Patent ID: 6712706
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A torsional vibration damper, comprising:a first component rotatable about a predetermined axis; a second component rotatable about said axis with and relative to said first component, at least one of said components defining an arcuate chamber bounded by an internal surface of said at least one component; at least one energy storing unit including an elongated coil spring disposed in said chamber and arranged to oppose rotation of said components relative to each other, said at least one coil spring having a plurality of convolutions, a first end bearing upon a retainer of said first component, a second end reacting against a retainer of said second component, and an intermediate portion between said ends thereof, said at least one component including a wall having an inner surface forming part of said internal surface, disposed radially outwardly of said at least one coil spring and extending circumferentially of the coil spring at least between said ends thereof; and friction reducing means including at least one slide interposed between said inner surface and said coil spring, said slide having an outer side adjacent said inner surface and overlying at least one convolution of said at least one coil spring, said at least one convolution having a radially outermost portion nearest to said inner surface and said slide including at least one portion engaging at least a part of said outermost portion of said at least one convolution to thus (a) prevent movements of said slide and said at least one convolution relative to each other longitudinally of said coil spring and (b) oppose movements of said slide and said at least one convolution relative to each other at least substantially radially of said axis, wherein said at least one portion of said slide is coupled to said at least one coil spring in such a way that said slide is constrained relative to said at least one coil spring in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said at least one coil spring.