Patent Publication Number: US-2010122605-A1

Title: One piece pendulum

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/199,540 on Nov. 18, 2008 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a pendulum and a damper with a pendulum. In particular, the invention relates to a pendulum having a maximized width. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pendulums for dampers are known in the art. The known applications teach the use of separate cover plates or an exterior counter bore in a pendulum plate. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention broadly comprises a pendulum for a damper, including: a first plate with a first side; a first plurality of through-slots in the first plate including respective first openings at the first side; a second plate with a second side; a second plurality of through-slots in the second plate including respective second openings at the second side; and a plurality of rollers for placement in the first and second plurality of through-slots. Respective portions of the first side reduce a dimension for the first plurality of through-slots at the first openings. Respective portions of the second side reduce a dimension for the second plurality of through-slots at the second openings. The respective portions of the first side are for restraining the rollers in a first direction and the respective portions of the second side are for restraining the rollers in a second direction, opposite the first direction. 
     In one embodiment, the first and second pluralities of through-slots include respective radially outward sides and the respective first and second portions form a portion of the radially outward sides. In one embodiment, the first and second pluralities of through-slots include respective radially inward sides and the respective first and second portions extend from the radially inward sides. In one embodiment, the first and second pluralities of through-slots include respective radially outward and inward sides and the respective first and second portions form a portion of the radially outward and inward sides. In one embodiment, the first and second pluralities of through-slots include respective radially inward sides and the respective first and second portions extend from the radially inward sides. 
     The present invention also broadly comprises a damper, including: a flange plate with a plurality of fastener openings and a plurality of roller openings; a first pendulum plate with a first side and a first plurality of through-slots with respective first ends reduced in size by respective first portions of the first side; a second pendulum plate with a second side and a second plurality of through-slots with respective second ends reduced in size by respective second portions of the second side; a plurality of fasteners fixedly connecting the first and second pendulum plates and passing through the plurality of fastener openings; and a plurality of rollers disposed in the plurality of roller openings and in the first and second pluralities of openings. The respective first portions are for restraining the rollers in a first axial direction and the respective second portions are for restraining the rollers in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. 
     In one embodiment, the first and second pluralities of through-slots include respective radially outward sides and the respective first and second portions form respective portions of the radially outward sides. In one embodiment, the respective first and second portions include radial protrusions extending from only part of the radially outward sides. In one embodiment, the first and second pluralities of through-slots include respective radially inward sides and wherein the respective first and second portions form respective portions of the radially inward sides. 
     In one embodiment, the first and second pluralities of through-slots include respective radially outward and inward sides and the respective first and second portions form a portion of the radially outward and inward sides. In one embodiment, the respective first and second portions include lips along the radially outward and inward sides. In one embodiment, the plurality of rollers include respective first and second axial ends and the respective first portions are for restraining the rollers in a first axial direction by contacting the respective first axial ends and the respective second portions are for restraining the rollers in a second axial direction by contacting the respective second axial ends. 
     The present invention further broadly comprises damper, including: a flange plate with a first plurality of openings; a first pendulum plate disposed on one side of the flange plate and with a second plurality of openings and a first radial wall facing a first axial direction; a second pendulum plate disposed on another side of the flange plate and with a third plurality of openings and a second radial wall facing a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; a plurality of fasteners connecting the first and second pendulum plates and with respective first and second longitudinal ends; and a plurality of rollers disposed in the first, second and third pluralities of openings. The respective first and second longitudinal ends are radially aligned with the first and second radial walls or axially between the first and second radial walls. 
     In one embodiment, the first pendulum plate includes a first plurality of through-openings with a first segment having a first diameter and with a second segment, at the first radial wall, having a second diameter greater than the first diameter and the second pendulum plate includes a second plurality of through-openings with a third segment having a third diameter and with a fourth segment, at the second radial wall, having a fourth diameter greater than the third diameter. 
     The present invention broadly comprises a method for dampening vibration. 
     It is a general object of the present invention to provide a pendulum to dampen vibration in a damper and a damper with a pendulum for dampening vibration. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial front view of a present invention pendulum and damper; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial exploded view of a present invention pendulum and damper; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the pendulum and damper shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a detail of area  8  in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate system demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application; and, 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of an object in the cylindrical coordinate system of  FIG. 8A  demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
       FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of cylindrical coordinate system  80  demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application. The present invention is at least partially described within the context of a cylindrical coordinate system. System  80  has a longitudinal axis  81 , used as the reference for the directional and spatial terms that follow. The adjectives “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” are with respect to an orientation parallel to axis  81 , radius  82  (which is orthogonal to axis  81 ), and circumference  83 , respectively. The adjectives “axial,” “radial” and “circumferential” also are regarding orientation parallel to respective planes. To clarify the disposition of the various planes, objects  84 ,  85 , and  86  are used. Surface  87  of object  84  forms an axial plane. That is, axis  81  forms a line along the surface. Surface  88  of object  85  forms a radial plane. That is, radius  82  forms a line along the surface. Surface  89  of object  86  forms a circumferential plane. That is, circumference  83  forms a line along the surface. As a further example, axial movement or disposition is parallel to axis  81 , radial movement or disposition is parallel to radius  82 , and circumferential movement or disposition is parallel to circumference  83 . Rotation is with respect to axis  81 . 
     The adverbs “axially,” “radially,” and “circumferentially” are with respect to an orientation parallel to axis  81 , radius  82 , or circumference  83 , respectively. The adverbs “axially,” “radially,” and “circumferentially” also are regarding orientation parallel to respective planes. 
       FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of object  90  in cylindrical coordinate system  80  of  FIG. 8A  demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application. Cylindrical object  90  is representative of a cylindrical object in a cylindrical coordinate system and is not intended to limit the present invention in any manner. Object  90  includes axial surface  91 , radial surface  92 , and circumferential surface  93 . Surface  91  is part of an axial plane, surface  92  is part of a radial plane, and surface  93  is part of a circumferential plane. 
       FIG. 1  is a partial front view of present invention pendulum  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Pendulum  100  is shown disposed on damper  102 , and includes pendulum plates  104  and  106 , and a plurality of rollers  108 . Damper  102  includes flange plate  109  with a plurality of fastener openings  110  and a plurality of roller openings  112 . Pendulum plate  104  includes radial side  114  and a plurality of through-slots  116 . Pendulum plate  106  includes radial side  118  and a plurality of through-slots  120 . 
     Through-slots  116  and  120  are reduced in size at ends  164  and  166 , respectively, by portions  122  of side  114  and portions  124  of side  118 . Alternately stated, portions  122  and  124  block respective portions of through-slots  116  and  120 , a respective dimension for through-slots  116  and  118  is reduced by portions  122  and  124 , or respective segments of through-slots  116  and  118  are reduced by portions  122  and  124 . For example, through-slots  116  have substantially uniform radial dimensions  126  through segments  128 , which extend from openings  130  at side  132  of plate  106  to portion  122 . At portion  122 , radial dimensions  134  are less than radial dimensions  126 . That is, the size of through-slots  116  at side  114  is less than the size of openings  130 . The dimensions of through-slots  116  and  118  at portions  122  and  124 , respectively, or ends  164  and  166 , respectively, are less than diameter  136  of the rollers, for example, dimension  134  is less than dimension  136 , so that the rollers cannot pass through the openings at portions  122  and  124 . The respective dimensions in the rest of through-slots  116  and  118  are larger than diameter  136  to enable movement of the rollers. For example, dimension  126  is greater than diameter  136 . 
     Portions  122  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  138  and portions  124  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  140 , opposite direction  138 . The pendulum also includes a plurality of fasteners  142  fixedly connecting the pendulum plates and passing through openings  110 . 
     Through-slots  116  and  120  include radially outward sides  144  and  146 , respectively and portions  122  and  124  form respective portions of sides  144  and  146 . For example, portions  122  extend radially inward at through-slots  116 . In one embodiment, portions  122  and  124  are in the form of radial protrusions extending from only part of the radially outward sides. For example, portions  122  are in the shape of tongues and segments  148  and  150  of sides  144  are not part of the tongue. 
     Rollers  108  include respective axial ends  152  and  154 . Portions  122  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  138  by contacting ends  152  and portions  124  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  142  by contacting ends  154 . For example, radial dimension  134  is selected with respect to dimension  126  and diameter  136  of the rollers such that the rollers cannot pass through through-slots  116  at portion  122 . 
     In one embodiment, when the damper is in use and the flange is rotating at operational levels for the damper, a prescribed displacement of the pendulum plates, with respect to the flange plate, occurs. For example, the centrifugal force associated with rotation of the flange causes the pendulum plates to displace radially outward until sides  158  and  160  of through-slots  116  and  118 , respectively, contact the rollers. The same force causes the rollers to displace radially outward until the rollers contact sides  162  of the roller slots in the flange. The pendulum plates displace with respect to the flange plate along a path prescribed by the movement of the rollers along sides  158 ,  160 , and  162 . In one embodiment, as the pendulum plate displaces with respect to the flange plate, fasteners  142  do not contact the sides of the fastener slots in the flange plate. However, the fasteners can contact ends of the fastener slots, for example, end  164 , to act as stops. That is, the movement of the pendulum plates is stopped when the fasteners contact the ends of the fastener slots. 
     Plurality of fasteners  142  include respective longitudinal ends  164  and  166 . In one embodiment, one or both of ends  164  and  166  are radially aligned with radial sides, or walls,  114  and  118 , respectively, or are axially between walls  114  and  118 . That is, ends  164  and  166  do not extend axially beyond walls  114  and  118 . For example, plate  104  includes a plurality of through-openings  168  with segments  170  and  172 . Segments  172  are at wall  114 . The diameter for segment  172  greater than the diameter for segment  170 . That is, segment  172  is a counter-bore in which head  174  of fastener  142  is disposed. Similarly, plate  106  includes a plurality of through-openings  176  with segments  178  and  180 . Segments  180  are at wall  118 . The diameter for segment  180  is greater than the diameter for segment  178 . 
     In one embodiment, the pendulum plates are formed by a stamping process. In one embodiment, portions  122  and  124  are coined during the stamping process. Advantageously, pendulum plates  104  and  106  are multi-functional at least because the plates provide the mass needed for a dampening affect, house the rollers, and provide axial restraint for the rollers. For example, additional components are not needed to restrain the rollers. The mass of the pendulum plates can be easily modified by changing the thickness of the plates, without affecting the outline shape of the plates. 
       FIG. 4  is a partial exploded view of present invention pendulum  200  and damper  201 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the pendulum and damper shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view generally along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 8  is a detail of area  8  in  FIG. 7 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 4 through 8 . Pendulum  200  is disposed on damper  201 . The damper includes flange plate  202  and the pendulum includes pendulum plates  204  and  206 , and a plurality of rollers  208 . The flange plate includes a plurality of fastener openings  210  and a plurality of roller openings  212 . Pendulum plate  204  includes radial side  214  and a plurality of openings  216 . Pendulum plate  206  includes radial side  218  and a plurality of openings  220 . Openings  216  and  220  are reduced in size, respectively, by portions  222  of side  214  and portions  224  of side  218 . Alternately stated, portions  222  and  224  block respective portions of openings  216  and  220 . For example, openings  216  have substantially uniform radial dimensions  226  through segments  228 , which extend from openings  230  at side  232  of plate  204  to portion  222 . At portion  222 , radial dimensions  234  are less than radial dimensions  226 . That is, the size of openings  236  at side  214  is less than the size of openings  230 . 
     Portions  222  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  238  and portions  224  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  240 , opposite direction  238 . The damper also includes a plurality of fasteners  242  fixedly connecting the pendulum plates and passing through openings  210 . 
     Openings  216  and  220  include radially inward sides  244  and  246 , respectively and portions  222  and  224  form respective portions of sides  244  and  246 . For example, portions  222  extend radially towards opening  236 . In one embodiment, portions  222  and  224  are in the form of lips or ridges. 
     Rollers  208  include respective axial ends  252  and  254 . Portions  222  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  238  by contacting ends  252  and portions  224  are for restraining the rollers in axial direction  240  by contacting ends  254 . For example, radial dimension  234  is selected with respect to dimension  226  and diameter  256  of the rollers such that the rollers cannot pass through opening  230 . 
     In one embodiment, when the damper is in use and the flange is rotating at operational levels for the damper, a prescribed displacement of the pendulum plates, with respect to the flange plate, occurs. For example, the centrifugal force associated with rotation of the flange causes the pendulum plates to displace radially outward until sides  244  and  246  of openings  216  and  220 , respectively, contact the rollers. The same force causes the rollers to displace radially outward until the rollers contact sides  262  of the roller slots in the flange. The pendulum plates displace with respect to the flange plate along a path prescribed by the movement of the rollers along sides  244 ,  246 , and  262 . In one embodiment, as the pendulum plate displaces with respect to the flange plate, the fasteners do not contact the sides of the fastener slots in the flange plate. However, the fasteners can contact ends  264  and  266  of the fastener slots to act as stops. 
     Plurality of fasteners  242  include respective longitudinal ends  270  and  272 . In one embodiment, one or both of ends  270  and  272  are radially aligned with radial sides, or walls,  214  and  218 , respectively, or are axially between walls  214  and  218 . That is, ends  270  and  272  do not extend axially beyond walls  214  and  218 . For example, plate  204  includes a plurality of through-openings  274  with segments  276  and  278 . Segments  278  are at wall  214 . The diameter for segment  278  is greater than the diameter for segment  276 . That is, segment  278  is a counter-bore in which head  280  of fastener  242  is disposed. Similarly, plate  206  includes a plurality of through-openings  282  with segments  284  and  286 . Segments  286  are at wall  218 . The diameter for segment  286  greater than the diameter for segment  284 . 
     In one embodiment, the pendulum plates are formed by a stamping process. In one embodiment, segments  228  are coined during the stamping process. Advantageously, pendulum plates  204  and  206  are multi-functional at least because the plates provide the mass needed for a dampening affect, house the rollers, and provide axial restraint for the rollers. For example, additional components are not needed to restrain the rollers. The mass of the pendulum plates can be easily modified by changing the thickness of the plates, without affecting the outline shape of the plates. 
     The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1 through 8 . Advantageously, the respective configurations of pendulum plates  104  and  106  and  204  and  206 , enhance the capacity, performance, and durability of pendulums  100  and  200  by enabling a maximization of the axial widths of the plates, for example, width  288  of plate  206 . For example, by maximizing the width of the pendulum plates, the weight and inertia of the plates is maximized, which optimizes the dampening function of the plates. For example, the counter-boring of the pendulum plates to accommodate the heads of fasteners  242  enables the maximization of the widths of the pendulum plates. 
     Advantageously, by recessing the fastener head in the respective pendulum plates, that is, not having the heads extend axially beyond the plates, the respective widths of the pendulum plates, for example, width  288  of plate  204  can be optimized within a fixed overall dimension  290  for the pendulum. For example, the axial dimension for the heads is accommodated within the width of walls  214  and  218  and does not impact dimension  290 . Further, since the width of the pendulum plates is maximized, pendulums  100  and  200  advantageously maximize the axial extent of the rollers and the surface area of the pendulum plates in contact with the rollers, for example, segment  244  of plate  204 . The increase in the roller size and contact area between the rollers and the pendulum plates increases the capacity and durability of the pendulums. 
     Although dampers  100  and  200  are shown with specific numbers, sizes, and configurations of parts, it should be under stood that a present invention damper is not limited to the specific numbers, sizes, and configurations of parts shown and that other numbers, sizes, and configurations of parts are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
     The following describes a present invention method for dampening vibration. Although the method is presented as a sequence of steps for clarity, no order should be inferred from the sequence unless explicitly stated. A first step passes a plurality of fasteners through respective fastener slots in a flange plate for a damper; a second step disposes a plurality of rollers in respective roller slots in the flange plate and in first and second pendulum plates; a third step fixedly connects the first and second pendulum plates with the plurality of fasteners; a fourth step axially retains the rollers with protrusions on the first and second pendulum plates extending across a portion of the respective roller slots for the first and second pendulum plates; and in response to rotation of the flange plate, a fifth step displaces the first and second pendulum plates along a path prescribed by contact between the plurality of rollers and the flange plate. 
     In one embodiment, the respective roller slots for the first and second pendulum plates include respective radially outward sides and the protrusions on the first and second pendulum plates form respective portions of the radially outward sides. In one embodiment, the respective roller slots for the first and second pendulum plates include respective radially inward sides and the protrusions on the first and second pendulum plates form respective portions of the radially inward sides. 
     In one embodiment, the plurality of rollers include respective first and second axial ends and axially retaining the rollers with protrusions includes restraining the rollers in a first axial direction by contacting the protrusions on the first pendulum plate with the respective first axial ends, and restraining the rollers in a second axial direction by contacting the protrusions on the second pendulum plate with the respective second axial ends. 
     Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.