Engine/transmission rotary connection
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsBarry L. Ladd, Michael B. Pociask
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An engine output shaft and a transmission torque converter are connected for torque transmission therebetween. A flex plate is disposed between, and secured for rotation with either, the output shaft or the torque converter input shell. The flex plate includes an axially extending rim frictionally engaged with an annular wall secured either the output shaft or the torque converter input shell. A clamp member surrounds the rim on the flex plate radially outward of the annular wall and is selectively tightened to establish a force therein to cause the frictional engagement to be sufficient to transmit the torque.
Claims4
A rotating drive connection between an engine output member and a transmission input member, said connection comprising:
- a flex plate having an inner hub portion secured for rotation with one of said output member and said input member;
- an outer axially extending, annular rim on said flex plate;
- an annular drive wall disposed on the other of said output member and said input member disposed radially inwardly of and circumferentially abutting said rim;
- and,
- clamp means having an annular band portion disposed circumjacent said rim;
- and,
- tightening means for tightening said annular band portion about said rim for frictionally securing said rim with said annular drive wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.