Abstract:
A harmonic damper for use in vehicular accessory drive systems. The harmonic damper includes a one-piece inertia ring manufactured from a sheet metal blank using a cold forming process to define a series of interconnected folded ring sections.
Abstract:
A component and method for forming the component utilizing ultra-high strength steel is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a blank of ultra-high strength steel and forming the blank into an unfinished component. Next, heating the unfinished component and moving an inner tooling member and an outer tooling member relative to one another to sandwich the heated component therebetween. Further, moving a punch member from a withdrawn, unactuated position to an extended, actuated position to contact the component while sandwiched between the inner and outer tooling members to form a feature including at least one of a thickened region having an increased thickness relative to an adjacent region, a recessed annular groove, a recessed pocket, a through hole, a flange, a through hole having a tab extending outwardly therefrom, or spline teeth. Then, quenching the feature.
Abstract:
A variable capacity vane pump for an automobile includes a pump control ring positioned within the housing to move about a pivot. A rotor is positioned within a cavity of the control ring such that a position of the control ring determines an offset between a center of the cavity and an axis of rotation of the rotor. A first control chamber is provided between the pump housing and a first outer surface of the control ring. The first outer surface is positioned on an opposite side of the control ring as the working fluid chambers within the cavity. A second control chamber is provided between the pump housing and a second outer surface of the control ring. A return spring biases the control ring toward a position of maximum volumetric capacity against the forces created by the pressurized fluid within the first and second control chambers.
Abstract:
A variable capacity vane pump includes a first control chamber between a pump casing and a first portion of a pump control ring. The first portion of the control ring circumferentially extends on either side of a pivot pin. A second control chamber is provided between the pump casing and a second portion of the pump control ring. The first and second control chambers are operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring to reduce the volumetric capacity of the pump. A return spring biases the pump ring toward a position of maximum volumetric capacity.
Abstract:
A novel method of manufacturing a toothed disc is taught wherein the teeth can be cold formed to a relatively high set of tolerances in a relatively time-efficient manner. A cold-formed disc blank with an annular thickened ring about its periphery is forced through a set of tooth forming rollers which engage the annular thickened ring. As the blank is forced through the set of rollers, the rollers cold forming tooth structures in the annular ring. In some circumstances, the tooth structure can be a final desired tooth profile and in other circumstances, the disc blank may be forced through two or more different sets of tooth forming rollers, each set of tooth forming rollers contributing to the forming of the final, desired tooth profile.
Abstract:
A harmonic damper for use in vehicular accessory drive systems. The harmonic damper includes a one-piece inertia ring manufactured from a sheet metal blank using a cold forming process to define a series of interconnected folded ring sections.
Abstract:
A variable capacity vane pump (20) is provided having a pump control ring (44) that is moveable to alter the capacity of the pump (20). A control chamber (60) is formed between the pump casing (22) and the control ring (44). The control chamber (60) is operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the control ring (44) to reduce the volumetric capacity of the pump (20). A primary return spring (56) acts between the control ring (44) and the casing (22) to bias the control ring (44) towards a position of maximum volumetric capacity. A shaft is coupled at one end to the control ring and a second end of the shaft is positioned a predetermined distance from the casing (22). A secondary return spring (62) is mounted about the shaft and is configured to engage the control ring (44) after the control ring (44) has moved a predetermined amount. The secondary return spring (62) biases the control ring (44) towards a position of maximum volumetric capacity. The secondary return spring (62) acts against the force of the control chamber (60) to establish a second equilibrium pressure.
Abstract:
A novel method of manufacturing a toothed disc is taught wherein the teeth can be cold formed to a relatively high set of tolerances in a relatively time-efficient manner. A cold-formed disc blank with an annular thickened ring about its periphery is forced through a set of tooth forming rollers which engage the annular thickened ring. As the blank is forced through the set of rollers, the rollers cold forming tooth structures in the annular ring. In some circumstances, the tooth structure can be a final desired tooth profile and in other circumstances, the disc blank may be forced through two or more different sets of tooth forming rollers, each set of tooth forming rollers contributing to the forming of the final, desired tooth profile.
Abstract:
A press assembly for forming outer helical splines on a blank includes an upper press shoe assembly and a die shoe assembly. The upper press shoe assembly includes an upper rotatable portion rotatable relative to an upper stationary portion. The lower portion includes a lower rotatable portion rotatable relative to a lower stationary portion. The unfinished blank is supported by the lower portion, and the upper portion is moveable into engagement with the blank. The upper rotatable portion joins with the lower rotatable portion for conjoint rotation relative to the upper and lower stationary portions via upper and lower helical meshes defined between the rotatable and stationary portions. The helical meshes convert downward force into rotation and translation of the blank into a spline forming die of the lower stationary portion to create the outer helical splines.
Abstract:
A modular clutch assembly with two independent power sources and a connection with an output device. The two independent power sources and the output device can take many different forms. The modular clutch assembly has a housing that connects the two power sources with the output device and controls power transfer using an inner clutch and an upper clutch. There is further provided an output hub connected to the output device, where the output hub extends into the modular clutch assembly for selective rotation. The output device in one exemplary embodiment of the invention is a transmission of a vehicle.