Isolator for use with mgu used to assist or start engine through endless drive member

• Main Authors: WILLIAMS WARREN JOHN, BOYES ANDREW MALCOLM, SPICER GARY JOHN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 15.07.2015
• Subjects: BLASTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GEARING; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; SPRINGS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

In an aspect the invention is directed to an isolator comprising a shaft connector that is connectable with a shaft of a motive device, a first rotary drive member that is operatively engageable with at least one second rotary drive member, a first isolation spring and a second isolation spring. The first rotary drive member and the shaft connector are rotatable about an isolator axis. The motive device may be an engine (and thus the shaft may be a crankshaft), or a motor for assisting an engine, for example. Examples of motors for assisting engines include motor/generator units (MGU's) that can operate as a generator when driven to rotate mechanically, and can operate as a motor when driven to rotate electrically. The first isolation spring is positioned to transfer a torque from the first rotary drive member to the shaft connector. The second isolation spring is positioned to transfer a torque from the shaft connector to the first rotary drive member. The first and second isolation springs are axially offset from one another.