Abstract: Presented are torque converters (TC) with planetary-type vibration dampers, methods for making/using such TC assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such TC assemblies. A TC assembly includes a TC housing drivingly connected to a prime mover to receive torque therefrom, and a TC output member drivingly connected to a transmission to transfer torque thereto. Rotatably mounted within an internal fluid chamber of the TC housing are juxtaposed turbine and impeller blades. The impeller blades are rotatably mounted to the housing. A TC clutch is operable to lock the TC housing to the TC output member. A torsional vibration damper, which is disposed within the internal fluid chamber, includes a sun gear attached to the TC output member for unitary rotation, a ring gear attached to the TC clutch for unitary rotation, and a planet carrier intermeshed with the ring and sun gears and attached to the turbine blades for unitary rotation.

Abstract: An automatic transmission comprising a control valve body adapted to control oil flow within the transmission, a torque converter having a torque converter clutch operable in one of an open and an applied condition, a first control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter and a second control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter, a first oil path that provides a fluid connection between the first control circuit and the torque converter, a second oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter, a third oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter clutch, and an orifice that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter.

Abstract: Presented are torque converters (TC) with planetary-type vibration dampers, methods for making/using such TC assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such TC assemblies. A TC assembly includes a TC housing drivingly connected to a prime mover to receive torque therefrom, and a TC output member drivingly connected to a transmission to transfer torque thereto. Rotatably mounted within an internal fluid chamber of the TC housing are juxtaposed turbine and impeller blades. The impeller blades are rotatably mounted to the housing. A TC clutch is operable to lock the TC housing to the TC output member. A torsional vibration damper, which is disposed within the internal fluid chamber, includes a sun gear attached to the TC output member for unitary rotation, a ring gear attached to the TC clutch for unitary rotation, and a planet carrier intermeshed with the ring and sun gears and attached to the turbine blades for unitary rotation.

Abstract: An automatic transmission comprising a control valve body adapted to control oil flow within the transmission, a torque converter having a torque converter clutch operable in one of an open and an applied condition, a first control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter and a second control circuit between the control valve body and the torque converter, a first oil path that provides a fluid connection between the first control circuit and the torque converter, a second oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter, a third oil path that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter clutch, and an orifice that provides a fluid connection between the second control circuit and the torque converter.

Abstract: Presented are torque converters (TC) with planetary-type vibration dampers, methods for making/using such TC assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such TC assemblies. A TC assembly includes a TC housing drivingly connected to a prime mover to receive torque therefrom, and a TC output member drivingly connected to a transmission to transfer torque thereto. Rotatably mounted within an internal fluid chamber of the TC housing are juxtaposed turbine and impeller blades. The impeller blades are rotatably mounted to the housing. A TC clutch is operable to lock the TC housing to the TC output member. A torsional vibration damper, which is disposed within the internal fluid chamber, includes a sun gear attached to the TC output member for unitary rotation, a ring gear attached to the TC clutch for unitary rotation, and a planet carrier intermeshed with the ring and sun gears and attached to the turbine blades for unitary rotation.

Abstract: A transmission hydraulic control system for an automobile transmission includes a hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with the at least one torque transmitting device, a transmission pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit and adapted to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit, an accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit and having an annular cylindrical shape concentric with a center-line of the automatic transmission, an annular piston moveable between a first position and a second position, and a spring adapted to bias the piston to the first position, and a valve mechanism positioned between the hydraulic circuit and the accumulator, the valve mechanism adapted to selectively allow fluid communication between the accumulator and the hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: Presented are torque converters (TC) with planetary-type vibration dampers, methods for making/using such TC assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such TC assemblies. A TC assembly includes a TC housing drivingly connected to a prime mover to receive torque therefrom, and a TC output member drivingly connected to a transmission to transfer torque thereto. Rotatably mounted within an internal fluid chamber of the TC housing are juxtaposed turbine and impeller blades. The impeller blades are rotatably mounted to the housing. A TC clutch is operable to lock the TC housing to the TC output member. A torsional vibration damper, which is disposed within the internal fluid chamber, includes a sun gear attached to the TC output member for unitary rotation, a ring gear attached to the TC clutch for unitary rotation, and a planet carrier intermeshed with the ring and sun gears and attached to the turbine blades for unitary rotation.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly configured to be connected between an engine and a transmission in a vehicle. The torque converter assembly comprises a cover plate, a pump, a turbine, a stator, and a clutch assembly operably connected between the cover plate and the turbine. The clutch assembly comprises a coverside plate, a turbine-side plate, and a piston located at least partially between the coverside plate and the turbine-side plate. A charge circuit is configured at least partially between the cover plate and the coverside plate, a compensation circuit is configured at least partially between the coverside plate and the piston, and an apply circuit is configured at least partially between the piston and the turbine-side plate.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a pump and a turbine fluidly connected together. A vehicle includes the assembly operable between an output shaft of an engine and an input member of a transmission. The assembly includes a damper and a clutch operable between the pump and the turbine. The damper is operable upstream from the clutch such that oscillation from the pump is reduced by the damper before oscillation reaches the clutch. The clutch includes first and second plates and a friction plate disposed between the first and second plates. The assembly includes a casing that contains the pump, the turbine, the damper and the clutch. A first part of the casing and the first plate define a first chamber. A first part of the turbine and the second plate define a second chamber. The clutch between the first and second plates defines a third chamber.

Abstract: A torque converter for a vehicle includes an annular housing. A turbine member is fluidically connected to the pump member. A lock-up clutch is selectively engaged between the annular housing and the turbine member. A lock-up clutch actuator is connected to the lock-up clutch. A cavity is defined between the annular housing and the turbine member. A first fluid circuit is fluidically connected to the pump member, the cavity and a first side of the lockup clutch actuator. The first fluid circuit delivers a fluid to engage the lock-up clutch actuator. A second fluid circuit is hydraulically connected to the pump member and the cavity. The second fluid circuit guide the fluid from the annular housing. A third fluid circuit is hydraulically connected to a second side of the lock-up clutch actuator. The third fluid circuit selectively delivers a pressurized fluid to release the lock-up clutch.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly configured to be connected between an engine and a transmission in a vehicle. The torque converter assembly comprises a cover plate, a pump, a turbine, a stator, and a clutch assembly operably connected between the cover plate and the turbine. The clutch assembly comprises a coverside plate, a turbine-side plate, and a piston located at least partially between the coverside plate and the turbine-side plate. A charge circuit is configured at least partially between the cover plate and the coverside plate, a compensation circuit is configured at least partially between the coverside plate and the piston, and an apply circuit is configured at least partially between the piston and the turbine-side plate.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a pump and a turbine fluidly connected together. A vehicle includes the assembly operable between an output shaft of an engine and an input member of a transmission. The assembly includes a damper and a clutch operable between the pump and the turbine. The damper is operable upstream from the clutch such that oscillation from the pump is reduced by the damper before oscillation reaches the clutch. The clutch includes first and second plates and a friction plate disposed between the first and second plates. The assembly includes a casing that contains the pump, the turbine, the damper and the clutch. A first part of the casing and the first plate define a first chamber. A first part of the turbine and the second plate define a second chamber. The clutch between the first and second plates defines a third chamber.

Abstract: A system for absorbing vibration and transmitting torque from a rotating power source to a rotatable load includes a rotatable driving member configured as an input to be driven by the power source to rotate about an axis of rotation. The system has a cam plate with a cam surface. A spring is configured to extend lengthwise in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation. The spring is configured to be compressed due to the cam surface during relative rotation of the driving member and a driven member when the cam plate is operatively connected to rotate in unison with said one of the driving member and the driven member. The spring therefore has an effective spring rate dependent upon the cam surface, compression of the spring absorbs torsional vibration of the driving member, and the cam plate.

Abstract: An electrified multiple speed ratio transmission for mounting to an external power-source and transmitting a power-source torque therefrom includes an input member configured to receive the power-source torque. The transmission also includes a torque transfer system configured to receive the power-source torque from the input member and select an input-to-output speed ratio of the transmission. The transmission additionally includes an electric motor operatively connected to the torque transfer system and configured to apply an electric motor torque input thereto. Furthermore, the transmission also includes an output member operatively connected to the torque transfer system and configured to receive the power-source torque and the electric motor torque input therefrom and output a sum of the power-source torque and the electric motor torque input to drive a load. A vehicle having such an electrified multiple speed ratio transmission is also envisioned.

Abstract: An electrified multiple speed ratio transmission for mounting to an external power-source and transmitting a power-source torque therefrom includes an input member configured to receive the power-source torque. The transmission also includes a torque transfer system configured to receive the power-source torque from the input member and select an input-to-output speed ratio of the transmission. The transmission additionally includes an electric motor operatively connected to the torque transfer system and configured to apply an electric motor torque input thereto. Furthermore, the transmission also includes an output member operatively connected to the torque transfer system and configured to receive the power-source torque and the electric motor torque input therefrom and output a sum of the power-source torque and the electric motor torque input to drive a load. A vehicle having such an electrified multiple speed ratio transmission is also envisioned.

Abstract: A system for absorbing vibration and transmitting torque from a rotating power source to a rotatable load includes a rotatable driving member configured as an input to be driven by the power source to rotate about an axis of rotation. The system has a cam plate with a cam surface. A spring is configured to extend lengthwise in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation. The spring is configured to be compressed due to the cam surface during relative rotation of the driving member and a driven member when the cam plate is operatively connected to rotate in unison with said one of the driving member and the driven member. The spring therefore has an effective spring rate dependent upon the cam surface, compression of the spring absorbs torsional vibration of the driving member, and the cam plate.

Abstract: A damper system includes a turbine shaft rotatably connected to a torque converter having a clutch. A hydraulically actuated clutch is coupled to the turbine shaft. A first spring cage has a first cage portion connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage portion connected to a friction plate. A first spring set is connected to the first and second cage portions. Springs of the first spring set are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage portions when the torque converter clutch is engaged. A second spring cage has a first cage section connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage section connected to a torque converter turbine. A second spring set has second springs having a spring constant different than the first spring set. The second spring set springs are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage sections.

Abstract: A system for absorbing vibration and transmitting torque from a rotating power source to a rotatable load includes a rotatable driving member configured as an input to be driven by the power source to rotate about an axis of rotation. The system has a cam plate with a cam surface. A spring is configured to extend lengthwise in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation. The spring is configured to be compressed due to the cam surface during relative rotation of the driving member and a driven member when the cam plate is operatively connected to rotate in unison with said one of the driving member and the driven member. The spring therefore has an effective spring rate dependent upon the cam surface, compression of the spring absorbs torsional vibration of the driving member, and the cam plate.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes a planetary gear set connected to a transmission input shaft, including a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear. A spring cage includes a first spring support member connected to the ring gear having multiple first spring contact members. A second spring support member is connected to the carrier and rotates with respect to the first spring support member. The second spring support member has multiple second spring contact members angularly oriented with respect to the first spring contact members. Multiple springs having opposed ends are positioned between and are compressed by rotation of the first or the second spring support member. The springs compress and extend to absorb vehicle engine vibration pulses. Each end of the springs has one of the multiple first spring contact members and or one of the multiple second spring contact members positioned proximate thereto.

Abstract: A radially stacked planetary gear assembly provides improved lubrication fluid flow to the planet gear bearings of an outer planetary gear set which is especially important when the housing or outer planetary gear carrier is stationary. The assembly includes radially aligned or stacked inner and outer planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a ring gear and a carrier having planet gears in constant mesh with the sun and ring gears wherein the ring gear of the inner gear set is also the sun gear of the outer gear set and the outer carrier is the assembly housing. The sun gear is disposed on a transmission shaft having lubrication passages which aligns with pluralities of radial openings in a hub housing. A circular plate or guide adjacent one side of the housing includes channels which align with the openings and functions as a lubrication director, channeling lubrication from the transmission shaft and the pluralities of radial openings in the housing hub to the outer bearings, shafts and planet gears.