Torsional dampers
AssigneeValeo
InventorsPierre Loizeau, Roger Carmillet
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A torsional damper suitable for use in a friction clutch plate for an automotive vehicle comprises a hub and a disk mounted so as to rotate relative to one another against the action of springs. An intermediate member responsive to centrifugal force moves reversibly between a standby position and an operative position, in order to modify the operating characteristics of the damper. The intermediate member modifies these characteristics in its standby position, and can occupy either of two operative positions, in one of which it has no effect on and in the other of which it also modifies the aforementioned operating characteristics.
Claims10
A torsional damper such as a friction clutch plate, comprising at least two coaxial parts mounted to rotate relative to one another within a defined range of relative angular movement, elastic means between said parts acting circumferentially over at least part of said defined range of relative angular movement so as to resist same, at least one intermediate member responsive to centrifugal force by modifying the operating characteristics of the damper over at least part of said range of relative angular movement through its reversible movement against the action of return means between a standby position, which it occupies for a first range of relatively low rotational speeds of the damper assembly, and at least one operative position, which it occupies at relatively high rotational speeds of the damper assembly, said intermediate member modifying the operating characteristics of the damper in said standby position and having no effect thereon in the or each of said operative positions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.