Daniel H Redmond

US Patent:

6675457, Jan 13, 2004

Filed:

Sep 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/787464

Inventors:

Daniel W. Redmond - Lathrup Village MI
William Ross - Warren MI

Assignee:

Tesma International Inc. - Concord

International Classification:

B21D 3900

US Classification:

29509, 298895, 29DIG 21

Abstract:

A method for manufacturing a drive plate or one-piece torsional vibration damper retainer plate ( ) for a torque converter ( ) is disclosed. The retainer plate includes an annular periphery ( ) curled into a generally C-shaped channel ( ) for retaining at least one spring ( ). The method includes the following steps. First, the retainer plate ( ) is stamped primarily to form a central plate segment ( ), an annular periphery ( ), and a hub opening ( ). Next, the annular periphery of the retainer plate is pre-curled. The plate is then heat treated to enhanced the physical properties of the retainer plate. The spring is disposed within the pre-curled annular periphery. Finally, the annular periphery of the retainer plate is completely curled into the generally C-shaped channel to substantially surround the spring thereby preventing the spring from being removed from the C-shaped channel of the retainer plate during operation of the retainer plate.