Having Fluid-pressure Operator Patents (Class 192/3.29)
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Patent number: 9068638Abstract: A vehicle drive device for a rotary electric machine. A case of the device includes a support wall portion that extends in a radial direction of the rotary electric machine at a location between the rotary electric machine and the fluid coupling in the axial direction. A first bearing and a second bearing that is separate from the first bearing are disposed at different positions in the radial direction from each other, the first bearing being configured to support the rotor member in the radial direction so as to be rotatable with respect to the support wall portion, and the second bearing being configured to support the coupling input member in the radial direction so as to be rotatable with respect to the support wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Mikio Iwase, Daiki Suyama, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Yukihiko Ideshio, Yuji Inoue
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Patent number: 9022191Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device including a pump driven to generate hydraulic pressure; a first pressure regulation valve that regulates hydraulic pressure in a first passage coupled to a pump along with discharge of oil; a second pressure regulation valve that receives the hydraulic pressure in the first passage and regulates the hydraulic pressure to an engagement pressure to engage a lock-up clutch according to a first signal pressure to output the engagement pressure to a second passage that supplies the oil to an engagement chamber; and a third pressure regulation valve that receives the hydraulic pressure in the first passage or the engagement pressure output to the second passage and regulates the received pressure according to the first signal pressure or a second signal pressure that synchronizes with the first signal pressure to output the resulting pressure to a third passage that supplies the oil to the disengagement chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoya Jinno, Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazunori Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9010507Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump shell fixed to the cover; and a vibration damper with a plurality of springs, and a cover plate partially surrounding the springs. The torque converter includes a torque convert clutch with: a piston plate; and a drive plate with a first portion and a plurality of second portions including distal ends circumferentially aligned with the springs and circumferentially disposed between pairs of adjacent springs, and a plurality of centering protrusions extending radially outward beyond the distal ends or inward of the distal ends. The second portions are arranged to engage the springs to transmit the torque. When the torque converter is not rotating, the centering protrusions are free of contact with the cover plate. When the torque converter rotates at a rate greater than a threshold speed, the centering protrusions contact the cover plate to limit radial displacement of the drive plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jeremy Vanni, Brian C. Zaugg, Rolf A. Mueller
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Patent number: 9004248Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to achieve reduction in size and weight of, and inhibition of axial size increase of, a power transmission device for a torque converter including a turbine functioning as an inertia element. The power transmission device includes a torque transmission plate fixed to a turbine, a damper mechanism disposed between a front cover and the turbine, and an engaging part. The damper mechanism elastically couples the torque transmission plate and a transmission-side member. The engaging part couples the torque transmission plate and the damper mechanism on a radially inner side of a torus center C of a torque converter main body.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Yuki Kawahara, Yoshihiro Matsuoka, Mitsuru Kuwahata, Shinji Fujimoto
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Patent number: 8985290Abstract: A clutch for a torque converter, including: a piston axially displaceable to open and close the clutch; and a seal plate engaged with the piston and including: a main portion radially located between inner and outer circumferences of the seal plate and having a first thickness in an axial direction; and a seal retaining portion extending radially inward or outward from the main portion and including: first and second walls extending axially beyond the main portion; a weld fixedly connecting the first wall to the main portion; and a slot at least partially formed by the first and second walls and opening radially inward or radially outward. The slot is arranged to accept a seal element. The seal element is arranged to seal the seal plate to a cover for a torque converter or to a component fixedly secured to a cover for a torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KgInventors: David C. Avins, Gregory Weyer
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Patent number: 8967349Abstract: A lock-up device includes a clutch part and a damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes an input plate, an output plate, a plurality of torsion springs, an intermediate member and a restriction member. The intermediate member is configured to cause at least two of the torsion springs to act in series. The restriction member is fixed to a clutch output member of the clutch part, while being disposed such that a part of the intermediate member is interposed between the input plate and the restriction member in an axial direction. The intermediate member is restricted from moving in a radial direction by the clutch output member, while being restricted from moving in the axial direction by the input plate and the restriction member.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ushio, Takeshi Kawamoto, Ken Mototsune, Shinji Fujimoto
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Patent number: 8955658Abstract: It is provided a vehicle power transmission device having a torque converter and a power transmission mechanism in a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, the torque converter including an input-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of pump blades, an output-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of turbine blades receiving a fluid flow from the pump blades, and a stator disposed with a stator blade disposed between the pump blades and the turbine blades, the power transmission mechanism transmitting power input to an input shaft from the torque converter to a subsequent stage, within a circulation flow passage allowing circulation of fluid in the torque converter, a circulation outward passage allowing the fluid to flow toward the inside of the torque converter at the time of the circulation being made up of a gap between the input shaft of the power transmission mechanism and a tubular stator shaft coupled via a one way clutch to the stator, and the stator shaft beingType: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
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Patent number: 8939859Abstract: A torque converter includes a prime mover input and an impeller configured to rotate in response to the prime mover input. The torque converter further includes a turbine arranged with the impeller and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the impeller, a stator arranged with the impeller and the turbine, and a stator clutch configured to allow rotation of the stator in a first mode and configured to limit rotation of the stator in a second mode. The torque converter further including a stator clutch actuator configured to activate and deactivate the stator clutch to place the stator clutch in the second mode during particular operations and to place the stator clutch in the first mode. A vehicle and a process of converting torque for operation of a vehicle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Amarnath Rao Jawalkar Nagaraj, Timothy J. May
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Publication number: 20150021137Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; an impeller including an impeller blade, and an impeller shell with a first surface extending beyond the impeller blade in a radial direction and at an acute angle with respect to a first line in the radial direction; a turbine including a turbine blade, and a turbine shell with a second surface axially aligned with the first surface and at the acute angle with respect to the first line; a turbine clutch including the first and second surfaces and friction material disposed between the first and second surfaces; a torus at least partially enclosed by the impeller and turbine shells; and a pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine shell and the cover. For torque converter mode, the turbine and the impeller are independently rotatably with respect to each other. For lock-up mode, the first and second surfaces are non-rotatably connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Patrick M. Lindemann, Matthew Payne
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Patent number: 8936142Abstract: A torque transmission device, comprising a hydrodynamic component, a shiftable clutch device and a vibration damper. A turbine shell of the hydrodynamic component is connected with a damper input component of the vibration damper and/or with a turbine shell hub, which is at least indirectly supported in axial direction at a damper hub through a torque-proof connection. At least one axial support surface is provided at a face of a damper component, adjacent to the torque-proof connection in an axial direction, or of the damper hub. The face is oriented away in axial direction from the torque-proof connection. The invention is characterized in that a support element is arranged at the damper component or at the damper hub. The support element includes a support surface forming an axial protrusion, extending through adjacently arranged damper components or portions of a support.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Eugen Kombowski, Stephan Maienschein
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Patent number: 8935971Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8936141Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8931608Abstract: A friction assembly for a torque converter, including: a side plate for a damper in the torque converter; a plate; an output hub for connection to an input shaft for a transmission; and a diaphragm spring. The side plate and the plate are fixedly connected to a turbine shell for the torque converter. The diaphragm spring is directly engaged with the output hub so that the diaphragm spring rotates with the output hub and is axially displaceable with respect to the output hub. The diaphragm spring is directly engaged with the side plate and the plate so that the diaphragm spring is axially restrained by the side plate. The plate and is rotatable with respect to the side plate and the plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Patrick M. Lindemann, Mark Graf
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Publication number: 20150008086Abstract: A lock-up device includes a clutch portion and a damper mechanism. The clutch portion includes a clutch output member, a clutch plate, an oil chamber plate having a disc shape and a piston. The oil chamber plate is disposed between a front cover and an inner peripheral part of a turbine, while being axially immovable with respect to the front cover. The piston is disposed between the front cover and the oil chamber plate while being axially movable. The piston forms a first oil chamber for lock-up actuation together with the oil chamber plate, and forms a second oil chamber for lock-up releasing together with the front cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Ken Mototsune, Kazuhito Maeda
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Patent number: 8925699Abstract: A pressure and flow control system includes a hydraulically-controlled component, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal, which controls the hydraulically-controlled component.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dongxu Li, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chi-Kuan Kao, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober, Bret M. Olson
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Publication number: 20140367214Abstract: A torque converter includes an input connected to an engine. An output is connected with a transmission. A lockup clutch is connected with the output and is disposed to engage the input to couple the input with the output via an apply pressure corresponding to a target lockup strategy based on at least one vehicle operating condition. A pressure regulator is configured to modulate the apply pressure. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Jonathan Lunati, Justin Morse, Cody Mayer, Bradley Brown, Brian Reese
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Patent number: 8910763Abstract: Providing a hydraulic control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission, which makes it possible to design an oil pump with a reduced delivery capacity, thereby permitting an improvement of fuel economy of a vehicle. The hydraulic control apparatus includes a supply passage connecting/disconnecting valve 114A which is operated, in synchronization with a switching operation of a lock-up relay valve 114, to apply a modulator pressure PM via an orifice 118 to a lock-up clutch 18, for placing the lock-up clutch 18 in the lock-up on state, and to inhibit the application of the modulator pressure PM to the lock-up clutch 18, for placing the lock-up clutch 18 in its lock-up off state.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiaki Mitsui, Yusuke Ohgata
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Patent number: 8899394Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus may be provided with a lock-up clutch operated or not by hydraulic pressure difference between an engagement-side oil chamber and a disengagement-side oil chamber and may include a first hydraulic line supplying hydraulic pressure to the disengagement-side oil chamber or exhausting the hydraulic pressure from the disengagement-side oil chamber, a second hydraulic line supplying hydraulic pressure to the engagement-side oil chamber or exhausting the hydraulic pressure from the engagement-side oil chamber, and a third hydraulic line connected to a slip switch valve, and selectively exhausting through the slip switch valve the hydraulic pressure supplied to the engagement-side oil chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Hyunjun Son, Joo Hang Lee
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Publication number: 20140339042Abstract: A torque converter includes a front cover, an impeller, a turbine and a stator. The impeller includes an impeller shell coupled to the front cover, a plurality of impeller blades disposed inside the impeller shell, and an impeller hub. The impeller hub is formed in an axially extending tubular shape, while being fixed at an engine-side end part thereof to the inner peripheral part of the impeller shell by means of friction welding. The impeller hub also has a burr produced by the friction welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Masakatsu Togawa, Ken Mototsune
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Patent number: 8875858Abstract: Providing a hydraulic control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission, which makes it possible to design an oil pump with a reduced delivery capacity, thereby permitting an improvement of fuel economy of a vehicle. The hydraulic control apparatus includes a supply passage connecting/disconnecting valve 114A which is operated, in synchronization with a switching operation of a lock-up relay valve 114, to apply a modulator pressure PM via an orifice 118 to a lock-up clutch 18, for placing the lock-up clutch 18 in the lock-up on state, and to inhibit the application of the modulator pressure PM to the lock-up clutch 18, for placing the lock-up clutch 18 in its lock-up off state.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiaki Mitsui, Yusuke Ohgata
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Patent number: 8863922Abstract: An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having an annular portion with a first substantially circumferentially aligned surface, and a bearing centering plate including at least one second substantially circumferentially aligned surface engaged with the first surface, the bearing centering plate arranged to retain a thrust bearing or bushing. An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having a first surface aligned with an axis of rotation for the clutch, at a first substantially uniform distance from the axis, and facing radially outward, a thrust bearing or bushing, and a bearing centering plate. The bearing centering plate including at least one second surface arranged to contact the first surface, and at least one third surface aligned with the axis, at a second substantially uniform distance from the axis, facing radially inward or radially outward, and arranged to contact a circumference of the thrust bearing or the bushing.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Mark Graf
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Patent number: 8857586Abstract: The lockup device includes a piston that is coupled to a front cover, a drive plate coupled to the piston, a plurality of outer peripheral-side torsion springs to which torque is inputted from the drive plate, and a float member that is arranged on the turbine side of the outer peripheral-side torsion springs and serves to make two of the outer peripheral-side torsion springs operate in series. The float member has a main body portion and an inner peripheral support portion. The main body portion covers an outer peripheral portion and a turbine-side side portion of the outer peripheral-side torsion springs. The inner peripheral support portion extends from the main body section toward an inner periphery and supported on an output side of the intermediate member.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Yuki Kawahara, Naoki Tomiyama
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Patent number: 8851254Abstract: A power transmission device has a rigid body that includes a contact portion coming into contact with the first or second friction member and that moves the contact portion from a position of contact with the first or second friction member to a position of no contact with the first and second friction members, an elastic body that applies to the rigid body a force moving the contact portion to a position of contact with the first or second friction member, a first pushing mechanism that applies to the rigid body a pressure of liquid moving the contact portion to a position of contact with the first or second friction member, and a second pushing mechanism that applies to the rigid body a pressure of liquid moving the contact portion to a position of no contact with the first and second friction members.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Tomohide Suzuki
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Patent number: 8844690Abstract: A torque converter, including: a piston plate for a lock-up clutch, the piston plate including a circumferential surface forming an opening axially aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter; a ring-shaped element fixedly secured to the piston plate; and a seal in compressive engagement with the circumferential surface, axially aligned with the ring-shaped element, and including a surface facing radially inward for forming a seal with an input shaft inserted into the torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Patrick M. Lindemann, Brian C. Zaugg, Nathan Yensho, Alfredo Jimenez
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Patent number: 8839924Abstract: A compact fluid transmission apparatus that is able to effectively damp vibrations transmitted to an input member with a dynamic damper and a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber. The apparatus includes a pump impeller that is connected to an input member coupled to a motor, and a turbine runner that is rotatable together with the pump impeller. The elastic body of the damper mechanism and the elastic body of the dynamic damper overlap each other with respect to an axial direction of the fluid transmission apparatus when viewed in a radial direction of the fluid transmission apparatus, and are arranged between the turbine runner and the centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber when viewed in the radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Takikawa, Kazuto Maruyama, Kazuhiro Itou
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Patent number: 8839923Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a cover for driving engagement with a prime mover, a piston plate including an annular surface for engaging a clutch, and a first seal disposed radially inward of the annular surface. In a lockup mode for the torque converter, the first seal blocks fluid flow through an orifice in the piston plate or between the cover and the piston plate and, in a release mode for the torque converter, the first seal is deflectable to enable a fluid flow through the orifice or between the cover and the piston plate and around the first seal. In an example embodiment, the torque converter assembly includes an apply chamber, the piston plate is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the apply chamber, and the first seal is arranged to be deflected by the fluid pressure in the apply chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignees: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, Allison Transmissions, Inc.Inventors: Wilbert Greathouse, Richard Bednar, John Carrier, Rashid Farahati, Jeremy Vanni, Brian Zaugg, Jerry Munk, Bruce E. Fox
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Patent number: 8839925Abstract: In a fluid transmitting device with a lock-up clutch, each second transmitting claw is formed of: a base portion having a long side arranged in a peripheral direction of a turbine impeller and a short side arranged axially of the turbine impeller; and a claw portion protruding from an intermediate portion of one of long-side portions of the base portion and being inserted between adjacent damper springs, and each short-side portion of the base portion is fixed to the turbine impeller through a weld. A long-side portion of the base portion not welded to the turbine impeller includes a cutout, facilitating bend of the long-side portion when transmitting torque through the second transmitting claw, at opposite sides of the claw portion. This improves engine output performance by relaxing stress concentration at spots where the second claws are welded to a turbine impeller without increasing the thicknesses of the claws.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Uchi, Yoshinori Sugimoto, Kengo Suzuki
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Publication number: 20140262666Abstract: A lock-up device includes a clutch part and a damper mechanism. The clutch part includes a clutch input member, a clutch output member, a drive plate, a driven plate, a second flange and a piston. The second flange is mounted between a front cover and an inner peripheral part of a turbine to be axially immovable with respect to the front cover, and forms a lock-up oil chamber. The piston is mounted between the front cover and the second flange, forms a lock-up oil chamber together with the second flange therebetween, and is configured to be moved toward the front cover by an operating oil to be supplied to the lock-up oil chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ushio, Takeshi Kawamoto, Ken Mototsune, Shinji Fujimoto
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Publication number: 20140251745Abstract: A lubricating oil supply device that supplies hydraulic oil used to actuate a vehicle's transmission. The supply device configured with a pump that generates a hydraulic pressure, and a line pressure generation valve that discharges a part of the hydraulic pressure from the pump as a discharge pressure to generate a line pressure for actuating the transmission. A signal pressure output valve that outputs a signal pressure for actuating the line pressure generation valve in accordance with at least a throttle operation amount or torque input to the transmission. Furthermore, a switching valve that is actuated by the signal pressure from the signal pressure output valve and that supplies lubricating oil input to an input port to the object to be lubricated from an output port with a flow rate of the lubricating oil changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kutsubo, Kazuki Kojima, Tetsuya Shimizu, Kenichi Tsuchida, Kazunori Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8819915Abstract: A method of assembling a piston plate and cover for a torque converter comprising the steps of: installing a shimming leaf into the cover; installing a rivet comprising a rivet head and a rivet body into a piston plate hole; supporting the rivet head with the shimming leaf; and expanding the rivet body into the piston plate hole. The method includes a shimming leaf assembly, wherein the shimming leaf assembly comprises the shimming leaf and a pivot, wherein the shimming leaf is rotatable about the pivot.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Alfredo Jimenez
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Patent number: 8813927Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control system for a torque converter includes a lock-up clutch operated according to pressure difference between an engagement and disengagement side oil chambers, a first hydraulic line communicated with the disengagement side oil chamber, second and third hydraulic lines communicated with the engagement side oil chamber, and a lock-up switch valve and a torque converter hydraulic pressure control valve that generate pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line communicated so that fluid within the engagement side oil chamber is circulated in lock-up on state of the lock-up clutch, and the lock-up switch valve and the torque converter hydraulic pressure control valve generate pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line in slip state of the lock-up clutch higher than the pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line in the lock-up on state of the lock-up clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyunjun Son
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Publication number: 20140231204Abstract: The lock-up device includes a piston, a drive plate, a plurality of radial outer side torsion springs, a float member, a driven plate, a plurality of radial inner side torsion springs and an intermediate member. The float member is rotatable relative to the drive plate and causes the radial outer side torsion springs to act in series. The intermediate member is rotatable relative to the drive plate and the driven plate, and transmits torque from the radial outer side torsion springs to the radial inner side torsion springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATIONInventor: Yuki KAWAHARA
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Patent number: 8807310Abstract: A fluid transmission apparatus including a pump impeller that is connected to an input member coupled to a motor; a turbine runner that is rotatable together with the pump impeller; a damper mechanism that includes an input element, an intermediate element engaged with the input element via a first elastic body and an output element engaged with the intermediate element via a second elastic body; a lock-up clutch mechanism; a dynamic damper that includes a mass body and a third elastic body engaged with the mass body; and a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber that includes a support member and a plurality of mass bodies each oscillatable with respect to the support member. The third elastic body of the dynamic damper is engaged with one of the intermediate element and the output element. The centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber's support member is connected to the intermediate element or the output element.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Takikawa, Kazuto Maruyama, Kazuhiro Itou
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Publication number: 20140216880Abstract: A torque converter assembly comprises: a cover for driving engagement with a prime mover; a piston plate including an annular surface for engaging a clutch; and, a sealing plate comprising a substantially radial wall arranged between the cover and the piston plate and disposed radially inward of the annular surface, wherein: in a lockup mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate blocks fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate; and, in a release mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate is deflectable to enable a fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate via a pathway between the cover and the sealing plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicants: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG, ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.Inventors: Wilbert Greathouse, Richard Bednar, John Carrier, Rashid Farahati, Jeremy Vanni, Brian Zaugg, Jerry Munk, Bruce E. Fox
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Patent number: 8794417Abstract: A pressure and flow control system for a torque converter clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a torque converter control valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The torque converter control valve is configured to engage and disengage the torque converter clutch in response to the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
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Patent number: 8789669Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a first through bore for receiving a transmission input shaft; a clutch including a piston plate; a plurality of fasteners connected to the cover; and a plate connected to the cover. The plate includes a radially aligned wall including a plurality of openings in which the plurality of fasteners is disposed; a second through bore at least partially aligned, in an axial direction, with the first through bore; and a plurality fins extending from the radially aligned wall in the axial direction. Each fin includes a first end aligned with the first and second through bores in the axial direction. Each fin includes a second end disposed radially within the plurality of openings. A space, aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter and the second through bore, is formed between the respective first ends.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Aliihasan Karamavruc, Patrick M. Lindemann, Paul Dougall, Rashid Farahati, Larry Chad Boigegrain, Michael Clason, Layton Broome, Chad Mieczkowski, Nathan Yensho, David C. Avins
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Patent number: 8776972Abstract: A buckling prevention device including a first rotational element, a second rotational element, a leaf spring arranged for transferring torque between the first and second rotational elements while enabling relative axial movement between the first rotational element and the second rotational element, a connection member fixedly connecting the leaf spring to the second rotational element, wherein the connection member extends axially through a hole in the first rotational element, wherein a gap is formed between the connection member and an edge of the hole when the leaf spring is not experiencing an overly high compression force, and wherein the connection member is operatively arranged to close the gap and engage with the first member when the spring is experiencing an overly high compression force for preventing the leaf spring from buckling and at least partially transferring the torque directly between the first and second rotational elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Jeremy Vanni
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Patent number: 8763775Abstract: A torque converter, including: a turbine; a cover; a lock-up clutch engageable with the cover; and a first damper assembly including: a first flange connected to the lock-up clutch so as to rotate in unison with the clutch; at least one side plate; a second flange for connection to an input shaft for a transmission; a first plurality of springs engaged with the first flange and with the at least one side plate; and a second plurality of springs, at least partially circumferentially aligned with the first plurality of springs, and engaged with the at least one side plate and the second flange. The torque converter includes a second damper assembly connected to the first damper assembly and including: a third side plate fixed to the turbine; and a third plurality of springs, radially outside of the first and second pluralities of springs, and engaged with the third side plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jeremy Vanni, Brian C. Zaugg
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Patent number: 8752685Abstract: The lock-up device includes an input rotary member, an output rotary member, an elastic member and a support member. The elastic member elastically couples the input rotary member and the output rotary member in a rotational direction. The support member is rotatably disposed relatively to the input rotary member and the output rotary member. The support member has a support part supporting the elastic member and an engaging part engaged with the elastic member in the rotational direction. The support part of the support member herein has an outer peripheral side support portion supporting the outer peripheral side of the elastic member. Further, the outer peripheral end of the outer peripheral side support portion has a curvature continuously reduced in proportion to distance from the engaging part in the rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventor: Naoki Tomiyama
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Patent number: 8746424Abstract: A torque converter, including: a turbine with a turbine shell; and a damper assembly including: an output flange; a first cover plate; a first drive plate fixedly secured to the turbine shell; a first plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate; a second plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate and the output flange; a third plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate and the first drive plate; and a single torque path from the turbine shell to the damper assembly, the single torque path formed by the first drive plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Craig Kneidel
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Patent number: 8746425Abstract: A lock-up device includes a piston, a drive plate, a plurality of radial outer side torsion springs, a float member, a driven plate, a plurality of radial inner side torsion springs and an intermediate member. The float member is configured to rotate relative to the drive plate, to cause the first and second radial outer side elastic members to act in series. The intermediate member is configured to rotate relative to the drive plate and the driven plate, and to transmit the torque from the first and second radial outer side elastic members to the first and second radial inner side elastic members.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventor: Yuki Kawahara
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Publication number: 20140151177Abstract: A device for actuating a frictional converter lock-up clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter. A piston of the lock-up clutch can be acted upon by pressure of a inner chamber of a converter that acts in the engaging direction of the lock-up clutch and by pressure of a piston chamber delimited by the piston that acts in the disengaging direction. At least in the disengaging operating condition of the lock-up clutch, the piston space is connected to the inner chamber of the converter. The inner chamber can be supplied with hydraulic fluid via a first line. Hydraulic fluid can be discharged from the inner chamber via a second line. The piston chamber of the lock-up clutch can be connected to a pressurized zone and to an essentially unpressurized zone. By varying the pressure in the piston chamber, the device can modulate the transmission capacity of the lock-up clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventor: Juergen Legner
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Publication number: 20140144742Abstract: In a torque converter device for a motor vehicle having a single-piece housing element which, for drivingly interconnecting a torque converter and an internal combustion engine, wherein the housing element forms a disk carrier accommodating at least one disk of a separating clutch which is provided for mechanically connecting and disconnecting the internal combustion engine to and from the torque converter device, the housing element is provided with at least one actuating piston receptacle forming a pressure chamber with an actuating piston disposed therein for actuating the separating clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: DAIMLER AGInventors: Stefan SPERRFECHTER, Tobias HAERTER, Heinrich STRAUB, Bernhard ZIEGLER, Tobias SCHUSTER
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Patent number: 8727087Abstract: A torque transmission includes a housing arrangement drivable around an axis of rotation and filled with fluid and a clutch arrangement between the housing arrangement and a driven member. The clutch arrangement has a first friction surface formation rotatable with the housing arrangement and a second friction surface formation rotatable with the driven member. A clutch piston is movable axially for producing and canceling frictional engagement of the first and the second friction surface formation. A piston carrying element is connected to the clutch piston on the radially inner side for axial movement of the clutch piston. The piston carrying element has in its radially inner end region a first axial supporting area for axially supporting the driven member at the piston carrying element and a second axial supporting area for supporting the piston carrying element at the housing arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Ralf Fambach, Georg Mencher, Gregor Sueck, Andreas Grell, Michael Heuler
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Patent number: 8727086Abstract: A torque converter damper, including: an output hub; a first side plate arranged for rotational connection to a lock-up clutch and a turbine of the torque converter. Includes first and second intermediate flange plates; a flange connected to the output hub; springs engaged with the first side plate and the intermediate flange plates; springs engaged with the intermediate flange plates and with the flange; and a resilient element creating frictional contact between first and second components of the torque converter damper. Relative rotation of the first and second components at the frictional contact attenuates vibration at the output hub. The first and second components are rotatable with respect to each other. Rotation of the first component is fixed to rotation of the hub. Rotation of the second component is arranged to be fixed to rotation of the turbine. The hub is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Craig Kneidel, Markus Steinberger
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Patent number: 8720658Abstract: A starting device includes: a lock-up clutch mechanism; a fluid coupling; a spring damper including a spring, a power transfer portion transferring power from the lock-up clutch mechanism to the spring, and a power output portion transferring power from the spring to an input shaft; and a pendulum damper including a pendulum and a pendulum power transfer portion transferring power from the spring damper to the pendulum. The output portion of the lock-up clutch, the pendulum damper, the spring damper, and the fluid coupling are arranged sequentially in this order from a motor in the axial direction. The lock-up clutch mechanism output and the spring damper output are connected to each other on the outer circumferential side of the pendulum damper, and the spring damper output and the pendulum power transfer portion are connected to each other on the inner circumferential side of the pendulum.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Ito, Akihiro Nagae, Yoshihide Mori, Keizo Araki
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Publication number: 20140124319Abstract: A vehicle transmission torque converter assembly, having: an engine output shaft; a turbine; and a transmission input shaft linkable to either the engine output shaft or turbine via a lock-up clutch. The lock-up clutch is configured to sustain the transmission input shaft being: (i) coupled to the engine output shaft; (ii) coupled to the turbine; or (iii) decoupled.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Ulrich Bertram
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Patent number: 8714325Abstract: A hydraulic pressure controller, which controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a torque converter including a lock-up clutch that is engageable using a hydraulic pressure from a mechanical pump, including a first pressure regulation valve that regulates pressure in a first passage connected to the pump while discharging oil in the first passage to a discharge passage; a bypass passage branched from the first passage bypassing the first pressure regulation valve; a first switching valve selectively switchable between a first state in which the bypass passage and a second passage are connected to each other and a second state in which the discharge passage and the second passage are connected to each other; and a second pressure regulation valve that regulates a hydraulic pressure in the second passage. The first switching valve is switchable into the first state to engage the clutch and into the second state to disengage the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoya Jinno, Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazunori Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8708118Abstract: A clutch and damper assembly for a torque converter includes a clutch piston with a piston friction surface for engaging the clutch and an outer sealing diameter, and a damper. The piston friction surface is disposed radially inward of the damper and the outer sealing diameter is disposed radially outward of the damper. In an example embodiment, the clutch piston includes an inner sealing diameter disposed radially inward of the piston friction surface. In some example embodiments, the damper includes a resilient element and a drive plate. The drive plate is drivingly engaged with the resilient element and frictionally engageable with the clutch piston.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Markus Steinberger, Patrick Lindemann, Craig Kneidel
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Patent number: 8708116Abstract: To provide a simply-structured vibration damping device having excellent vibration damping capacity. A vibration damping device is configured to damp torsional vibrations of a rotary member of a hydraulic transmission 1, in which the rotary member is rotated integrally with a drive side impeller 2 or with a driven side impeller 5, and in which the drive side impeller 2 and the driven side impeller 5 are connected with a lockup clutch 26 actuated by fluid pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yu Miyahara, Hiroyuki Amano, Shinichiro Suenaga, Shingo Aijima