Schaeffler Technologies Ag & Co .kg

Alfredo Jimenez Perez Mitre

David M Smith

Brian C Zaugg

Victor Norwich

Kenneth Hunt

Joshua David Cerreta

Frank Wolf

A torsional vibration damper, including: an axis of rotation; a drive plate; an output flange; and a spring retainer plate including a first side facing in a first axial direction, a second side facing in a second axial direction, and a plurality of spring stops formed of a same material forming the spring retainer plate. Each spring stop: extends from the first side at least partially in the first axial direction; and includes first and second circumferentially separated end surfaces separated, in the first axial direction, from the first side by first and second gaps, and a plurality of springs. Each spring includes a first circumferential end engaged with a respective first end surface and a second circumferential end engaged with a respective second end surface. The spring retainer plate partially surrounds the plurality of springs and retains the plurality of springs in a radially outward direction.

Spring retainer plate with lanced spring stops

A double clutch, including: a backing plate; a first clutch including at least one first clutch plate, a first pressure plate, a first plurality of levers engaged with the first pressure plate, a first shim engaged with the first plurality of levers, and a first actuator engaged with the first shim and arranged to axially displace the first shim to close the first clutch; and a second clutch including: at least one second clutch plate, a second pressure plate, a second plurality of levers engaged with the second pressure plate aligned with the first plurality of levers such that a first line in the circumferential direction passes through the first and second pluralities of levers, a second shim engaged with the second plurality of levers, and a second actuator engaged with the second shim and arranged to axially displace the second shim to close the second clutch.

Double clutch with nested levers

A pivot ring for a clutch includes a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially curved portions; a plurality of engagement portions, each engagement portion circumferentially disposed between respective first and second circumferentially curved portions from the plurality of circumferentially curved portions and including: an alignment portion; a first and second stiffened attachment portions extending in lines from the alignment portion to the adjacent curved portions; and, first and second circumferential distal ends. Each engagement portion is arranged to receive a respective lever for the clutch; and, the first and second distal ends are arranged to fixedly connect to the clutch. Also presented is a clutch assembly including: an axis of rotation; a pressure plate having opposing first and second surfaces; a plurality of levers, and the pivot ring. Each lever is pivotably connected to a respective engagement portion, such that the plurality of levers is displaceable to close the clutch.

Growing community of inventors

Wooster, OH, United States of America

Alfredo Jimenez Perez Mitre