Patent ID: 7955178
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
1. A damper assembly comprising a torque input member configured to be connected to engine crankshaft through a torque limit clutch, an output member operatively engaging said input member for rotation therewith, said output member having a hub configured to be mounted to a transmission input shaft, and damping springs operatively interconnecting the input member and output member, enabling the input member and output member to rotate relative to each other while transmitting torque therebetween, said damping springs comprising a series of springs and an individual spring, wherein said series of springs compress before said individual spring compresses as said input member rotates relative to said output member, wherein said series of springs comprises a ball and a ball retainer operatively connecting adjacent ones of said series of springs, said ball retainer restricting said ball from contacting either of said input member and said output member.