US 5,823,880 A · Dual flywheel assembly with lockup mechanism between two flywheels

Abstract

A first flywheel and a second flywheel in a flywheel assembly are configured to be connected to each other such that they rotate together with generally no relative rotation therebetween in a predetermined low RPM region. The flywheel assembly (1) includes the first flywheel (2), the second flywheel (3), a damper mechanism (5) and a lever mechanism (7). The second flywheel (3) is disposed rotatable relative to the first flywheel (2). The damper mechanism (5) elastically connects the first flywheel (2) and the second flywheel (3) to allow for limited relative rotary displacement therebetween. The lever mechanism (7) is mounted on the first flywheel (2) and pivots about a pivot bolt connected to the first flywheel (2). The lever mechanism (7) pivots between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the lever mechanism (7) connects the first flywheel (2) and the second flywheel (3) such that the two flywheels may not undergo relative rotary displacement with respect to each other.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A flywheel assembly comprising:

a first flywheel;
a second flywheel disposed adjacent to the first flywheel and configured to undergo limited relative rotary displacement with respect to said first flywheel;
an elastic member disposed between said first and second flywheels limiting relative rotary displacement between said first and second flywheels;
and
a lever mechanism mounted on said first flywheel for pivotal movement with respect to said first flywheel, said lever mechanism being configured to be disengaged from said second flywheel in response to centrifugal force with said first and second flywheels rotating above a predetermined RPM range;
and
wherein in response to a predetermined amount of relative rotary displacement between said first and second flywheels in a first direction, said lever mechanism is configured to engage a portion of said second flywheel such that further relative rotary displacement between said first and second flywheel in said first direction is prevented.

4 more elements

A flywheel assembly comprising:

a first flywheel;
a second flywheel disposed adjacent to the first flywheel and configured to undergo limited relative rotary displacement with respect to said first flywheel;
a driven plate connected to said second flywheel for rotation therewith, a portion of said driven plate being formed with a cam surface;
an elastic member disposed between said first and second flywheels limiting relative rotary displacement between said first and second flywheels;
and
a lever mechanism mounted on said first flywheel for pivotal movement with respect to said first flywheel, said lever mechanism being configured to be disengaged from said second flywheel in response to centrifugal force with said first and second flywheels rotating above a predetermined RPM range;
and
wherein in response to a predetermined amount of relative rotation between said first flywheel and said driven plate, a portion of said lever mechanism engages said cam surface causing said lever mechanism to engage a portion of said second flywheel such that said first and second flywheel are connected such that relative rotation therebetween is restrained.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dual flywheel assembly with lockup mechanism between two flywheels

Life of this patent

Dual flywheel assembly with lockup mechanism between two flywheels

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15