초록 ▼

A torsional damper (10) rotatably supported for translating torque between a prime mover and the input of a transmission including a torque input member (12) that is operatively connected for rotation with the power take-off of a prime mover, an output member (14) operatively connected for rotation

A torsional damper (10) rotatably supported for translating torque between a prime mover and the input of a transmission including a torque input member (12) that is operatively connected for rotation with the power take-off of a prime mover, an output member (14) operatively connected for rotation with the input to a transmission and a plurality of damping elements (16) interposed between the input member and the output member. The damping members (16) act to translate torque between the input and output members and to dampen torsional forces generated between the prime mover and the transmission. A bypass clutch (40) acts to translate torque directly between the input and output members thereby providing a path for partial torque translation that bypasses the damping elements at low rotational speeds of the input and output members. In addition, the torsional damper (10) includes a clutch release mechanism (42) that is responsive to centrifugal forces acting on the torsional damper to disengage the bypass clutch (40) to reduce the torque translated directly between the input and output members at high rotational speeds.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A torsional damper (10) rotatably supported for translating torque between a prime mover and the input of a transmission, said torsional damper (10) comprising:a torque input member (12) operatively connected for rotation with the power take off of a prime mover, an output member (14) operatively

1. A torsional damper (10) rotatably supported for translating torque between a prime mover and the input of a transmission, said torsional damper (10) comprising:a torque input member (12) operatively connected for rotation with the power take off of a prime mover, an output member (14) operatively connected for rotation with the input to a transmission and a plurality of damping elements (16) interposed between said input member (12) and said output member (14), said damping members (16) acting to translate torque between said input and said output members and to dampen torsional forces generated between the prime mover and the transmission; a bypass clutch (40) including an annular friction plate (44) disposed generally spaced from said torque input member (12) and in frictional contact with said output member (14), said annular friction plate (44) including a plurality of fingers (46) annularly disposed in spaced relationship relative to one another about the rotational axis (A) of the torsional damper, said plurality of fingers (46) extending toward and being carried by said input member (12), a biasing member (50) acting on said plurality of fingers (46) to constantly bias said friction plate (44) into engagement with said output member (14), said output member (14) including an annular friction surface (56) disposed opposite to and corresponding to said friction plate (44) of said bypass clutch (40), said annular friction surface (56) and said friction plate (44) adapted for continuously slipping engagement to translate torque directly between said input and output members thereby providing a path for partial torque translation bypassing said damping elements at low rotational speeds of said input and output members; and a clutch release mechanism (42) operatively supported by said input member (12) and responsive to centrifugal forces acting on said torsional damper to disengage said bypass clutch (40) to reduce the torque translated directly between said input and output members at high rotational speeds. 2. A torsional damper (10) as set forth in claim 1 wherein said biasing member (50) includes a Bellville spring (52) disposed between said input member (12) and said plurality of fingers (46) to provide a constant biasing force on said frictional plate (44) in the direction of the axis of rotation of the torsional damper.3. A torsional damper (10) as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of fingers (46) includes a downwardly extending tab (48), said biasing member (50) including a snap ring (54) disposed between said Bellville spring (52) and said downwardly extending finger (48).4. A torsional damper (10) as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fingers (46) are located offset from the center of gravity of said friction plate (44), said release member (42) being radially moveable to move said friction plate (44) in a direction opposite said biasing force generated by said Bellville spring (52).