal loads acting on the connection means as the twin mass flywheel rotates tend to bias the first and second flywheel masses towards a pre-determined relative rotational zone.
In a preferred arrangement at least one connection means consists of a mass capable of movement along a first track associated with the first flywheel mass and a torque transmitting connection acting between the mass and the second flywheel mass.
The mass may be capable of movement along a pair of first tracks associated with the first flywheel mass and a torque transmitting connection acting between the mass and the second flywheel mass.
The invention also provides a twin mass flywheel comprising first and second flywheel masses which can rotate relative to each other about an axis, the relative rotation being controlled by one or more connection means in which the centre of gravity of each connection means moves radially with respect to the axis as the first and second flywheel masses rotate relative to each other, the centripetal loads acting on the connection means as the twin mass flywheel rotates tending to bias the first and second flywheel masses towards a pre-determined relative rotational zone, and the or each connection means comprises a mass capable of movement along a first track associated with the first flywheel mass and having a torque transmitting connection acting between the mass and the second flywheel mass via a second track on the second flywheel mass.
The invention further provides a twin mass flywheel comprising a first and second flywheel mass which can rotate relative to each other about an axis, the relative rotation being controlled by one or more connection means in which the centre of gravity of each connection means moves radially with respect to the axis as the first and second flywheel masses rotate relative to each other, the centripetal loads acting on the connection means as the twin mass flywheel rotates tending to bias the first and second flywheel masses towards a pre-determined relative rotational zone, and the or each connection comprises a mass capable of movement along a first track associated with the first flywheel mass and a torque transmitting connection acting between the mass and the second flywheel mass via a link which is pivotally connected at one end to the mass and at the other end to the second flywheel mass.
The invention still further provides a twin mass flywheel comprising a first and second flywheel mass which can rotate relative to each other about an axis, the relative rotation being controlled by one or more connection means in which the centre of gravity of each connection means moves radially with respect to the axis as the first and second flywheel masses rotate relative to each other, the centripetal loads acting on the connection means as the twin mass flywheel rotates tending to bias the first and second flywheel masses towards a pre-determined relative rotational zone, and the or each connection means comprises a mass including a first track along which a follower associated with the first flywheel mass moves and a torque transmitting connection acting between the mass and the second flywheel mass.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4800996 (1989-01-01), Loizeau
patent: 5557984 (1996-09-01), Cooke et al.
patent: 5697845 (1997-12-01), Curtis
patent: 5848938 (1998-12-01), Curtis et al.
patent: 5941134 (1999-08-01), Cooke et al.
patent: 6012355 (2000-01-01), Sudau
patent: 6029539 (2000-02-01), Young
patent: 6041678 (2000-03-01), Cooke et al.
Murphy Robert John
Young Alastair John
AP TMF Limited
Luong Vinh T.
Milliken Paul E
Weber Ray L
LandOfFree
Twin mass flywheels does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Twin mass flywheels, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Twin mass flywheels will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2950358