Two part flywheel for a motor vehicle, the two part flywheel having a torsional vibration damper

A two part flywheel having a torsional vibration damper with a plurality of inertial masses, for installation in the drive train of a motor vehicle. The two part flywheel comprises a first inertial mass system and a second inertial mass system. The first inertial mass system comprises a plurality of planet gears. The second inertial mass system comprises a sun gear. The planet gears solely engage with the sun gear. The first inertial mass system also comprises a first planar annular wall disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation. The second inertial mass system also comprises a second planar annular wall disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation. At least a portion of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed between said first annular wall and said second annular wall.

If you were to search for Two part flywheel for a motor vehicle, the two part flywheel having a torsional vibration damper using relaxed search criteria, these patents would come up:

What is claimed is:

1. A two mass flywheel for use in a drive train of a motor vehicle, said two mass flywheel comprising:

a first inertial mass system;

a second inertial mass system;

one of said first inertial mass system and said second inertial mass system being configured to be connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and the other of said first inertial mass system and said second inertial mass systembeing configured to be connected to a transmission system;

said first inertial mass system comprising at least one planet gear;

said second inertial mass system comprising a sun gear;

said sun gear being configured and disposed to engage said at least one planet gear to impart rotation from and between said at least one planet gear and said sun gear;

said at least one planet gear being configured and disposed to solely engage said sun gear;

said at least one planet gear comprises a plurality of planet gears;

said first inertial mass system, said second inertial mass system, and said sun gear have a substantially common axis of rotation;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears has a corresponding axis of rotation;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises a cylindrical edge;

said cylindrical edge of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed concentric to the corresponding axis of rotation of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises a set of teeth;

said set of teeth is disposed on at least a portion of said cylindrical edge of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

said sun gear comprises a cylindrical edge;

said cylindrical edge of said sun gear is disposed concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said sun gear comprises a set of teeth;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is disposed on at least a portion of said cylindrical edge of said sun gear;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is configured and disposed to engage with said set of teeth of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

a first structural portion;

a second structural portion;

a first annular wall;

a second annular wall;

said first inertial mass system comprises said first structural portion;

said first structural portion is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said first structural portion comprises said first annular wall;

said first annular wall is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first annular wall is substantially planar;

said second inertial mass system comprises said second structural portion;

said second structural portion is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said second structural portion comprises said second annular wall;

said second annular wall is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said second annular wall is substantially planar;

said second annular wall is disposed an axial distance from said first annular wall; and

at least a portion of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed between said first annular wall and said second annular wall.

2. The two mass flywheel according to claim 1, wherein:

the common axis of rotation defines an axial direction substantially parallel to the common axis of rotation;

said two mass flywheel further comprises:

a first hub area;

a second hub area;

a first bearing lug;

a second bearing lug;

said first structural portion comprises said first hub area;

said first hub area comprises said first bearing lug;

said first bearing lug extends in the axial direction from said first structural portion toward said second structural portion;

said second structural portion comprises an annular web;

said annular web extends from said second annular wall substantially in the axial direction and substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said sun gear is disposed on or about said annular web;

said second structural portion comprises said second hub area;

said second hub area is connected to said annular web;

said second hub area comprises said second bearing lug;

said second bearing lug extends in the axial direction from said second structural portion toward said first structural portion;

said first bearing lug is disposed to cover at least a portion of said second bearing lug;

said first bearing lug is disposed a first distance from said common axis of rotation;

said second bearing lug is disposed a second distance from said common axis of rotation; and

said first distance is greater than said second distance.

3. The two mass flywheel according to claim 2, further comprising:

a bearing arrangement to operatively connect said first bearing lug to said second bearing lug;

said bearing arrangement being disposed between said first bearing lug and said second bearing lug;

a flywheel portion;

said flywheel portion being attached to said second hub area;

said flywheel portion being configured to extend away from said second hub area in a substantially radial direction;

said flywheel portion being disposed an axial distance from said second annular wall;

a chamber;

said chamber being disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said chamber being configured to contain a viscous medium;

said chamber being disposed a third distance from the common axis of rotation;

the axis of rotation of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears being disposed a fourth distance from the common axis of rotation;

said third distance being greater than said fourth distance;

a third annular wall;

said first inertial mass system comprising said third annular wall;

said third annular wall being disposed between said flywheel portion and said second annular wall;

said third annular wall being substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said third annular wall being configured to extend substantially to said annular web; and

said third annular wall being disposed to cover at least a portion of said second annular wall.

4. The two mass flywheel according to claim 3, wherein:

said first inertial mass system comprises at least one hole to receive a bolt for connecting said first inertial mass system to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine;

said first inertial mass system is configured to be connected to a crankshaft of a motor vehicle;

said two mass flywheel further comprises a spring arrangement;

said spring arrangement is disposed in said chamber;

said first inertial mass system is operatively connected to said spring arrangement;

said second inertial mass system is operatively connected to said spring arrangement;

said spring arrangement comprises at least one coil compression spring;

said first structural portion comprises sheet metal;

said second structural portion comprises sheet metal;

said viscous medium is at least partially disposed in said chamber;

said viscous medium comprises grease;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises:

a first end surface;

said first end surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first end surface is disposed adjacent to said first annular wall;

a second end surface;

said second end surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to said common axis of rotation;

said second end surface is disposed adjacent to said second annular wall; and

at least one of said first annular wall and said second annular wall is disposed a minimal distance from the corresponding one of said first end surface and said second end surface;

said first inertial mass system comprises:

a first wall portion;

said first wall portion is connected to said first annular wall;

said first wall portion is substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first wall portion extends away from said first annular wall in a substantially radial direction;

a second wall portion;

said second wall portion is connected to said first wall portion;

said second wall portion is substantially perpendicular to said first wall portion; and

said second wall portion extends in a substantially axial direction from said first wall portion toward said second inertial mass system;

said third annular wall is attached to said second wall portion;

said first wall portion, said second wall portion and said third annular wall are disposed to together define at least a portion of said chamber;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is disposed a fifth distance from the common axis of rotation;

said fourth distance is greater than said fifth distance; and

said annular web is configured to form a sleeve.

5. The two mass flywheel according to claim 4, further comprising:

a first annular gap;

said first annular gap being disposed between said second annular wall and said third annular wall;

said third annular wall comprising an end portion;

said end portion being disposed opposite said second wall portion;

said end portion extending in a substantially axial direction away from said second annular wall;

a second annular gap;

said second annular gap being disposed between said third annular wall and said flywheel portion;

said second hub area comprising at least one opening;

said at least one opening being disposed between said annular web and said flywheel portion;

said at least one opening being disposed adjacent to said second annular gap;

said at least one opening being configured to permit passage of air into said second hub area;

said end portion being configured to deflect air entering said at least one opening into said second annular gap;

a sealing arrangement;

said sealing arrangement being disposed between said first structural portion and said second structural portion;

said sealing arrangement being disposed between said plurality of planet gears and said first bearing lug;

said annular web being at least a portion of said sealing arrangement;

said annular web being configured to form a dynamic seal between said first structural portion and said second structural portion;

said first inertial mass system comprises a mounting arrangement;

said mounting arrangement being configured to mount each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears stationary with respect to said first inertial mass system;

said mounting arrangement comprising:

a plurality of journals corresponding to said plurality of planet gears;

a plurality of bearings corresponding to said plurality of planet gears;

each bearing of said plurality of bearings being rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of said plurality of journals; and

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears being disposed on a corresponding one of said plurality of bearings;

said first inertial mass system comprising a third wall portion;

said third wall portion extending from said second wall portion in a substantially axial direction; and

said third wall portion axially extending beyond said second annular wall.

6. A two mass flywheel for use in a drive train of a motor vehicle, said two mass flywheel comprising:

a first inertial mass system;

a second inertial mass system;

one of said first inertial mass system and said second inertial mass system being configured to be connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and the other of said first inertial mass system and said second inertial mass systembeing configured to be connected to a transmission system;

said first inertial mass system comprising at least one planet gear;

said second inertial mass system comprising a sun gear;

said sun gear being configured and disposed to engage said at least one planet gear to impart rotation and substantially all of the torque from and between said at least one planet gear and said sun gear;

said at least one planet gear comprises a plurality of planet gears;

said first inertial mass system, said second inertial mass system, and said sun gear have a substantially common axis of rotation;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears has a corresponding axis of rotation;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises a cylindrical edge;

said cylindrical edge of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed concentric to the corresponding axis of rotation of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises a set of teeth;

said set of teeth is disposed on at least a portion of said cylindrical edge of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

said sun gear comprises a cylindrical edge;

said cylindrical edge of said sun gear is disposed concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said sun gear comprises a set of teeth;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is disposed on at least a portion of said cylindrical edge of said sun gear;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is configured and disposed to engage with said set of teeth of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

a first structural portion;

a second structural portion;

a first annular wall;

a second annular wall;

said first inertial mass system comprises said first structural portion;

said first structural portion is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said first structural portion comprises said first annular wall;

said first annular wall is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first annular wall is substantially planar;

said second inertial mass system comprises said second structural portion;

said second structural portion is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said second structural portion comprises said second annular wall;

said second annular wall is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said second annular wall is substantially planar;

said second annular wall is disposed an axial distance from said first annular wall; and

at least a portion of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed between said first annular wall and said second annular wall.

7. The two mass flywheel according to claim 6, wherein:

the common axis of rotation defines an axial direction substantially parallel to the common axis of rotation;

said two mass flywheel further comprises:

a first hub area;

a second hub area;

a first bearing lug;

a second bearing lug;

said first structural portion comprises said first hub area;

said first hub area comprises said first bearing lug;

said first bearing lug extends in the axial direction from said first structural portion toward said second structural portion;

said second structural portion comprises an annular web;

said annular web extends from said second annular wall substantially in the axial direction and substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said sun gear is disposed on or about said annular web;

said second structural portion comprises said second hub area;

said second hub area is connected to said annular web;

said second hub area comprises said second bearing lug;

said second bearing lug extends in the axial direction from said second structural portion toward said first structural portion;

said first bearing lug is disposed to cover at least a portion of said second bearing lug;

said first bearing lug is disposed a first distance from said common axis of rotation;

said second bearing lug is disposed a second distance from said common axis of rotation;

said first distance is greater than said second distance;

said two mass flywheel further comprises:

a bearing arrangement to operatively connect said first bearing lug to said second bearing lug;

said bearing arrangement is disposed between said first bearing lug and said second bearing lug;

a flywheel portion;

said flywheel portion is attached to said second hub area;

said flywheel portion is configured to extend away from said second hub area in a substantially radial direction;

said flywheel portion is disposed an axial distance from said second annular wall;

a chamber;

said chamber is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said chamber is configured to contain a viscous medium;

said chamber is disposed a third distance from the common axis of rotation;

the axis of rotation of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed a fourth distance from the common axis of rotation;

said third distance is greater than said fourth distance;

a third annular wall;

said first inertial mass system comprises said third annular wall;

said third annular wall is disposed between said flywheel portion and said second annular wall;

said third annular wall is substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said third annular wall is configured to extend substantially to said annular web; and

said third annular wall is disposed to cover at least a portion of said second annular wall.

8. The two mass flywheel according to claim 7, wherein:

said first inertial mass system comprises at least one hole to receive a bolt for connecting said first inertial mass system to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine;

said first inertial mass system is configured to be connected to a crankshaft of a motor vehicle;

said two mass flywheel further comprises a spring arrangement;

said spring arrangement is disposed in said chamber;

said first inertial mass system is operatively connected to said spring arrangement;

said second inertial mass system is operatively connected to said spring arrangement;

said spring arrangement comprises at least one coil compression spring;

said first structural portion comprises sheet metal;

said second structural portion comprises sheet metal;

said viscous medium is at least partially disposed in said chamber;

said viscous medium comprises grease;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises:

a first end surface;

said first end surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first end surface is disposed adjacent to said first annular wall;

a second end surface;

said second end surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to said common axis of rotation;

said second end surface is disposed adjacent to said second annular wall; and

at least one of said first annular wall and said second annular wall is disposed a minimal distance from the corresponding one of said first end surface and said second end surface;

said first inertial mass system comprises:

a first wall portion;

said first wall portion is connected to said first annular wall;

said first wall portion is substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first wall portion extends away from said first annular wall in a substantially radial direction;

a second wall portion;

said second wall portion is connected to said first wall portion;

said second wall portion is substantially perpendicular to said first wall portion; and

said second wall portion extends in a substantially axial direction from said first wall portion toward said second inertial mass system;

said third annular wall is attached to said second wall portion;

said first wall portion, said second wall portion and said third annular wall are disposed to together define at least a portion of said chamber;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is disposed a fifth distance from the common axis of rotation;

said fourth distance is greater than said fifth distance;

said annular web is configured to form a sleeve;

said two mass flywheel further comprises:

a first annular gap;

said first annular gap is disposed between said second annular wall and said third annular wall;

said third annular wall comprises an end portion;

said end portion is disposed opposite said second wall portion;

said end portion extends in a substantially axial direction away from said second annular wall;

a second annular gap;

said second annular gap is disposed between said third annular wall and said flywheel portion;

said second hub area comprises at least one opening;

said at least one opening is disposed between said annular web and said flywheel portion;

said at least one opening is disposed adjacent to said second annular gap;

said at least one opening is configured to permit passage of air into said second hub area;

said end portion is configured to deflect air entering said at least one opening into said second annular gap;

a sealing arrangement;

said sealing arrangement is disposed between said first structural portion and said second structural portion;

said sealing arrangement is disposed between said plurality of planet gears and said first bearing lug;

said annular web is at least a portion of said sealing arrangement;

said annular web is configured to form a dynamic seal between said first structural portion and said second structural portion;

said first inertial mass system comprises a mounting arrangement;

said mounting arrangement is configured to mount each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears stationary with respect to said first inertial mass system;

said mounting arrangement comprises:

a plurality of journals corresponding to said plurality of planet gears;

a plurality of bearings corresponding to said plurality of planet gears;

each bearing of said plurality of bearings is rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of said plurality of journals; and

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed on a corresponding one of said plurality of bearings;

said first inertial mass system comprises a third wall portion;

said third wall portion extends from said second wall portion in a substantially axial direction; and

said third wall portion axially extends beyond said second annular wall.

9. A two mass flywheel for use in a drive train of a motor vehicle,

said two-mass flywheel comprising:

a first inertial mass system;

a second inertial mass system;

one of said first inertial mass system and said second inertial mass system being configured to be connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and the other of said first inertial mass system and said second inertial mass systembeing configured to be connected to a transmission system;

said first inertial mass system comprising a sun gear;

said second inertial mass system comprising at least one planet gear;

said sun gear being configured and disposed to engage said at least one planet gear to impart rotation and substantially all of the torque from and between said first inertial mass system and said second inertial mass system;

said at least one planet gear comprises a plurality of planet gears;

said first inertial mass system, said second inertial mass system, and said sun gear have a substantially common axis of rotation;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears has a corresponding axis of rotation;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises a cylindrical edge;

said cylindrical edge of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed concentric to the corresponding axis of rotation of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises a set of teeth;

said set of teeth is disposed on at least a portion of said cylindrical edge of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears;

said sun gear comprises a cylindrical edge;

said cylindrical edge of said sun gear is disposed concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said sun gear comprises a set of teeth;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is disposed on at least a portion of said cylindrical edge of said sun gear;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is configured and disposed to engage with said set of teeth of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears

a first structural portion;

a second structural portion;

a first annular wall;

a second annular wall;

said first inertial mass system comprises said first structural portion;

said first structural portion is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said first structural portion comprises said first annular wall;

said first annular wall is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first annular wall is substantially planar;

said second inertial mass system comprises said second structural portion;

said second structural portion is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said second structural portion comprises said second annular wall;

said second annular wall is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said second annular wall is substantially planar;

said second annular wall is disposed an axial distance from said first annular wall; and

at least a portion of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed between said first annular wall and said second annular wall.

10. The two mass flywheel according to claim 9, wherein:

the common axis of rotation defines an axial direction substantially parallel to the common axis of rotation;

said two mass flywheel further comprises:

a first hub area;

a second hub area;

a first bearing lug;

a second bearing lug;

said first structural portion comprises said first hub area;

said first hub area comprises said first bearing lug;

said first bearing lug extends in the axial direction from said first structural portion toward said second structural portion;

said second structural portion comprises an annular web;

said annular web extends from said second annular wall substantially in the axial direction and substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said sun gear is disposed on or about said annular web;

said second structural portion comprises said second hub area;

said second hub area is connected to said annular web;

said second hub area comprises said second bearing lug;

said second bearing lug extends in the axial direction from said second structural portion toward said first structural portion;

said first bearing lug is disposed to cover at least a portion of said second bearing lug;

said first bearing lug is disposed a first distance from said common axis of rotation;

said second bearing lug is disposed a second distance from said common axis of rotation;

said first distance is greater than said second distance;

said two mass flywheel further comprises:

a bearing arrangement to operatively connect said first bearing lug to said second bearing lug;

said bearing arrangement is disposed between said first bearing lug and said second bearing lug;

a flywheel portion;

said flywheel portion is attached to said second hub area;

said flywheel portion is configured to extend away from said second hub area in a substantially radial direction;

said flywheel portion is disposed an axial distance from said second annular wall;

a chamber;

said chamber is disposed substantially concentric to the common axis of rotation;

said chamber is configured to contain a viscous medium;

said chamber is disposed a third distance from the common axis of rotation;

the axis of rotation of each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed a fourth distance from the common axis of rotation;

said third distance is greater than said fourth distance;

a third annular wall;

said first inertial mass system comprises said third annular wall;

said third annular wall is disposed between said flywheel portion and said second annular wall;

said third annular wall is substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said third annular wall is configured to extend substantially to said annular web; and

said third annular wall is disposed to cover at least a portion of said second annular wall.

11. The two mass flywheel according to claim 10, wherein:

said first inertial mass system comprises at least one hole to receive a bolt for connecting said first inertial mass system to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine;

said first inertial mass system to be connected to a crankshaft of a motor vehicle;

said two mass flywheel further comprises a spring arrangement;

said spring arrangement is disposed in said chamber;

said first inertial mass system is operatively connected to said spring arrangement;

said second inertial mass system is operatively connected to said spring arrangement;

said spring arrangement comprises at least one coil compression spring;

said first structural portion comprises sheet metal;

said second structural portion comprises sheet metal;

said viscous medium is at least partially disposed in said chamber;

said viscous medium comprises grease;

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears comprises:

a first end surface;

said first end surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first end surface is disposed adjacent to said first annular wall;

a second end surface;

said second end surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to said common axis of rotation;

said second end surface is disposed adjacent to said second annular wall; and

at least one of said first annular wall and said second annular wall is disposed a minimal distance from the corresponding one of said first end surface and said second end surface;

said first inertial mass system comprises:

a first wall portion;

said first wall portion is connected to said first annular wall;

said first wall portion is substantially perpendicular to the common axis of rotation;

said first wall portion extends away from said first annular wall in a substantially radial direction;

a second wall portion;

said second wall portion is connected to said first wall portion;

said second wall portion is substantially perpendicular to said first wall portion; and

said second wall portion extends in a substantially axial direction from said first wall portion toward said second inertial mass system;

said third annular wall is attached to said second wall portion;

said first wall portion, said second wall portion and said third annular wall are disposed to together define at least a portion of said chamber;

said set of teeth of said sun gear is disposed a fifth distance from the common axis of rotation;

said fourth distance is greater than said fifth distance;

said annular web is configured to form a sleeve;

said two mass flywheel further comprises:

a first annular gap;

said first annular gap is disposed between said second annular wall and said third annular wall;

said third annular wall comprises an end portion;

said end portion is disposed opposite said second wall portion;

said end portion extends in a substantially axial direction away from said second annular wall;

a second annular gap;

said second annular gap is disposed between said third annular wall and said flywheel portion;

said second hub area comprises at least one opening;

said at least one opening is disposed between said annular web and said flywheel portion;

said at least one opening is disposed adjacent to said second annular gap;

said at least one opening is configured to permit passage of air into said second hub area;

said end portion is configured to deflect air entering said at least one opening into said second annular gap;

a sealing arrangement;

said sealing arrangement is disposed between said first structural portion and said second structural portion;

said sealing arrangement is disposed between said plurality of planet gears and said first bearing lug;

said annular web is at least a portion of said sealing arrangement;

said annular web is configured to form a dynamic seal between said first structural portion and said second structural portion;

said first inertial mass system comprises a mounting arrangement;

said mounting arrangement is configured to mount each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears stationary with respect to said first inertial mass system; said mounting arrangement comprises:

a plurality of journals corresponding to said plurality of planet gears;

a plurality of bearings corresponding to said plurality of planet gears;

each bearing of said plurality of bearings is rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of said plurality of journals; and

each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is disposed on a corresponding one of said plurality of bearings;

said first inertial mass system comprises a third wall portion;

said third wall portion extends from said second wall portion in a substantially axial direction; and

said third wall portion axially extends beyond said second annular wall.