Vortex-flow Drive And Clutch Patents (Class 192/3.21)
  • Patent number: 11713799
    Abstract: An electric drivetrain including an electric machine and at least one output pinion intended to be connected to an axle differential, and at least one speed reduction device including a first gear train and a second gear train intended to drive the output pinion in rotation in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Herve Maurel, Guillaume Boidin, Pierre Cholvy, Gregory Foucart, Norberto Termenon, Cyrille Corniglion
  • Patent number: 11099261
    Abstract: A scanning device includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a rotor that is configured to be mounted in a rotatable manner about an axis of rotation. The transmitter is configured to at least occasionally emit electromagnetic radiation, and the receiver is configured to sense at least part of the electromagnetic radiation reflected and/or scattered by an object. The transmitter and the receiver are arranged on the rotor in an at least partially axially overlapping manner based on the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen Schmitt, Siegwart Bogatscher, Ulrike Schloeder, Stefan Mark, Thorsten Balslink, Hans-Jochen Schwarz, Jan Sparbert
  • Patent number: 10281020
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter comprises a casing having a locking surface, impeller and turbine wheels, a one-way turbine clutch, and a torsional vibration damper. The one-way turbine clutch includes an outer ring non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell, an inner and engagement components permitting rotational movement of the outer ring relative to the inner ring in one circumferential direction only. The turbine wheel is non-rotatably coupled to the outer ring of the one-way turbine clutch. The torsional vibration damper comprises an input member, a plurality of circumferentially acting elastic members and an output member elastically coupled to the input member trough the elastic members. The output member of the torsional vibration damper is non-rotatably attached to the turbine wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Alexandre Depraete, Subramanian Jeyabalan
  • Patent number: 9951852
    Abstract: A stator for a torque converter is provided. The stator includes a plurality of blades, a one-way clutch and a body supporting the blades. The body receives the one-way clutch therein and includes a pocket formed therein radially outside of the one-way clutch. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided. The method includes forming a pocket in a body of a stator. The stator includes a plurality of blades supported by the body. The body includes a recess radially inside of the pocket. The method also includes axially pressing an outer race of a one-way clutch into the recess. A torque converter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carleton Caldwell, Aditya Dattawadkar
  • Patent number: 9581210
    Abstract: A rotor hub includes a sheet metal cylinder including spline teeth including angularly spaced crests and valleys, a tube surrounding the cylinder, secured to the crests and supporting a rotor thereon, a hub secured to the cylinder and supported for rotation, a torque converter, and a flex plate secured to the hub and the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, John E. Brevick, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Patent number: 9243669
    Abstract: An assembly includes a torque converter concentric with an axis and including a casing, a rotor hub drivably connected for rotation about the axis to an electric machine, a coupler connected to the rotor hub, and a flex plate coupled for elastic displacement between the coupler and a surface of the casing that faces away from the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, John E. Brevick, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Publication number: 20150122605
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping arrangement, comprises at least one deflection mass pendulum unit with a rotatable carrier, a deflection mass, a deformable restoring element, a supporting element which provides the carrier supporting region, wherein a distance between the carrier supporting region and the deflection mass supporting region can be varied through movement of the supporting element at the carrier, and the supporting element is preloaded in direction of a radially inner base position and is displaceable radially outward against the preloading under centrifugal force action wherein that a radial distance of the supporting element from the base position increases degressively with increasing centrifugal force action at least in one rotational speed range and/or in that a spring stiffness of the restoring element increases progressively at least in one rotational speed range through centrifugal force-induced displacement of the supporting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Uwe Grossgebauer, Thomas Doegel, Armin Stuemer
  • Patent number: 8974339
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device has a torque converter including an input-side rotating member, an output-side rotating member, a stator and a case including a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a bulkhead, and the first chamber and the second chamber being oil-tightly isolated from each other by an oil seal. The vehicle power transmission device is disposed with a thrust bearing between the input-side rotating member and the stator, which is disposed to partially or entirely overlap with the oil seal and a one way clutch disposed between the stator and a non-rotating member which supports the stator. A portion of the one way clutch protrudes toward the second chamber, the input-side rotating member having an annular projecting portion, and the annular projecting portion houses the thrust bearing and the portion of the one way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8960394
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump fixedly secured to the cover; an axially displaceable turbine hydraulically coupled to the pump; and an axially displaceable stator at least partially disposed between the pump and the turbine and including a friction clutch with a plurality of clutch plates and respective friction material disposed between the plurality of clutch plates. When the ratio of the rotational speed of the turbine with respect to the rotational speed of the pump is less than a coupling point value, the turbine or the stator is arranged to axially displace to close the friction clutch. When the ratio of the rotational speed of the turbine with respect to the rotational speed of the pump is at least equal to the coupling point value: the stator or the turbine is arranged to axially displace to open the friction clutch; or the stator is arranged to axially displace to close the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: John Carrier
  • Patent number: 8960393
    Abstract: A powertrain module includes an input, a bulkhead supporting the input, a rotor support, a torque converter casing driveably connected to the rotor support, an electric machine including a stator supported on the bulkhead and a rotor connected to the rotor support, a clutch hub driveably connected to the input, and a clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the clutch hub and the rotor support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Publication number: 20140202818
    Abstract: A wet clutch arrangement, particularly starting clutch for a vehicle, including a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a friction coupling region having a first friction surface formation rotating with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation that rotates with a driven element around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation, a fluid coupling region with an impeller rotating with the housing arrangement around the axis of rotation and with a turbine that rotates with the driven element around the axis of rotation and which, along with the impeller, defines a toroidal fluid circulation space. The fluid coupling region is arranged radially outside the friction coupling region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Joerg SUDAU, Arthur Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8776971
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator and clutch assembly in a torque converter. The stator has a segment radially disposed between stator blades and a stator axis. The one-way clutch has a plate connected to a hub. The segment forms a portion of the clutch and the stator is axially displaceable to control operation of the clutch. A displacement element urges the stator in a first axial direction. The stator is arranged to move in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, in response to pressure from fluid in the torque converter. In some aspects, the displacement element is selected from the group consisting of a coil spring and a wave spring. In some aspects, the one-way clutch is arranged to disengage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the first direction and to engage when the stator is sufficiently displaced in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Michael Vansickle, Christian Huegel, Yannick Strub, J. Kevin Brown, Peter Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20140097055
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a torus with an impeller and a turbine having respective shells, a cover shell, and a first damper plate. The impeller shell has a radial wall disposed radially outside of the torus and the turbine shell has a radial wall arranged for frictionally engaging the impeller shell radial wall. The cover shell has a radial wall and the first damper plate has a radial wall for transmitting a turbine shell thrust force to the cover shell radial wall. In an example embodiment, the torque converter includes a friction material ring fixedly attached to the turbine shell radial wall or the impeller shell radial wall. In some example embodiments, the torque converter includes a friction material ring fixedly attached to the cover shell radial wall or the first damper plate radial wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Patrick Lindemann, Markus Steinberger
  • Patent number: 8640838
    Abstract: A system and method of compensating for torque converter slip in a motor vehicle include measuring rotational speeds of an engine crankshaft and mainshaft, as well as measuring operating temperatures of a fluid associated with the motor vehicle. Engine output torque is adjusted as required by controlling some combination of ignition timing, intake air flow, fuel injection, and accessory load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, Takahide Mizuno, Hirokazu Toyoshima, Lee O'Donnell, Naomichi Tonokura, Akio Muto, Yutaka Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140021000
    Abstract: A tuned damper for a torque converter includes a piston plate with a pivot ring, an inertia ring at least partially rotatable in a circumferential direction relative to the piston plate, and a resilient element fixed to the inertia ring and frictionally engaged with the piston plate pivot ring. In some example embodiments, the pivot ring includes a pair of radially extending tabs, the resilient element includes a radially-extending leaf spring fixed to a slide roll, and an outer circumference of the slide roll is clamped by the pivot ring tabs. In an example embodiment, the pivot ring tabs each include respective distal bent segments extending toward one another to limit radial displacement of the slide roll. In an example embodiment, an inertia of the inertia ring and a torsional spring rate of the resilient element are selected so that a natural frequency of the inertia ring is less than a shudder frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Michael G. Swank, Edmund Maucher, Ashi Uppal
  • Publication number: 20130284554
    Abstract: It is provided a vehicle power transmission device having a hydraulic power transmission device and a power transmission mechanism in a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, the hydraulic power transmission device including an input-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of pump blades and an output-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of turbine blades receiving a fluid flow from the pump blades, the power transmission mechanism transmitting power input to an input shaft from the hydraulic power transmission device to a subsequent stage, the output-side rotating member being coupled by relatively non-rotatable fitting to the input shaft on the power transmission mechanism side relative to the pump blades and the turbine blades in an axial center direction of the hydraulic power transmission device, the hydraulic power transmission device being a torque converter having a stator coupled via a one way clutch to a tubular stator shaft concentric with the input shaft and h
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8550960
    Abstract: A clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter, which connects the drive input of the hydrodynamic torque converter to the drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, is actuated in a disengaging direction when a power at an auxiliary power take-off in a vehicle exceeds a predefined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans Hofler, Thomas Kurz
  • Publication number: 20130192946
    Abstract: A powertrain module includes an input, a first bulkhead supporting the input for rotation, a hub, an electric machine including a stator connected to the first bulkhead and a rotor connected to the hub, a clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the input and the rotor, a servo for actuating the clutch and supported on the input, and a second bulkhead supporting the hub for rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Publication number: 20130192945
    Abstract: A powertrain module includes an input, first bulkhead supporting the input for rotation, a hub, an electric machine including a stator connected to the first bulkhead and a rotor connected to the hub, a clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the input and the rotor, and a second bulkhead supporting the input for rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Publication number: 20130020166
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter assembly includes an internal planetary gear assembly that splits torque between a torque converter and a direct path to the transmission input as well as a damper and a torque converter clutch. The torque converter assembly includes an input shaft that is driven by the engine output shaft and is coupled to both the planetary gear carrier of the planetary gear assembly and the transmission hydraulic pump. The sun gear of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to the torque converter output shaft through a spring damper. The ring gear of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to one side of the torque converter clutch and the pump of the torque converter. The other side of the torque converter clutch is coupled to both the turbine of the torque converter and the spring damper. The stator of the torque converter is grounded. An alternate embodiment replaces the torque converter with a fluid coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Lee Robinette, Victor M. Roses
  • Publication number: 20120325609
    Abstract: A damper unit having at least two series-connected damper units arranged offset from each other in a radial direction, each including two damper parts that are coupled to each other by means of spring units and a speed-adaptive absorber which is at least indirectly coupled to the connection between the two dampers, wherein the speed-adaptive absorber is arranged between the spring units of both dampers in a radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Christian Huegel
  • Publication number: 20120261225
    Abstract: A torque transmission system, particularly for a vehicle, includes a housing arrangement (26) with a hub region (36) which engages in a shaft opening (22) of the gearbox housing (16) and is rotatably supported so as to be substantially fluid-tight with respect to the gearbox housing (16) by means of a bearing/seal arrangement (42); at least one first fluid port (97) which opens toward an intermediate space region (98) formed between the housing arrangement (26) and the gearbox housing (16) is provided in the housing arrangement (26) in or in the vicinity of the hub region (36), and at least one second fluid port (104) which bypasses the bearing/seal arrangement (42) and opens toward the intermediate space region (98) is provided in the gearbox housing (16) and/or in the bearing/seal arrangement (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jörg Sudau, Gregor Sueck, Arthur Schröder
  • Publication number: 20120217113
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Kawahara, Yoshihiro Matsuoka, Mitsuru Kuwahata, Shinji Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20120205213
    Abstract: A wet clutch arrangement, particularly starting clutch for a vehicle, including a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a friction coupling region having a first friction surface formation rotating with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation that rotates with a driven element around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation, a fluid coupling region with an impeller rotating with the housing arrangement around the axis of rotation and with a turbine that rotates with the driven element around the axis of rotation and which, along with the impeller, defines a toroidal fluid circulation space. The fluid coupling region is arranged radially outside the friction coupling region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Jörg Sudau, Arthur Schröder
  • Patent number: 8113089
    Abstract: An engine starting apparatus is provided that has a constantly engaged starter pinion and a one-way clutch lubricated with transmission fluid, without modification to the engine and without adding axial length to the transmission. Specifically, a starting apparatus for cranking an engine crankshaft using a starter motor is provided for an engine that is operatively connected to a transmission through a torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joel M. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20110308908
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Eugen Kombowski, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20110278121
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Patrick M. Lindemann, Mark Graf
  • Publication number: 20110240429
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling includes a housing coupled to a driveshaft having an impeller and a turbine wheel is arranged in the housing driven by the impeller, and a first damper arrangement by which the housing is coupled to a driven member by a lockup clutch. The first damper arrangement includes a first torsional vibration damper connected to the lockup clutch is rotatable around an axis of rotation against the action of a first damper spring arrangement. A second torsional vibration damper is connected to the first torsional vibration damper and rotatable around the axis of rotation against the action of a second damper spring arrangement. The turbine wheel is connected to an intermediate torsional vibration damper region including a first secondary side, a second primary side, a second damper arrangement having a deflection mass carrier connected to the second secondary side that is carried at the deflection mass carrier such that a radial position of the deflection mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Heuler, Patrick Rediger, Mario Kensy, Alexander Strom
  • Publication number: 20110203891
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission assembly includes providing a vehicle having a first power source and a second power source disposed in parallel with the first power source. The first power source includes a prime mover and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a torque converter coupled to the prime mover. The transmission assembly further includes a clutch that selectively engages the torque converter to a transmission of the transmission assembly. The second power source includes a pump-motor unit, a fluid reservoir and an energy storage unit. A torque value of the second power source is compared to a torque threshold value. The clutch of the transmission assembly is disengaged so that the torque converter of the transmission assembly is disengaged from the transmission of the transmission assembly when the torque value of the second power source is greater than or equal to the torque threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Stoner, Vincent Joseph Duray
  • Patent number: 7971694
    Abstract: A shaft system for an automatic transmission includes a stator support shaft having an internal axial bore for receiving an input shaft, a forward engagement portion for engaging a stator of a torque converter of the automatic transmission and an integral stator support flange extending radially outward for engaging a stator support of the automatic transmission and transferring to the stator support substantially all of a torque load imposed on the stator support shaft by the stator. The stator support flange includes at least one oil flow bore positioned therein to supply oil between different components of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Beattie
  • Publication number: 20110139562
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes an input shaft having a bore portion extending in an axial direction thereof, a stator shaft formed in a cylindrical shape and provided so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the input shaft, and a sleeve formed in a cylindrical shape and provided so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the stator shaft, wherein the stator shaft includes an internal hydraulic passage, a clearance formed between an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve and the outer circumferential surface of the stator shaft serves as a first hydraulic passage, the internal hydraulic passage serves as a second hydraulic passage, a clearance formed between an inner circumferential surface of the stator shaft and the outer circumferential surface of the input shaft serves as a third hydraulic passage, and the bore portion of the input shaft serves as a fourth hydraulic passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinobu Nakamura, Masahiro Tomida
  • Publication number: 20110048883
    Abstract: A torque converter clutch assembly including a torque converter cover drivingly engaged with a prime mover, a piston plate for engaging the clutch; a drive plate; and a drive ring drivingly engaged with the drive plate. The drive ring has a continuous ring-shaped segment at its outer circumference, and a radial friction wall. The drive plate is disposed axially between the radial friction wall and the ring-shaped segment. In some example embodiments of the invention, the drive plate includes at least one tab with an outer diameter and the ring-shaped segment includes an inner diameter larger than the tab outer diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Nathan YENSHO
  • Patent number: 7706949
    Abstract: A method and system for executing a shift from a first fixed gear to a second fixed gear in a powertrain system comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission operative to receive a speed input from an engine is described. It includes deactivating an off-going clutch, and generating a time-based profile for rotational speed of an oncoming clutch. The input speed is controlled based upon the rotational speed of the oncoming clutch and an output of the transmission. The oncoming clutch is actuated, preferably when the input speed is synchronized with a rotational speed of an output shaft of the transmission multiplied by a gear ratio of the second fixed gear, preferably after a predetermined elapsed period of time in the range of 500 milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20100089713
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter with a pump, a turbine and a stator, having an increased thickness on the suction side of blade profiles of blades in the stator relative to the pressure side of the blades, in order to reduce the pump torque of the torque converter at low to medium speed ratios without influencing the other features of the characteristic diagram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventor: Christine Buedenbender
  • Publication number: 20100078281
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device, which has a motor generator on a power transmission path between an engine and an automatic transmission apparatus, includes a fluid clutch having a pump impeller, to which a rotational force generated by the engine is inputted, and a turbine impeller being rotated when receiving a fluid from the pump impeller and outputting a rotational force to the automatic transmission apparatus, a clutch mechanism connecting the pump impeller and the turbine impeller to establish a power transmission therebetween and disconnecting the pump impeller and the turbine impeller to interrupt the power transmission therebetween, and an oil pump arranged on a power transmission path between the turbine impeller and the automatic transmission apparatus, integrally rotating with the turbine impeller and generating a hydraulic pressure for actuating the automatic transmission apparatus and the clutch mechanism, wherein the motor generator is integrally rotated with the turbine impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki KAJIGAI, Yasuo Shirai
  • Publication number: 20100072014
    Abstract: An impeller hub assembly including a first portion connected to a rotor for an electric motor, a second portion connected to an impeller shell of a torque converter, and a rotary shaft seal for hydraulically sealing at least one of the first and second portions of the impeller hub assembly to a housing for the torque converter. The assembly may further include a dynamic seal, a hydraulic chamber at least partially enclosed by the rotary shaft seal and the dynamic seal, and a hydraulic channel in fluid communication with the chamber. In some example embodiments of the invention, the hydraulic channel is for lowering pressure in the chamber by providing a discharge path for fluid in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Gregory HEEKE, Eugen KOMBOWSKI
  • Patent number: 7621384
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter comprises a pump wheel, a turbine wheel, and a stator, which combine to form a hydrodynamic circuit. The stator is centered with respect to an axis of rotation and has a freewheel hub so that it can be mounted on a freewheel, which hub is carried by a radially outer freewheel component and is connected by means of a transmission element part to a radially inner freewheel component with freedom of relative rotation. At least one first freewheel component has a damping device, which serves to reduce the ability of this freewheel component to rotate relative to the other, second freewheel component and which for this purpose can be brought into working connection with the second freewheel component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Rüdiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 7596342
    Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a drive source, a drive shaft receiving a drive force from the drive source, a driven shaft connected to the drive shaft so as to transmit the drive force, a conductive housing having an electro-rheological fluid sealed therein, an applying unit configured to apply an electric field to the electro-rheological fluid, and a selecting unit configured to select between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode permitting the applying unit to apply the electric field to the electro-rheological fluid with the drive shaft and the driven shaft functioning as electrodes, the second mode permitting the applying unit to apply the electric field to the electro-rheological fluid with the driven shaft and the housing functioning as electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Yasumoto
  • Publication number: 20090238505
    Abstract: A stampable thrust washer for a torque converter including an inner circumference, an outer circumference, and a plurality of cutouts disposed in the thrust washer, wherein the cutouts are in fluid communication with the inner and outer circumferences when said thrust washer is engaged between two rotationally engaged components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Jonathan Jameson
  • Patent number: 7543693
    Abstract: The temperature of a friction engagement device of an automatic transmission is estimated, and the target speed ratio of a torque converter increases as the estimated temperature of the friction engagement device increases. The engagement load of the friction engagement device is then controlled so as to achieve the increased target speed ratio of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Nakayashiki, Kazuyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7530868
    Abstract: A vertical power unit includes an input shaft and an output shaft which have axes in the vertical direction and are vertically arranged to each other; and a torque converter between the input shaft and the output shaft. The output shaft includes an upper output shaft connected to a turbine runner and a lower output shaft connected to the upper output shaft. An oil tank and an oil pump are provided outside the torque converter. The upper output shaft is provided with a vertical hole which communicates at an upper end with a circulation circuit of the torque converter so as to introduce the oil discharged by the oil pump into the circulation circuit, and a bottom wall which closes a lower end of the vertical hole. Thus, an working oil is constantly supplied to the circulation circuit of the torque converter through the interior of the output shaft, thereby cooling the working oil in the circulation circuit, and improves maintainability of loading devices driven by the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Matsuda, Shinichi Ide, Yoshimi Watanabe, Takahiro Miyata, Tokuji Yoshimoto
  • Publication number: 20090071784
    Abstract: A torque converter-mounted generator is provided that, along with power electronics, offers at least two types of electrical power output and may be attached to a transmission without impacting the axial length of a powertrain in comparison to a powertrain with an identical transmission and a torque converter not having a generator mounted thereto. Different torque-converter mounted generators and power electronics configurations providing different combinations of electrical power voltages may be offered for use with a given transmission type, thus allowing flexibility in meeting customer needs without unduly impacting assembly of the powertrains. A method of assembling transmissions is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Franklin Combs, David J. Sagers, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080308373
    Abstract: A blade for a torque converter including a body having an outer edge, the outer edge arranged to conform to an inner surface of a shell in the torque converter, the shell having at least two slots arranged therethrough, and a surface extending from the outer edge, the surface having at least two tabs, wherein the surface is arranged to conform to the inner surface of the shell to provide a fluid seal, the at least two tabs are disposed through the at least two slots and at least one of the at least two tabs is arranged to engage an outer surface of the shell. The invention further includes a torque converter including the present invention blades and a method of assembling the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Benedikt Wiegert
  • Publication number: 20080277222
    Abstract: A torque converter including: a pump shell; a cover; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch fixed by contact with the cover and the pump shell. In some aspects, the backing plate is fixed by axial pressure exerted by the cover and the pump against the backing plate. A torque converter including: a plurality of components axially disposed between a pump shell and a cover; and a pump hub fixedly secured to the pump shell. The position of the pump hub with respect to the pump shell is selected to establish respective axial distances between components in the plurality of components. A torque converter including: turbine shell; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch, the backing plate rotationally connected to the turbine shell and forming a portion of a boundary between first and second pressure chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Steven Olsen, Jonathan G. Jameson, Kevin Parks
  • Publication number: 20080277223
    Abstract: A torque converter including: a membrane forming a portion of a release chamber for the clutch; a friction plate for a torque converter clutch, the plate rotationally connected to a turbine hub and disposed within the release chamber; and a damper element rotationally connected to the turbine hub and to the torque converter clutch. In lock-up mode for the converter, the plate is arranged to transmit torque to the turbine hub. The torque converter includes cooling fluid and a torus and the clutch further comprises friction material and in some aspects, during the lock-up mode, the release chamber is sealed except for a flow of the cooling fluid from the release chamber through the friction material to the torus. The plate includes oppositely disposed first and second radial surfaces and during a torque converter mode for the torque converter, respective pressures on the first and second surfaces are substantially equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Yang LIANG, Michael G. Swank, Jonathan G. JAMESON, Kevin PARKS, Steven OLSEN, Joachim HOFFMANN
  • Publication number: 20080242502
    Abstract: An overspeed system for a vehicle is disclosed. The overspeed system may have a power source, a transmission unit, and a torque converter assembly operatively coupling the power source to the transmission unit. The overspeed system may also have a travel speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a vehicle speed, and a controller in communication with the torque converter assembly and the travel speed sensor. The controller may be configured to prevent a decoupling of the torque converter assembly in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Hong-Chin Lin
  • Publication number: 20080202879
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a torque converter including a shell arranged to receive a plurality of blades for the pump, a hub arranged to interface with a transmission, and a resilient member located axially between an annular portion of the shell and annular portion of the hub. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient member is an O-ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Kevin Parks
  • Publication number: 20080149441
    Abstract: A torque converter including an impeller clutch with a first portion connected to a cover for the torque converter and a second portion connected to an impeller; and a lever element in contact with the clutch and displaceable to multiply a first force applied to the lever element for operation of the clutch. In some aspects, the converter includes an impeller piston plate engaged with the lever element and displaceable to apply the force to the lever element. In some aspects, the torque converter includes a torus and a charge chamber for the impeller clutch, a second force is associated with a hydraulic pressure to prevent cavitation in the torus, a third force is required to operate the impeller clutch to transmit a desired torque across the impeller clutch, and the multiplied force is at least equal to a sum of the second force and a third forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Todd J. Sturgin
  • Publication number: 20080083594
    Abstract: A force transmission device including an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component, having at least one pump shell and one turbine shell, and a device for damping vibrations including a primary component and a secondary component, rotatable relative to each other in circumferential direction, wherein the secondary component is connected at least indirectly torque proof with the output, and the turbine shell is connected at least indirectly torque proof with the output. The connection between the turbine shell and the output, or an element coupled torque proof with the output, is performed through the intermediary element connected with the turbine shell in a first coupling section and coupled in a second coupling section with the output, or with the element coupled torque proof with the output, wherein the intermediary element is characterized by a substantially constant wall thickness, and the two coupling areas are disposed offset relative to each other in axial and in radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein
  • Publication number: 20080000744
    Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a drive source, a drive shaft receiving a drive force from the drive source, a driven shaft connected to the drive shaft so as to transmit the drive force, a conductive housing having an electro-rheological fluid sealed therein, an applying unit configured to apply an electric field to the electro-rheological fluid, and a selecting unit configured to select between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode permitting the applying unit to apply the electric field to the electro-rheological fluid with the drive shaft and the driven shaft functioning as electrodes, the second mode permitting the applying unit to apply the electric field to the electro-rheological fluid with the driven shaft and the housing functioning as electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeshi Yasumoto