192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Axially engaging
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-04
2001-04-10
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Axially engaging
C192S055610
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213270
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to improvements in apparatus for damping torsional vibrations. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in torsional vibration damping apparatus of the type wherein rotation of input and output members with each other is desirable (or at least acceptable) but angular movements of such members relative to each other (especially beyond a certain range of such angular movements) are undesirable or even damaging.
It is known to utilize torsional vibration damping apparatus in the power trains of motor vehicles, e.g., between the rotary output component of an internal combustion engine (or another suitable prime mover) and the input component (e.g., a flywheel) of an automated or manually engageable and disengageable friction clutch which, in turn, serves to transmit variable torque to the rotary input component of a manually shiftable or automated or automatic variable-speed transmission.
A drawback of many presently known torsional vibration damping apparatus is that they are bulky, complex and expensive. This creates serious problems in the power trains of numerous types of motor vehicles. Moreover, the assembly of conventional torsional vibration damping apparatus at the locale of use (such as an automobile assembly plant) is often a time-consuming procedure involving numerous welding, riveting, shape-altering, centering and/or other operations which contribute to the cost of the power plant and of the entire motor vehicle. Still further, it is normally necessary to establish and maintain supplies of large numbers of different spare parts.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a torsional vibration damping apparatus which is simpler, more compact and less expensive than, but just as reliable and versatile as, heretofore known apparatus.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel torsional vibration damping apparatus which can be utilized with particular advantage in the power trains of passenger cars and/or other types of motor vehicles.
A further object of the invention is to provide a torsional vibration damping apparatus which can be utilized with particular advantage in the power trains of compact or miniature motor vehicles.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a torsional vibration damping apparatus which can stand long periods of extensive use and wear, i.e., an apparatus whose useful life is longer (or even much longer) than that of presently known and utilized torsional vibration damping apparatus.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a torsional vibration damping apparatus which is constructed and assembled in such a way that none of its parts must be immersed in a lubricant or another fluid medium in order to be capable of standing long periods of extensive use in the power train of a motor vehicle or elsewhere.
A further object of the invention is to provide a highly effective torsional vibration damping apparatus which is superior to numerous heretofore known apparatus and which can be installed in existing power trains as a superior substitute for conventional torsional vibration damping apparatus.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved modular torsional vibration damping apparatus.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a torsional vibration damping apparatus which can be assembled, either to a large extent or even practically entirely, at the manufacturing plant in lieu of at the locale of ultimate use.
Still another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved modules for use in the above outlined torsional vibration damping apparatus.
A further object of the invention is to provide novel and improved damper means for use in the above outlined torsional vibration damping apparatus.
Another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved methods of assembling torsional vibration damping apparatus for use in the power trains of motor vehicles.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a power train which embodies the above outlined torsional vibration damping apparatus.
Still another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved connections between various constituents of the improved torsional vibration damping apparatus, such as between the input and output members and the elements of a damper which operates between the input and output members.
A further object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with novel and improved means for limiting the magnitude of torque which can be transmitted from a prime mover to a transmission or the like.
Another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved input and output members for use in the above outlined torsional vibration damping apparatus.
An additional object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with novel and improved means for centering its input and output members relative to each other.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved distribution of component parts which contributes to compactness of the improved apparatus as seen in the axial and/or in the radial direction of its rotary constituents.
A further object of the invention is to design the various constituents of the apparatus in such a way that its fasteners and/or other removable or separable or exchangeable parts are readily accessible to standard tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for damping torsional vibrations, particularly in the power trains of motor vehicles. The improved apparatus comprises rotary input and output members which are arranged to carry out rotary movements with and relative to each other, particularly about a common axis, and at least one damper which operates between and is arranged to oppose at least some (e.g., predetermined stages of) rotary movements of the input and output members relative to each other. The damper comprises at least one energy storing device, e.g., a straight or arcuate coil spring or a set of interfitted coil springs.
It is preferred to provide the input and output members with suitable flywheels or sets of flywheels. Thus, the input member can include or constitute a primary flywheel which can be driven by the output component (such as a camshaft or a crankshaft) of an internal combustion engine, and the output member can comprise or constitute a secondary flywheel which can serve to transmit torque to the input element of a transmission, e.g., by way of a friction clutch. The damper of such apparatus is or can be arranged to oppose at least some rotary movements of the primary and secondary flywheels relative to each other.
If the output member is to drive the input shaft of a transmission by way of a friction clutch, the secondary flywheel can be provided with an annular friction surface which faces away from the input member and the clutch can comprise a pressure plate, a clutch disc between the friction surface of the secondary flywheel and the pressure plate, and means (e.g., a clutch spring which can constitute a diaphragm spring) for moving the pressure plate relative to the friction surface between a plurality of different axial positions in at least one of which the pressure plate causes the clutch disc to bear against the friction surface and to thus receive torque from the secondary flywheel, i.e., from the output member. The clutch disc can transmit torque to the input shaft of the transmission.
The damper can comprise at least one rotary input element serving to receive torque from the primary flywheel, and a rotary output element which is rotatable relative to the at least one input element and can serve to transmit torque to the secondary flywheel. The at least one energy storing device of the damper is then interposed between portions of the at least one input element and of the output element to yieldably oppose rotation of the at least one input element and the output element relative to each other. Such apparatus can further comprise a first torque transmitt
Jackel Johann
Niess Daniel
Darby & Darby
LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
Marmor Charles A
Pang Roger
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