Dual clutch engine coupling damper
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorJohn Schultz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dual clutch engine coupling damper includes a slipping ECCC clutch in series with a plurality of damper springs, and a bypass clutch in parallel with the damper springs. The ECCC is adapted for use when the vehicle engine is running and the bypass clutch is adapted for use when the vehicle engine is being started. The dual clutch engine coupling damper incorporates a single pressure plate design adapted to actuate both the ECCC clutch and the bypass clutch. The single pressure plate design is compact and minimizes axial space requirements for the apparatus. Additionally, the components of the present invention are primarily stamped parts which may be produced in an inexpensive and efficient manner.
Claims20
A dual clutch engine coupling damper comprising:
- a plurality of damper springs;
- an electronically controlled converter clutch disposed in series with said plurality of damper springs;
- a bypass clutch disposed in parallel with said plurality of damper springs;
- and
- a pressure plate adapted to actuate said electronically controlled converter clutch and said bypass clutch.
A dual clutch engine coupling damper comprising:
- a damper hub;
- a plurality of damper springs engaged by the damper hub;
- an electronically controlled converter clutch disposed in series with said plurality of damper springs;
- a bypass clutch mounted to said damper hub and disposed in parallel with said plurality of damper springs;
- and
- a pressure plate adapted to actuate said electronically controlled converter clutch and said bypass clutch.
A dual clutch engine coupling damper comprising:
- a damper hub including a radially outer portion and an inner portion;
- a plurality of damper springs engaged by the inner portion of the damper hub;
- an electronically controlled converter clutch disposed in series with said plurality of damper springs;
- a bypass clutch mounted to the outer portion of the damper hub and disposed in parallel with said plurality of damper springs;
- a single pressure plate adapted to actuate said electronically controlled converter clutch and said bypass clutch, said single pressure plate allowing a more compact design for the dual clutch engine coupling damper;
- a spring cage mounted to said pressure plate, said spring cage being adapted to retain said plurality of damper springs;
- and
- first and second apply chambers disposed on opposite sides of said pressure plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.