Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch arrangement, especially for an automobile, comprising a first housing arrangement (12) that is filled or can be filled with a fluid (12), a first friction surface arrangement (24) and a second friction surface arrangement (32) in said housing arrangement (12), which can be brought together to produce frictional interaction, wherein a fluid flow (24, 32) is produced in the housing arrangement (12) to cool the friction surface arrangements. To this end, a fluid circulation arrangement (72, 74) is provided for producing a fluid circulation that flows around at least certain areas of the first friction surface arrangement (24) and the second friction surface arrangement (32).

Abstract: A clutch arrangement, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing arrangement (12) which is filled or which can be filled with fluid, at least one first friction element (22) which can be jointly rotated with the housing arrangement (12) and at least one second friction organ (24) which can be jointly rotated with an output element (18) and which can be brought to rest against the at least one first friction element (22) in order to produce at least one interactive friction effect. At least one friction element (22, 24) is embodied in such a way that fluid can circulate around at least certain areas of the friction elements (22, 24).

Abstract: A wet type friction clutch and an electromagnetic clutch is disclosed wherein a pilot clutch 61 is disposed in a magnetic flux path 95 of an electromagnet 57 and is kept between an armature 71 and the electromagnet 57. Upon excitation of the electromagnet 57, the armature 57 is retracted to allow the pilot clutch 61 to be coupled. The pilot clutch 61 includes a plurality of clutch plates 87, 89 which are interleaved with respect to one another for sliding movements. Adjacent clutch plates 87, 87A, 87B, 89, 89A, 89B, 89C, 89D, 89E, 89F are formed with oil guide passageways 86, 96, 98, 106, 108, 110, 114 to create a hydrodynamic pressure effect to allow the clutch plates to be separated with a limited drag torque.

Abstract: A wet friction plate assembly which is capable of discharging the lubricant existing between the friction plate and the separation plate to restrict the accompanying rotation of the separation plate of a wet multiple-plate clutch etc. while it is disengaged.

Abstract: A torque limiting apparatus includes: a connecting shaft (20), the output side of which is connected to a differential gear system (60), and the input side of which is protruded out of an opening (80b) formed at the housing (80) of the differential gear system; a hollow cylindrical casing (10) supported on the input side of the connecting shaft rotatably relative thereto, and connectable to the drive shaft; a seal member (14) for interconnecting liquid-tightly an opening at the output side of the casing and an opening of the housing, and a connecting mechanism (30) provided between the casing and the connecting shaft, for transmitting only a partial power less than a predetermined torque value out of whole power input into the casing, so that a lubricating oil can be automatically supplied.

Abstract: An improved lubrication system for a ball ramp master clutch and a gear change transmission is disclosed where a lubricant pump is driven by the input shaft to a ball ramp mechanism which, when energized, applies a clamping force on a clutch pack where lubricant is supplied to the pump from a wet sump on the transmission and then lubricant is forced into the clutch assembly and also forced into the gear shaft transmission for eventual return into the sump for recirculation. In an alternate embodiment, a dry sump system is used where the oil flowing out of the transmission is pumped to dry sump where it is then recirculated to the pump.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying cooling fluid for frictional elements, for example multiple disc clutches and multiple disc brakes, in automatic transmissions. The cooling fluid flows through the multiple disc clutch or brake in a predefined manner radially inward or outward, whereby a defined flow through the clutch or brake packet is ensured through a defined pressure difference in the cooling fluid between the cooling fluid supply and the discharge of the cooling fluid. A preferred embodiment of device for supplying the cooling fluid is designed as a ring-shaped channel that partially or fully encloses the clutch or the brake.

Abstract: An electronic controlled coupling according to the present invention includes a wet-type multiple disc clutch, a coupling case, a hydraulic chamber, and an oil pump. The electronic controlled coupling also includes an electric motor, an electric control unit, and a supply passage for supplying hydraulic pressure. The coupling case accommodates the wet-type multiple disc clutch and contains oil. The oil pump driven by the electric motor is connected to the coupling case. The outlet of the oil pump is connected to the hydraulic chamber of the wet-type multiple disc clutch with the supply passage therebetween. The electric control unit controls the speed of rotation of the electric motor through a motor driver so that the pump discharge pressure is equal to an operating pressure required for the wet-type multiple disc clutch.

Abstract: A torque converter provided with a lock-up clutch and including a pump impeller, a turbine runner, a turbine hub, a stator, a clutch piston rotatable with the turbine runner and cooperating with the pump impeller to define an engaging chamber, a front cover cooperating with the clutch piston to define a releasing chamber and a friction member attached to the front cover, and wherein the lock-up clutch is placed in a slipping state for slipping engagement between the clutch piston and the front cover through the friction member, by a controlled difference between pressures of a working fluid in the engaging and releasing chambers, and the pump impeller and the stator cooperate to define of a first and a second fluid passage both of which communicate with the engaging chamber, while the stator and the turbine hub cooperate with each other to define the other of the first and second fluid passages, and wherein the lock-up clutch is brought into the slipping state with a supply flow of the fluid into the engaging

Abstract: A lubricating apparatus, for a friction engagement element that engages a rotatable member with a case includes a hub connected to the rotatable member, friction members disposed between the hub and the case, a hydraulic servo for engaging the friction members, and an oil passage for supplying lubricant from the case to the friction members. A discharge opening of the oil passage is formed at a position which is radially inward of the friction members and which is axially to a side of the friction members. The discharge opening is directed toward the friction members. A weir member for restricting escape of lubricant in the axial direction through a gap between the hub and the friction members is provided at the other axial side of the friction members. Therefore, the axial escape of lubricant exiting the friction members can be prevented by a non-contact leakage restriction that does not cause drag resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch in which an input side element and an output side element are joined together by applying an axial load thereby to transmit a power, which clutch comprises an urging device for always providing the axial load, and a releasing device for releasing the input side element and the output side element from the axial load.

Abstract: An improved lubrication system for a ball ramp master clutch and a gear change transmission is disclosed where a lubricant pump is driven by the input shaft to a ball ramp mechanism which, when energized, applies a clamping force on a clutch pack where lubricant is supplied to the pump from a wet sump on the transmission and then lubricant is forced into the clutch assembly and also forced into the gear shaft transmission for eventual return into the sump for recirculation. In an alternate embodiment, a dry sump system is used where the oil flowing out of the transmission is pumped to a dry sump where it is then recirculated to the pump.

Abstract: A no-back device for an actuator having a screw shaft extending along an axis and a brake element fixed for rotation with the shaft and extending laterally of the axis, the no-back device comprising a rotary ratchet member and a rotary friction member mounted for limited axial movement within a recess defined by a housing, and defining at least one path for passing fluid through the recess, the no-back device further comprising peripherally extending diversion means disposed between an outer periphery of the friction member and an inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing whereby, in use, fluid passing through the recess is diverted away from the inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing and across a laterally extending surface of the friction member.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch arrangement, particularly a torque converter or fluid coupling, includes a housing arrangement, a turbine wheel provided in the housing arrangement, a lockup clutch arrangement by which a torque transmitting connection can be produced selectively between the turbine wheel and the housing arrangement. The lockup clutch arrangement includes at least two friction members which are rotatable with a one of the housing arrangement and turbine wheel, at least one counter-friction member which is interposed between two friction members and is rotatable with the other of the housing arrangement and turbine wheel and can be brought into contact with friction surface regions of the friction members in friction surface regions of the counter-friction member. The counter-friction member has a substantially ring-shaped counter-friction member body having an outer radius (Ra) in a ratio of 1.1:1 to 1.

Abstract: A clutch unit has an oil pump which is powered by the input shaft and an oil pump which is powered by the output shaft. The oil pump powered by the input shaft pumps oil in both a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft. The oil flow is controlled by a unique bi-directional check valve which automatically selects the passage through which oil is being pumped. The oil pump powered by the output shaft provides oil to the friction plates of the clutch only when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A no-back device for an actuator having a screw shaft extending along an axis and a brake element fixed for rotation with the shaft and extending laterally of the axis, the no-back device comprising a rotary ratchet member and a rotary friction member mounted for limited axial movement within a recess defined by a housing, and defining at least one path for passing fluid through the recess, the no-back device further comprising peripherally extending diversion means disposed between an outer periphery of the friction member and an inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing whereby, in use, fluid passing through the recess is diverted away from the inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing and across a laterally extending surface of the friction member.

Abstract: A clutch unit has an oil pump which is powered by the input shaft and an oil pump which is powered by the output shaft. The oil pump powered by the input shaft pumps oil in both a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft. The oil flow is controlled by a unique bi-directional check valve which automatically selects the passage through which oil is being pumped. The oil pump powered by the output shaft provides oil to the friction plates of the clutch only when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A lubricating structure of a hydraulic clutch including a drum-shaped clutch housing connected to an input shaft, and a clutch hub connected to an output shaft coaxial with the input shaft. The clutch hub has a cylindrical portion and a flange formed integrally with the cylindrical portion near one end of the cylindrical portion. The lubricating structure of the hydraulic clutch further includes a clutch piston for making pressure contact of first and second clutch plates respectively mounded to the clutch housing and the clutch hub and a hydraulic pump provided on the opposite side of the first and second clutch plates with respect to the clutch piston. The cylindrical portion of the clutch hub is formed with a plurality of first lubricating oil passages passing through the cylindrical portion, and the flange of the clutch hub is formed with a plurality of second lubricating oil passages passing through the flange.

Abstract: An oil cooling arrangement for a stacked plate type clutch assembly is provided. The stacked plate clutch assembly includes a stacked plate arrangement of alternating separator plates and clutch plates housed within a retainer. The oil cooling arrangement includes a flow passage structure arranged relative to the retainer for providing a secondary oil flow path in addition to a flow path through the stacked plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: In the starting clutch, an electrical pump or an engine pump is omitted and a substitutive pump mechanism is obtained with a simple construction thereby to circulate lubricating oil within the starting clutch. There is provided a starting clutch in which lubricating oil supplied form a drive shaft side is circulated within the clutch and input side elements and output side elements are tightened by an axial load to transmit a power and wherein a non-electrically operated pump mechanism is provided within the starting clutch.

Abstract: The continuously variable automatic transmission has a plurality of clutches and brakes wherein at least a part of the clutches is designed as wet multi-disk clutches having an inner and an outer disk carrier and wherein the inner disk carrier generally rotates and the outer disk carrier remains fixed. The clutch in which, in the operating state of stationary disengagement, the inner disk carrier remains fixed and the outer disk carrier rotates is provided with a splash-lubrication pot (5), which is situated within the inner disk carrier coaxially to the hollow shaft and which is firmly connected with a constantly rotating part (7) of the clutch, the outer wall of the splash-lubrication pot being provided with holes (6).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a wet friction plate assembly which is capable of discharging the lubricant existing between the friction plate and the separation plate to restrict the accompanying rotation of the separation plate of a wet multiple-plate clutch etc. while it is disengaged.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in an all wheel drive system, utilized in association with a front wheel drive transaxle, including a multi-plate clutch assembly operably connecting two relatively rotatable members and an actuator assembly for actuating the clutch assembly in response to speed differentiation between the two rotary members. The actuator assembly includes a hydraulic pump, a piston disposed in a piston chamber, and a fluid distribution system including a first flow path for supplying hydraulic fluid from a sump to the hydraulic pump and a second flow path for supplying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the piston chamber. Hydraulic pressure in the piston chamber controls the magnitude of the clutch engagement force exerted by the piston on the clutch assembly. A control valve assembly is located in the piston chamber, in close proximity to the clutch pack where a majority of heat is generated.

Abstract: A wet type friction clutch and an electromagnetic clutch is disclosed wherein a pilot clutch 61 is disposed in a magnetic flux path 95 of an electromagnet 57 and is kept between an armature 71 and the electromagnet 57. Upon excitation of the electromagnet 57, the armature 57 is retracted to allow the pilot clutch 61 to be coupled. The pilot clutch 61 includes a plurality of clutch plates 87, 89 which are interleaved with respect to one another for sliding movements. Adjacent clutch plates 87, 87A, 87B, 89, 89A, 89B, 89C, 89D, 89E, 89F are formed with oil guide passageways 86, 96, 98, 106, 108, 110, 114 to create a hydrodynamic pressure effect to allow the clutch plates to be separated with a limited drag torque.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multiple-clutch device, such as a double-clutch device, for arranging in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, wherein the clutch device has a first clutch arrangement associated with a first transmission input shaft of the transmission and a second clutch arrangement associated with a second transmission input shaft of the transmission for transmitting torque between the drive unit and the transmission.

Abstract: A clutch unit has an oil pump which is powered by the input shaft and an oil pump which is powered by the output shaft. The oil pump powered by the input shaft pumps oil in both a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft. The oil flow is controlled by a unique bi-directional check valve which automatically selects the passage through which oil is being pumped. The oil pump powered by the output shaft provides oil to the friction plates of the clutch only when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: An oil cooling arrangement for a stacked plate type clutch assembly including a separator plate between two clutch disc plates. The separator plate assembly has two annular plates lying adjacent one another with at least one shallow channel formed in a plate which defines with the other plate an oil flow passage through the separator assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein is a control system/method to abate idle rattle in a vehicle transmission system. Damping is initiated on the basis of sensed transmission engagement state and engine output shaft rotational speed. A wet clutch is controlled to provide damping to torque fluctuations experienced by a transmission input shaft.

Abstract: A no-back device for an actuator having a screw shaft extending along an axis and a brake element fixed for rotation with the shaft and extending laterally of the axis, the no-back device comprising a rotary ratchet member and a rotary friction member mounted for limited axial movement within a recess defined by a housing, and defining at least one path for passing fluid through the recess, the no-back device further comprising peripherally extending diversion means disposed between an outer periphery of the friction member and an inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing whereby, in use, fluid passing through the recess is diverted away from the inwardly facing peripheral surface of the housing and across a laterally extending surface of the friction member.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch having a solenoid coil (80), a coil housing (81) disposed surrounding the solenoid coil (80), an armature plate (82) disposed facing the side of the coil housing, and a clutch mechanism. The current flowing to the solenoid coil (80) is controlled so as to control the clamping of the armature plate (82) to the coil housing (81), and the clamping force acting on the armature plate is used to control the engagement of the clutch mechanism. There is also a lubricating oil supply channel (63) for supplying lubricating oil from the inside in the radial direction into a gap between the coil housing and the armature plate, and oil reservoir holding lubricating oil to be supplied into the gap is formed around the inner periphery of the portion where the coil housing faces the armature plate.

Abstract: A press drive has an oil shear clutch and an oil shear brake located within a chamber defined by a housing. The chamber is filled with lubricating oil. A fluid passage is formed from the chamber through an output member and then to the friction discs of the clutch and brake. The bore through the output member includes a dam which retains a specified amount of lubricating oil within the bore. A fan cover is attached to the housing and it includes a pair of wing extensions that extend outwardly of the housing. The wing extensions direct air flow from a fan within the fan cover over the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: This lubricating device for a wet multi-disk clutch, which is suitable particularly for use in internal combustion engines of motorcycles, comprises several disks, which are combined into a disk package between an outer hub and an inner hub and surround the outside of a jacket part of the inner hub and, over openings of the lubricating device in the jacket part, are supplied with lubricating oil from a drive shaft having a borehole. To achieve optimum lubrication of the disks, the inside of the jacket part, which is provided with openings, is provided, as seen in the axial direction of the jacket part, with a bevel, which extends from a bottom to a free end of the inner hub, which has a radial oil-damming web and is adjacent to the free end.

Abstract: In a starting clutch comprising a wet type multi-plate clutch having a clutch case, a housing attached to an output shaft of an engine and adapted to cover the wet type multi-plate clutch, and a damper disposed between the wet type multi-plate clutch and the housing, the damper is constituted by a spring, a retainer plate for holding the spring, and a pawl portion elastically engaging with the spring, and the retainer plate is attached to the housing and the pawl portion is attached to the clutch case.

Abstract: A drive unit for a press uses an oil shear brake and an oil shear clutch which are located axially along the output member of the drive unit. A single piston moves between a brake applied/clutch disengaged position to a brake released/clutch engaged position under the influence of a hydraulic pressure. Cooling and lubrication oil is provided to the drive unit through the output member and lubricating oil is received from the drive member through a stationary support member.

Abstract: A power transmission assembly includes a first rotary housing and a second rotary housing disposed within the first housing. A piston housing is disposed between the first and second housing and does not rotate. A clutch plate stack is disposed adjacent to the piston assembly and is engageable to prevent relative rotation of the first and second housings with respect to one another. The rotary housings are supported by a bearing between the housings at one end, and by a series of bearings between the housings and the piston assembly at an opposite end. The arrangement enables the assembly to be supported as an overhung load, while actuating fluid is applied to the piston assembly via a non-rotating manifold.

Abstract: A clutch divider plate 10 having a pair of outer plates 12, 14 and a pair of inner rings or members 16, 18. Rings or members 16, 18 include several notches 40, 38 which allow cooling fluid or oil to pass through the plate 10, thereby cooling plate 10.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.

Abstract: An input clutch lubrication control apparatus for au automatic transmission, including an oil pump, a sleeve, an input shaft rotatably supported by the sleeve, an electromagnetic input clutch drivingly coupled with the input shaft upon being applied, first and second lubrication circuits fluidly communicating the electromagnetic input clutch with the oil pump, and a controller programmed to control the first and second lubrication circuits to regulate an amount of the lubricating oil fed to the electromagnetic input clutch. First lubrication circuit includes an annular space between the input shaft and the sleeve. Second lubrication circuit includes an axial bore of the input shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a wet clutch/brake assembly. The wet clutch/brake assembly is cooled and lubricated using a recirculating flow of lubricant. The entire press acts as a heat sink for the recirculating lubricant and effectively cools and lubricates the clutch/brake assembly. The recirculating flow of lubricant can be formed from press lubricant.

Abstract: A multi-disk friction device includes a drive member having a plurality of drive disks supported for rotation with the drive member and a driven member having a plurality of driven disks supported for rotation with the driven member. The drive and driven disks are interleaved relative to each other such that each drive disk is adjacent to a driven disk and moveable toward and away from one another for providing selective frictional engagement therebetween and to transmit torque between the drive and driven members. Each of the drive and driven disks include a working face which is disposed for frictional engagement with the working face of an adjacent one of the disks. At least one of the working faces on an adjacent one of the disks includes a plurality of micro-pockets formed thereon. The micro-pockets act to store lubricating agents on the working faces.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated power takeoff clutch assembly is rigidly coupled to the flywheel of an engine and has an input hub which serves as a gear to drive auxiliary hydraulic pumps. The input hub is a portion of a wet clutch which is hydraulically actuated through a rotary union connected to an output shaft. The serviceable parts of the clutch are secured to the output shaft and are separably removable from the hydraulic power takeoff assembly for servicing. The clutch is of a multiple disk type. An electronic controller monitors the input and output speeds of the hydraulic power takeoff device and is effective to “bump” the unit to accomodate high inertia loads and to further monitor the operation of the device, such that the clutch thereof serves as a torque limiter.

Abstract: A clutch device includes a substantially annular input plate connected to a converter cover, a substantially annular output plate connected to a turbine hub so that the output plate is brought into contact with the input plate when the clutch device is engaged. The output plate has an inner toothed portion formed on its inner peripheral portion. A substantially cylindrical flanged portion is attached to the turbine hub serving as an output member. The substantially cylindrical flanged portion has an outer toothed portion formed on its outer peripheral portion and being in meshed-engagement with the inner toothed portion to allow axial sliding motion of the output plate relative to the substantially cylindrical flanged portion and to prevent relative rotation of the output plate to the substantially cylindrical flanged portion. A lubrication hole is formed in a bottom between two adjacent teeth of the outer toothed portion of the substantially cylindrical flanged portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet type multi-plate friction engaging apparatus in which axially shiftable outer tooth plates provided on an inner peripheral surface of a drum, and inner tooth plates disposed within the drum and spline-connected to an outer peripheral surface of a hub having lubricating oil supply holes open to the outer surface of the hub are arranged coaxially and alternately, so that the outer tooth plates and the inner tooth plates can be frictionally engaged with each other between a piston disposed at a closed end of the drum and a flange disposed at an open end of the drum by an urging force of the piston, and wherein the drum is not rotated or rotated at a low speed, and friction material are adhered to only the outer tooth plates or the outer tooth plates and the flange.

Abstract: A friction device includes a fixed housing and a driven member which ise rotatable about a common axis. The assembly also includes a friction disc pack operable to connect and disconnect the driven member for transferring and interrupting torque therebetween. A piston assembly is supported in the clutch housing and defines an expandable chamber. The piston assembly is responsive to the pressure of fluid in the expandable chamber to move between disengaged and engaged positions thereby actuating the pack to connect and disconnect the driven member. The pack is disposed within a grounded housing that includes a sealed circumferentially arranged opening defining a coolant chamber for supplying convergent flow cooling to the pack from the OD to the ID thereof.