Abstract: A driving force transmission device includes an input rotation member, an output rotation member, a multiple-disc clutch, a pressing mechanism, and a control device including a current supply circuit. The control device is configured to compute a torque command value, to compute a current command value, to correct the current command value, and to control the current supply circuit such that an electric current depending on the current command value is supplied to the pressing mechanism. The control device is configure to correct the current command value by a correction amount in a constant-torque state after the torque command value changes, the constant-torque state being a state where a change rate of the torque command value is in a predetermined range, the correction amount depending on a duration of the constant-torque state.

Abstract: A positioning assembly for a driving system, the assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw fixed to a driver guide tube, the second jaw fixed to the first jaw to allow one end of the first jaw to rotate away from the second jaw about a connection point, each jaw having an interior channel. The interior channel of the first jaw has an arcuate cross-section. The interior channel of the second jaw is formed from a plurality of walls including an arcuate upper wall and a sub-channel having cross-section formed by a base surface and two side walls, each side wall angled with respect to the base surface. The apparatus also includes a locking member configured to engage the second jaw when the second jaw is rotated away from the first jaw and retain the second jaw in a rotated position.

Abstract: A fan clutch for a vehicle may include a shaft rotated by a drive force and having a first oil line formed in the shaft in a radial direction thereof, a rotor rotated in combination with the shaft, wherein the rotor includes an oil storage chamber formed in the rotor and the oil storage chamber communicates with the first oil line, a valve formed in an end of the oil storage chamber and being selectively opened, wherein the valve may be configured to allow oil stored in the oil storage chamber to flow to an outside of the rotor through the first oil line, and a housing formed to surround the rotor, and provided with a second oil line through which the oil that has flowed through the valve flows to the first oil line through an actuation chamber surrounding the rotor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system may drive an output portion to rotate at a first rotational speed when the clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second rotational speed when the clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. The viscous two-speed clutch system may employ a viscous drive system that causes the output portion to rotate even when the clutch surfaces are disengaged. In such circumstances, the cooling fan can be driven to rotate at a first rotation speed due to interconnection with a drive source and to rotate at a second rotational speed even when the clutch surfaces are disengaged. Thus, the clutch system facilitates the flow of cooling air both when the vehicle cooling system activates the fan (e.g. by causing the clutch surface to engage) and when the vehicle cooling system deactivates the fan (e.g. by causing the clutch surfaces to disengage).

Abstract: A launch device for a vehicle transmission including a housing, an impeller, a turbine, and first and second clutches with first and second pistons, respectively. The first and second pistons are sealingly engaged with one another. The first clutch releaseably engages the impeller with the housing and the second clutch releaseably engages the turbine with the housing. In an example embodiment, the first clutch is disposed radially outside of the second clutch. In an example embodiment, the first clutch is engaged by a first pressure, and the second clutch is engaged by a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: A power transmission device 1 includes a variable stiffness unit 41, which has variable stiffness, receives a torque from a motor A2, and transmits the torque to an output unit B, a variable viscosity coefficient unit 42, which has variable viscosity, receives the torque from the motor A2, and transmits the torque to the output unit B, and a controller A4 which modifies the stiffness of the variable stiffness unit 41 and the viscosity of the variable viscosity coefficient unit 42.

Abstract: A lubricating structure of a transmission is capable of supplying a lubricating oil with respect to a clutch promptly and stably. The lubricating structure of the transmission includes a first oil passage 53 which extends in a second input shaft 18 from one end side thereof to a first position, and the lubricating oil is supplied from the one end side, a second oil passage 54 which connects to the first oil passage 53 at the first position and extends in the second input shaft 18 to a second position, a first lubrication hole 55 which distributes the lubricating oil to the second clutch 20 at the first position, and a second lubrication hole 56 which distributes the lubricating oil to a transmission mechanism 40 at the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic coupling having two blade wheels, namely, an outer wheel and an inner wheel, The hydrodynamic coupling also has a coupling shell. The invention provides that the inner wheel and the coupling shell each have one hole and the holes are situated on the hydrodynamic coupling and can be moved into positions that are aligned with one another when the inner wheel and the coupling shell are rotated. The hole of the coupling shell is larger than the hole of the inner wheel. A measuring pin for passing through the two holes.

Abstract: A rotary damper comprises a first component, a second component mounted rotatably on the first, a braking fluid interposed, between the first and the second component, and a third component mounted rotatably on the second component. The second and the third component form a lateral support surface and a lateral shaft surface which is rotatable within the lateral support surface, rolling elements being interposed between these surfaces. The arrangement is such that, in a first direction of rotation (A), the third component can rotate freely with respect to the second, and, in a second direction of rotation (B), the third component is rigidly coupled to the second. Recesses are formed on the lateral shaft surface, these recesses accommodating corresponding rolling elements and being shaped so as to create, in the second direction of rotation, a centrifugal displacement of the rolling elements such that the elements are locked between the recesses and the lateral support surface.

Abstract: A marine transmission provides first and second drive gears that have first and second driving surfaces in contact with first and second quantities of rheological fluid. First and second driven surfaces of a propeller shaft are also in contact with the rheological fluids within first and second cavities. Torque is transmitted between the drive gears and the propeller shaft through the increase in viscosity of the rheological fluid. A dog clutch can also be provided in order to lock the propeller shaft to the driving one of the first and second drive gears after the rheological fluid is used to spin up the propeller shaft to the appropriate speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starting unit comprising: an input, which can be coupled to a drive, and an output that can be coupled to a driven part; a starting element provided in the form of a hydrodynamic component, comprising at least one primary turbine wheel and one secondary turbine wheel that, together, form a working chamber which can be filled with operating material; an engaging and disengaging clutch comprising at least two clutch elements that can be brought into frictionally engaged active contact with one another in a direct or indirect manner via additional intermediate elements, the first clutch element being at least indirectly connected to the input in a rotationally fixed manner and the second clutch element being at least indirectly connected to the output in a rotational fixed manner; an adjusting device assigned thereto, and; a stationary or rotating housing that surrounds at least one of the turbine wheels while forming an adjoining chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starting unit (1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6) comprising a starting element in the form of a hydrodynamic component (5, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) and a housing (17, 18) that is coupled with the primary impeller (6) in a static or rotationally fixed manner and that encloses at least one impeller (7, 8) in the axial direction, thereby defining at least one working fluid guide channel or compartment (19). The invention is characterized in that the unit is provided with means (2) for influencing the transmission behavior of the hydrodynamic component (5). Said means comprise pressure medium-actuated integrated mechanical components (3) that have an at least indirect effect on the working cycle ensuing in the working compartment (8, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6).

Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission device includes a toroid portion, a turbine hub, and a lock-up device. The toroid portion includes a pump impeller and a turbine runner. The turbine hub is engaged with an input shaft of a transmission and holds the turbine runner. The lock-up device is installed so that it engages and disengages freely and it mechanically transmits to the turbine hub rotation that is transmitted from a drive power source. The toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction. Because the toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction, the size of the hydraulic power transmission device in the axial direction can be reduced, and the hydraulic power transmission device can be made more compact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frictional device (6) comprising at least one friction plate (2), which has a plate-side toothing system (14), and a plate carrier (4), which has a carrier-side toothing system (70) and a predefined fitting end (66) for fitting the friction plate (2), the contours (62, 72) of the toothing systems (14, 70) corresponding to one another in such a way that the friction plate (2) can be brought into engagement with the plate carrier (4), forming a rotational drive connection. The friction plate (2) here has a first axial direction (16) and an opposing second axial direction (18). According to the invention the contours (62, 72) of the toothing systems (14, 70) are formed in such a way that only in the first axial direction (16) can the friction plate (2) be brought into engagement with the plate carrier (4) via the predefined fitting end (66) of the plate carrier (4).

Abstract: An inflatable coupling component tube for a fluid-operated brake or clutch includes an elongated, generally tubular-shaped structure of predetermined length having two ends and a joint between the two ends that closes the tube to form a generally toroidal-shaped cavity. A coupling component for a fluid-operated brake or clutch that includes an inflatable tube, and a method of making an inflatable coupling component tube are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for driving a coolant pump (2) for the coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle comprising a drive train that encompasses a drive wheel (7), a viscous coupling (11), and a drive shaft (3). The inventive driving device is provided with a second coupling (15) which is embodied as a clutch and can be connected to the drive train parallel to the viscous coupling (11), resulting in increased redundancy and two-step rev control.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for storing and releasing hydraulic fluid includes a high pressure storage device, a low pressure storage device, and a pump-motor operating at a range of pump-motor speeds for converting between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy. The pump-motor is disposed between the high pressure device and the low pressure device. In normal operation, the hydraulic drive system enters a motoring mode where hydraulic energy is released from the high pressure storage device and converted to mechanical energy using the pump-motor. It also enters a pumping mode where mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy. A neutral state exists where hydraulic energy is neither stored nor released from the high pressure storage device. An approach for facilitating the application of a clutch when it is not a simple on/off mechanism provides an enhanced interface for the conversion between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy, thereby improving efficiency within the hydraulic drive system.

Abstract: An impeller 3 configures a fluid chamber and includes impeller blades 17 and an annular impeller hub 18. A turbine 4 is disposed to face the impeller 3 and includes turbine blades 22 and an annular turbine hub 23 disposed at an inner peripheral side of the turbine blades 22. A ball bearing 8 is disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the impeller hub 18 and an outer peripheral surface of the turbine hub 23. A first stop ring 34 that engages with a first groove 19 and an engagement groove 31a fixes the ball bearing 8 with respect to the impeller hub 18 due to the ball bearing 8 and the impeller hub 18 being brought into close proximity to each other in the axial direction. A second stop ring 35 engaged with a second groove 24a fixes the ball bearing 8 and the turbine hub 23.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two rotatable, coaxial shaft members (1, 2) contains a clutch (35) between the two shaft members and engageable—to counteract rotational speed differential between the shaft members—by a hydraulic piston (18) under the control of an electrically controlled throttle or pressure valve (26), and a clutch pump (36) for supplying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston, the clutch pump being driven by either one or both of the shaft members. The hydraulic piston (18), the valve (26), and the clutch pump (36) are connected in a hydraulic system also containing a feeder pump (31) for maintaining a certain base pressure in the system. The hydraulic system conditionally allows flow from the feeder pump (31) past the valve (26) to the hydraulic piston (18) irrespective of the flow from the clutch pump (36).

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable viscous coupling for generating a locking effect between two coupling parts rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, more particularly for the driveline of a motor vehicle. The viscous coupling comprises a first coupling part, a second coupling part, wherein the first and the second coupling part form a sealed annular chamber. First plates are connected to the first coupling part in a rotationally fast way and second plates are connectable to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way, as well as controllable connecting means to allow switching between an open position in which the second plates are freely rotatable relative to the second coupling part, and a closed position in which the second plates are connected to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable viscous coupling for generating a locking effect between two coupling parts rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, more particularly for the driveline of a motor vehicle. This viscous coupling comprises a first coupling part, a second coupling part, wherein the first and the second coupling part form a sealed annular chamber. First plates are connectable to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way. Controllable connecting apparatus allow switching between an open position in which the second plates are freely rotatable relative to the second coupling part and a closed position in which the second plates are connected to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes an actuator having a first segment fixed for rotation with the first rotary member and a second segment having a screw thread formed thereon which is rotatably and slidably disposed within a chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnetic coil is disposed in proximity to the chamber and is selectively energized for varying the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid so as to induce axial movement of the actuator for engaging the multi-plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: A transfer clutch includes a magnetorheological actuator which controls operation of a ball screw operator for controlling the magnitude of clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between an input member and an output member. The magnetorheological actuator includes an electromagnetic coil, and a rotor having a first segment retained in a sealed chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. The ball screw operator includes a threaded screw mounted on the output member and which is splined to a second segment of the rotor, a threaded nut, a plurality of balls retained between the aligned threads of the screw and nut, and a drag spring providing a predetermined drag force between the screw and the output member. The multi-plate clutch assembly includes a drum driven by the input member, a hub driving the output member, and a clutch pack operably disposed between the drum and hub.

Abstract: A viscous coupling comprising two parts which form an annular chamber 16 which is filled with a highly viscous fluid and in which first coupling plates 17 are connected to the first one of the parts 11 for rotation therewith and second coupling plates 18 are connectable to the second one of the parts 12 which are arranged so as to alternate in the longitudinal direction. The second coupling plates 18 are arranged so as to alternate with clamping rings 20 in the second one of the parts 12, which clamping rings 20, in turn, are connected to the second one of the parts 12 for rotation therewith. A first axial adjusting device 23 acts in an axial direction on the second coupling plates 18 and on the clamping rings 20 and locks the same relative to one another and to the second one of the parts 12.

Abstract: A transfer clutch includes a magnetorheological actuator which controls operation of a ball screw operator for controlling the magnitude of clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between an input member and an output member. The magnetorheological actuator includes an electromagnetic coil, and a rotor having a first segment retained in a sealed chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid. The ball screw operator includes a threaded screw mounted on the output member and which is splined to a second segment of the rotor, a threaded nut, a plurality of balls retained between the aligned threads of the screw and nut, and a drag spring providing a predetermined drag force between the screw and the output member. The multi-plate clutch assembly includes a drum driven by the input member, a hub driving the output member, and a clutch pack operably disposed between the drum and hub.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological clutch assembly for use in an electromechanical system. The clutch assembly includes a motor having a shaft that is coupled to a magneto-rheological clutch. There is also included a gear plate that is attached to the clutch, as well as being connected to a contact plate and pinion gear. The pinion gear engages a corresponding connection of a power operator system. The magneto-rheological clutch prevents damage to the motor power operator system and panel by simulating a slipping condition when a load exceeding a specified tolerance is applied to the panel.

Abstract: A viscous coupling having two rotatable parts in the form of a hub and a housing for the transmission of torque between the rotatable parts caused by a positive speed differential between the rotatable parts, which are supported inside one another, which are rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, and which form an annular chamber which is filled with a highly viscous fluid and in which first coupling plates non-rotatably connected to the first one of the two rotatable parts, e.g. the hub, and second coupling plates non-rotatably connected to the second one of the rotatable parts, e.g. the housing, are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A viscous coupling for lockingly connecting two parts which are rotatable relative to one another, having the following characteristics: a first coupling part is provided in the form of a rotational housing; a second coupling part is provided in the form of a hub; the first coupling part and the second coupling part are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to one another and, while being positioned co-axially inside one another, together form a sealed annular chamber; inside the chamber, there are arranged axially-alternating first coupling plates in the shape of annular discs with means for providing a non-rotatable connection with the first coupling part, and second coupling plates in the shape of annular discs with means for providing a non-rotatable connection with the second coupling part; otherwise, the annular chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid; the coupling plates, in their entirety, are divided into at least two functionally different sets of coupling plates each of which se

Abstract: A coupling for controllably transmitting torque, having a first coupling member and a second coupling member—especially a shaft and a coupling housing—which are supported so as to be rotatable relative to one another; the coupling comprises a friction coupling and a viscous coupling switched in parallel; the friction coupling comprises two sets of friction plates and the viscous coupling comprises two VC plate carriers; the sets of friction plates of the friction coupling are each connected in a rotationally fast way to the first and the second coupling member and axially loadable by an adjusting device, and a first VC plate carrier of the viscous coupling is permanently connected in a rotationally fast way to the first one of the coupling members, and a second VC plate carrier of the viscous coupling is disconnectably connected to the second coupling member, with an axial adjusting device connecting and disconnecting the second VC plate carrier of the viscous coupling in a friction locking way an

Abstract: A particle clutch and a ball-ramp-actuated friction clutch controlled by the particle clutch. The particle clutch includes input and output couplings, the transfer of force therebetween being determined by the shear viscosity of a magnetically reactive medium, comprising magnetic particles or a magnetorheological fluid, which fills a gap between corresponding surfaces operably connected to the input and output couplings. The shear viscosity of the medium is variable by the application of a magnetic field. The output coupling is operably connected to one side of the ball-ramp actuator, such that a transfer of force between the input and output couplings causes a relative rotation in the actuator, initiating a camming action that compresses friction plates within the friction clutch for transfer of torque through the friction clutch.

Abstract: A clutch device which serves to connect the drive) of a motor vehicle with a multiple-speed shift transmission has, for this purpose, two friction clutches which can be engaged or disengaged independently from one another in that they are connected via their respective driven sides with a transmission input shaft. At least one of the friction clutches is in a working connection at its drive side with a driving member of a hydrodynamic clutch which can be activated at least under predetermined operating conditions of the drivetrain for transmitting torque introduced by the drive. At the same time, a driven member of the hydrodynamic clutch can be connected with one of the transmission input shafts.

Abstract: In a transmitting system for a small-sized vehicle in which a crankshaft of an engine and an input shaft of a multi-stage transmission are connected to each other through a fluid transmitting device, the fluid transmitting device including a pump impeller leading to the engine, and a turbine impeller leading to the transmission, a shifting clutch is interposed between the crankshaft of the engine and the multi-stage transmission in a series relation to the fluid transmitting device. Thus, a creep phenomenon of the fluid transmitting device can be eliminated, and the shifting operation of the transmission can be conducted lightly, by bringing the shifting clutch into its OFF state.

Abstract: A coupling assembly comprising a friction coupling a pressure-generating device comprising a pump body member, an axially-displaceable piston loading the friction coupling, and a pressure chamber formed by the pump body and by the piston and filled with a highly-viscous fluid, and with at least one conveying plate being provided in the pressure chamber; and a shear channel with a control member in the pressure chamber, the control member cooperating with at least one conveying plate. In a first embodiment, the shear channel with a control member forms two circumferential grooves of limited length and each covered by one of the two radial surfaces of the conveying plate, thereby forming two shear channels. Passages through the conveying plate connect the two shear channels. In a second embodiment, the shear channel with a control member forms a circumferential groove of limited length which is covered by one of the two radial surfaces of the conveying plate to form a first shear channel.

Abstract: A viscous coupling comprising two parts which are supported inside one another, which are rotatable around a common longitudinal axis and which form an annular chamber which is filled with a highly viscous medium and in which there are arranged inner plates which are non-rotatably connected to the inner one of the parts and form a set of inner plates, as well as outer plates which are non-rotatably connected to the outer one of the parts and form a set of outer plates, said inner plates and outer plates being arranged so as to alternate in the longitudinal direction for the purpose of generating a coupling effect between the two parts when the latter rotate relative to one another, wherein a partial set of one of the sets of inner plates and outer plates is directly carried by a sleeve which is connected to the part of the coupling which carries said set of inner plates or outer plates in such a way that it can be uncoupled.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device is formed with a hydrodynamic circuit comprising at least an impeller and turbine wheel and with a residual circuit in which is provided at least a lockup clutch for fixing the turbine wheel relative to a drive. The residual circuit is supplied, via a hydraulic supply system, with switchable pressure medium lines for controlling the lockup clutch. The hydrodynamic circuit is at least substantially isolated from the residual circuit by a dividing wall and is at least partially filled with a medium whose density exceeds that of the medium used for supplying the residual circuit.

Abstract: A coupling device for transmitting torque between a first part and a second part which are rotatable relative to one another is disclosed. The coupling device comprises a multi-plate coupling unit with axially alternating arranged first plates and second plates. The first plates are each connected in a rotationally fixed manner to one of the first part or the second part and the second plates are each connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the other of the first part or the second part. The coupling device further comprises an actuating assembly for axially loading the multi-plate coupling unit by means of a setting piston. The multi-plate coupling unit also comprises a first annular chamber filled with a highly viscous fluid and delimited by the setting piston, and a rotational member arranged in the annular chamber. The first annular chamber is formed in one of the first or second parts with the rotational member being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the other of the first or second part.

Abstract: A center differential device (17) for use in a four wheel drive system, the device including a viscous coupling (29), a ball ramp actuator (31), and a clutch pack (33). Under normal driving conditions, most of the torque is transmitted to the front drive wheels (11), and the device (17) rotates as a unit. If the front wheels (11) begin to slip, the input shaft (15) and input coupling member (35) rotate faster than the output coupling member (43), thus transmitting torque to the output coupling member (43). This torque is transmitted to the first ramp plate (51) of the ball ramp actuator (31), displacing the actuator from its neutral position (FIG. 3), such that the second ramp plate (52) begins to load the clutch pack (33) and transmit torque from the housing (25) to the output shaft (19), and from there to the rear drive wheels (23).

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two parts rotatably mounted relative to one another. The device comprises a friction coupling 12 having friction elements rotationally fixed to each of the parts. The friction elements are rotatably relative to one another. The friction coupling 12 is loadable by at least two movable pistons 19.sub.1, 19.sub.2, which delimit a pressure chamber 21 on one side. The pressure chamber 21 is filled with a viscous fluid, and is connected to a reservoir 26. The pressure chamber 21 is formed by a rotational housing 20 and the pistons 19.sub.1, 19.sub.2. The rotational housing 20 is connected with one of the rotatable parts. A rotational member 22 rotates inside the chamber 21 and is connected to the other rotatable part. A control member 23 is positioned in a pressure chamber 21 and faces of the rotational member and counter faces of the control member and constitute at least one shear channel 38 which communicates with the reservoir 26 and the pressure chamber 21.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling device includes an impeller wheel with an impeller shell and a vane arrangement and a turbine wheel with a turbine shell and vane arrangement. The vane arrangements of the impeller wheel and the turbine wheel form a hydrodynamic circuit. A lockup clutch is constructed with an axially movable piston for transmitting torque by the application of pressure in the direction of a primary flange of a clutch housing via at least one friction facing provided axially between the piston and the primary flange. The lockup clutch has a torsional vibration damper with a drive-side transmission element and a driven-side transmission element which is movable relative to the latter, each of which is provided with driving means for elastic elements.

Abstract: A differential device (17) for use in a four wheel drive system, the device including a viscous coupling (29), a ball ramp actuator (31), and a clutch pack (33). Under normal driving conditions, most of the torque is transmitted to the front drive wheels (11), and the device (17) rotates as a unit. If the front wheels (11) begin to slip, the input shaft (15) and input coupling member (35) rotate faster than the output coupling member (43), thus transmitting torque to the output coupling member (43). This torque is transmitted to the first ramp plate (51) of the ball ramp actuator (31), displacing the actuator from its neutral position (FIG. 3), such that the second ramp plate (52) begins to load the clutch pack (33) and transmit torque from the housing (25) to the output shaft (19), and from there to the rear drive wheels (23).

Abstract: A drive force transmission apparatus includes a housing connected to one of two shafts that are rotatable relative to each other, a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the housing and connected to the other shaft, and a multiple disc clutch composed of a plurality of outer plates engaged with the housing in the rotational direction and a plurality of inner plates engaged with the rotary shaft in the rotational direction. The multiple disc clutch transmits rotational torque between the housing and the rotary shaft through frictional engagement between the outer plates and the inner plates. The apparatus also includes a pressure generation mechanism for generating a pressure corresponding to a rotational-speed difference between the housing and the rotary shaft and for applying the generated force to the multiple disc clutch via a piston.

Abstract: A coupling assembly has a friction coupling with friction plates alternately connected to respective ones of first and second coaxial parts which are rotatable relative to one another. A hydraulic actuating device for actuating the friction coupling has an annular chamber formed in one of the first and second parts. The annular chamber is defined by an axially movable piston which acts on the friction plates and containing a conveyor member for effecting fluid shear. The conveying member is connected to the other of the first and second parts. The annular chamber receives a highly viscous fluid, such that a pressure build up is generated to increase torque transmission between the first and second parts. The annular chamber is connected to a compensating chamber with a variable volume force for the highly viscous fluid. The compensating chamber is formed by an axially open annular groove and an axially movable annular element sealing said annular groove.

Abstract: A coupling for transmitting torque between two parts has a friction or viscous coupling. The friction coupling is loaded by a piston and rotational member. A shear channel is formed between faces such that viscous fluid contained in the chamber is moved along the shear channels wherein the piston is loaded as a result of shear forces.

Abstract: A coupling for transmitting torque between two parts (14, 20; 16, 24) which are rotatable relative to one another, comprising a friction coupling (12) whose friction elements (15, 17) are each non-rotatably connected to the one and the other of the parts (14, 20; 16, 24) which are rotatable relative to one another, with the friction coupling (12) being loadable by at least one movable piston (19) which, at one end, delimits a pressure chamber (21) which is filled with a viscous fluid, which is connected to a reservoir (26), whose rotational housing (20) is formed by the one of the rotatable parts (14, 20) and by the piston (19) sealed relative thereto and in which there rotates a rotational member (22) connected to the other one of the rotatable parts (16, 24), with rotational faces of the rotational member (22), together with counter faces of a pumping and control member (23) positioned in the pressure chamber (21) constituting at least one sealed shear channel (38) which, in the respective direction of rela

Abstract: A bypass clutch for use in an hydrodynamic torque converter (10) includes a viscous coupling (30) driveably engaged with the torque converter input shell (12) and turbine (18), and a friction clutch (24) driveably engaged with said input shell (12) and turbine (18) in parallel to the viscous coupling (30).

Abstract: A power plant is provided which includes a drive apparatus actuated clutch which can be rapidly engaged to selectively connect a prime mover to a driven device after prolonged exposure of the power plant to cold ambient temperatures. The drive apparatus utilizes a fluid coupling connected, connected in parallel with the clutch for rapidly heating a control volume of fluid used for actuating the clutch. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid coupling also motors the drive mechanism at 5-10% of rated speed to help circulate fluid heated by the fluid coupling through the drive mechanism to thereby reduce start-torque and drag torque experienced by the clutch on start-up. The clutch thus may be made smaller with less risk of burn-out, while still being capable of rapidly engaging following prolonged exposure to cold ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A coupling for transmitting torque between two parts has a friction or viscous coupling. The friction coupling is loaded by a piston and rotational member. A shear channel is formed between faces such that viscous fluid contained in the chamber is moved along the shear channels wherein the piston is loaded as a result of shear forces.

Abstract: A torque transmission device of a four-wheel drive vehicle having a pair of drive shafts includes a hydraulic pump for transmitting torque to both drive shafts through a variable oil pressure generated therein according to the difference in rotational speed between both drive shafts, and a multiple disc clutch for transmitting torque to both drive shafts by a frictional coupling power. The hydraulic pump has a casing and a rotor housed therein. The casing is rotated by one of the drive shafts. The rotor is rotated by the other drive shaft through a transmitting member, a hydraulic piston mechanism and a rotary sleeve. The transmitting member has a clutch operating portion for operating the clutch. When the transmitted torque exceeds a predetermined level, the hydraulic piston mechanism is adapted to move the transmitting member to operate the multiple disc clutch with no intermediary of the casing.

Abstract: A torque transmission device of a four-wheel drive vehicle having a pair of drive shafts includes a hydraulic pump for transmitting torque to both drive shafts through a variable oil pressure generated therein according to the difference in rotational speed between both drive shafts, and a multiple disc clutch for transmitting torque to both drive shafts by a frictional coupling power. The hydraulic pump has a casing and a rotor housed therein. The casing is rotated by one of the drive shafts. The rotor is rotated by the other drive shaft through a transmitting member, a cam mechanism and a rotary sleeve. The transmitting member has a clutch operating portion for operating the clutch. When the transmitted torque exceeds a predetermined level, the cam mechanism is adapted to move the transmitting member to operate the multiple disc clutch with no intermediary of the casing.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for a vehicle has an input shaft which is connected to pinion shafts so as to rotate together with the pinion shafts in a transfer casing. Pinion gears, provided on the pinion shafts, mesh with first and second differential side gears provided around the input shaft. A first output shaft is formed as a unitary body with the first differential side gear. Since a clutch mechanism is disposed on one side of and beside the first output shaft, the entire transfer apparatus structure is compact in both axial and radial directions of the input shaft. The second differential side gear is connected to a sprocket, which connected to a second output shaft. In order to transfer rotation of either the input shaft or the second differential side gear to the clutch mechanism, either a differential casing or a portion extending from the sprocket is provided so as to connect with the clutch mechanism.