Abstract: A solar powered vehicle topper unit and systems and methods for the same are provided. A solar energy harvesting device is electrically connected to an electronic display within a housing. A support extends between the housing and the solar energy harvesting device such that a bottom surface of the solar energy harvesting device is located above, and spaced apart form, a top surface of the housing to secure the solar energy harvesting device in an elevated position. The solar energy harvesting device has a first footprint, and the housing has a second footprint which is smaller than the first footprint.

Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a turbine hub with a pair of flow channels formed therein. In embodiments, the torque converter has a clutch piston configured to engage or disengage a disconnect clutch. On one side of the clutch piston is an apply chamber configured to receive fluid, wherein the fluid when subjected to pressure moves the clutch piston to engage the clutch. On the other side of the clutch piston can be a second fluid chamber, such as a circulation chamber or a release chamber. The turbine hub has a pair of flow channels formed therein, one that supplies fluid directly to the apply chamber, and one that supplies fluid directly to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque-coupling device for a hybrid electric vehicle, comprising a casing rotatable about a rotational axis, a torque converter including an impeller wheel and a turbine wheel, a lockup clutch including a dual piston assembly, and a selective clutch disposed outside of the casing. The selective clutch includes an input member and an output member non-rotatably mounted to the casing. The dual piston assembly includes a main piston and a secondary piston adjacent to the main piston and axially moveable relative thereto. The main and secondary pistons are coaxial with the rotational axis. The main piston is selectively axially moveable relative to the casing and the secondary piston between a lockup position and a non-lockup position. The output member is selectively axially moveable relative to the input member between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The output member selectively is axially moveable by action of secondary piston.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque coupling device features a casing comprising a casing shell and an impeller shell, an impeller, a turbine-piston, a damper assembly comprising a drive member non-moveably connected to the turbine-piston and a driven member elastically coupled to the drive member, and a clutch member comprising a clutch plate and a connecting member extending through the damper assembly and non-moveably interconnecting the clutch plate with the turbine-piston. The clutch plate has an axially outer surface facing an engagement surface of the casing. The turbine-piston is axially displaceable relative to the casing to move the clutch member axially toward and away from the engagement surface of the casing for positioning the hydrokinetic torque coupling device into and out of a lockup mode in which the clutch member and the casing frictionally interlock with one another so that the casing is non-rotatable relative to the turbine-piston.

Abstract: A torque converter utilizes four distinct fluid passageways. The torque converter hydrodynamic chamber is supplied with fluid via a passageway that includes a gap between a stator shaft insert and a turbine shaft. Fluid returns from the hydrodynamic chamber via a passageway that is formed between a hollow stator shaft and the stator shaft insert. The torque converter includes a bypass clutch with an apply chamber and a return chamber. Fluid is routed to the apply chamber via a passageway that includes a gap between a hollow portion of the turbine shaft and a turbine shaft insert. Fluid is routed between the balance chamber and an elevated exhaust via a passageway that runs through the turbine shaft insert.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulic fluid supply system of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes supplying the hydraulic fluid supply system with hydraulic fluid from at least one of a hydraulic pump controlled on an engine side and a hydraulic pump controlled on a gear set side. The method also includes controlling a retaining valve of the hydraulic fluid supply system as a function of detected motor vehicle parameters in order to set an adjusted power distribution with the hydraulic pump controlled on the engine side and the hydraulic pump controlled on the gear set side.

Abstract: The present invention is a clutch plate attached to the inner surface of the impeller and/or turbine of a torque converter. The clutch plate supports friction material that enables the engagement of the turbine and impeller in the form of a turbine clutch. The clutch plate acts to relieve strain on the impeller shell when engagement occurs. In addition, the clutch plate provides an enlarged vertical surface to hold additional friction material.

Abstract: Occurrence of secondary resonance in a dynamic damper device of a lock-up device is inhibited to improve effectiveness of the dynamic damper device. The lock-up device includes a drive plate, a driven plate coupled to a turbine, an intermediate member, a plurality of outer peripheral side and inner peripheral side torsion springs, and a dynamic damper device. The intermediate member is disposed between the outer peripheral side torsion springs and the inner peripheral side torsion springs. The outer peripheral side torsion springs elastically couple the drive plate and the intermediate member in a rotational direction. The inner peripheral side torsion springs elastically couple the intermediate member and the driven plate in the rotational direction. The dynamic damper device includes an inertia ring coupled to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multi-function torque converter including a cover, an impeller shell, a turbine shell, a first pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine shell and the cover; a second pressure chamber at least partially formed by the impeller and turbine shells, and a third pressure chamber at least partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover, an impeller clutch including a portion of the impeller shell, and a turbine clutch including a portion of the turbine shell, the method including: pressurizing the first pressure chamber to substantially a first fluid pressure level or to a second fluid pressure level greater than the first level; pressurizing the second pressure chamber to a third fluid pressure level greater than the first and second levels; passively draining the third pressure chamber to be substantially at the first level; and connecting the impeller shell to the cover.

Abstract: An assembly includes a torque converter concentric with an axis, a rotor hub drivably connected for rotation about the axis to an electric machine and selectively to an engine through a disconnect clutch, a coupler located between the rotor hub and torque converter, providing a rotational connection and an axial connection between the coupler and the rotor hub, and a flex plate providing second rotational and axial connections between the coupler and the torque converter.

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.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a torque converter includes a housing, a blocking element, an inner race, and a first ring. The housing includes a plurality of stator blades, a central axis, and a pocket. The blocking element is disposed in the pocket and is pivotable about an axis parallel to the central axis. The inner race includes an outer notch for engaging the blocking element, an inner spline for engaging a transmission shaft, and a first outer piloting surface. The first ring is for radially positioning the housing on the inner race first outer piloting surface. In some example embodiments, the housing includes a bore and the first ring is pressed into the housing bore. In some example embodiments, the housing includes a radially extending surface in contact with the first ring. In an example embodiment, the radially extending surface limits axial displacement of the inner race.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multi-function torque converter including a cover, an impeller shell, a turbine shell, a first pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine shell and the cover; a second pressure chamber at least partially formed by the impeller and turbine shells, and a third pressure chamber at least partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover, an impeller clutch including a portion of the impeller shell, and a turbine clutch including a portion of the turbine shell, the method including: pressurizing the first pressure chamber to substantially a first fluid pressure level or to a second fluid pressure level greater than the first level; pressurizing the second pressure chamber to a third fluid pressure level greater than the first and second levels; passively draining the third pressure chamber to be substantially at the first level; and connecting the impeller shell to the cover.

Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle having a combustion engine and a multistage manual transmission having first and second sub-transmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft. A first input shaft of the first sub-transmission couples, via a first clutch, the combustion engine or is assigned an electrical machine. A second input shaft of a second sub-transmission couples, via a second clutch, the combustion engine. The first input shaft is additionally assigned a start-up element having at least one hydrodynamic transfer element, which has first and second functional wheels which together form a working chamber. The working chamber can be filled with fluid in order to generate a hydrodynamic transfer torque such that at least one start-up function, affecting the first sub-transmission, can carried out by way of the start-up element.

Abstract: A multi-function torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell and at least one impeller blade connected to the impeller shell; a turbine including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade connected to the turbine shell; and an impeller clutch including a resilient element urging the impeller shell toward the cover to close the impeller clutch and including at least a portion located radially inward of the at least one impeller blade.

Abstract: A start control device and a start control method of a vehicular power transmission system including a lock-up clutch and a start clutch are provided in which start-time lock-up slip control is performed, and neutral control is performed. When the start-time lock-up slip control is additionally executed during cancellation of the neutral control, the gradient of an output rotational speed of the hydraulic power transmission which is changed, through engagement of the start clutch, toward an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission at the time of completion of engagement of the start clutch is controlled, using at least one of a start clutch pressure that is increased so as to engage the start clutch, and a lock-up clutch pressure that is increased so as to bring the lock-up clutch into slip engagement.

Abstract: A power transmission device has a rigid body that includes a contact portion coming into contact with the first or second friction member and that moves the contact portion from a position of contact with the first or second friction member to a position of no contact with the first and second friction members, an elastic body that applies to the rigid body a force moving the contact portion to a position of contact with the first or second friction member, a first pushing mechanism that applies to the rigid body a pressure of liquid moving the contact portion to a position of contact with the first or second friction member, and a second pushing mechanism that applies to the rigid body a pressure of liquid moving the contact portion to a position of no contact with the first and second friction members.

Abstract: Mutual interference between a hydraulic pressure of a first engagement device and a hydraulic pressure of a second engagement device is suppressed even in the case where operation of the first engagement device and operation of the second engagement device coincide with each other. A vehicle drive device includes a first engagement device that selectively couples a rotary electric machine to an internal combustion engine, and a fluid coupling. The first engagement device includes a first oil chamber that is formed to apply a back pressure to a first piston. The fluid coupling includes a second oil chamber configured to control an engagement state of a second engagement device. The vehicle drive device includes a first control valve that controls a first oil chamber hydraulic pressure, and a second control valve that controls a second oil chamber hydraulic pressure independently of the first oil chamber hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: Providing a vehicle power transmission device including a hydraulic power transmission device and enabling a shorter entire axial length. A vehicle power transmission device 12 includes a torque converter 18 having a rear cover 38 disposed with a plurality of pump blades 40 and a turbine 42 disposed with a plurality of turbine blades 44 receiving a fluid flow from the pump blades 40, and an automatic transmission 20 transmitting power input to an input shaft 48 from the torque converter 18 to a subsequent stage, in a power transmission path between an engine 14 and drive wheels 16. The turbine 42 is coupled by relatively non-rotatable spline fitting to the input shaft 48 at a position closer to the automatic transmission 20 than the pump blades 40 and the turbine blades 44 in a first axial center C1 direction of the torque converter 18, i.e., at a position closer to the automatic transmission 20 than an outer shell cover of the torque converter 18.

Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device having a torque converter in a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, the torque converter including an input-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of pump blades, an output-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of turbine blades receiving a fluid flow from the pump blades, and a stator disposed with a stator blade disposed between the pump blades and the turbine blades, the vehicle power transmission device includes: a case including a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a bulkhead disposed on an opposite side of the torque converter to the engine, the first chamber housing the torque converter, the second chamber being formed on an opposite side of the bulkhead to the torque converter, the first chamber and the second chamber being oil-tightly isolated from each other by an oil seal oil-tightly sealing a gap between an inner circumferential surface of the bulkhead and an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical rota

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump shell non-rotatably connected to the cover; a turbine shell; and a one-way clutch including: an outer race non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell and including a groove; an output hub including a first outer surface with first ramps; and at least one wedge plate including a second inner surface with second ramps engaged with the first ramps and a second outer surface disposed within the groove. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the output hub in a first direction, the outer race is rotatable with respect to the at least one wedge plate and the output hub. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the hub in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the at least one wedge plate is arranged to non-rotatably connect the outer race and the hub.

Abstract: A fluid transmission device includes a pre-damper (10) that transmits driving force received from a crankshaft (100) to a front cover (20) via first damper springs (14), a mechanism (30) that transmits the driving force transmitted to a pump (31) to a turbine (32) via hydraulic fluid, a piston member (40) that is disposed between the front cover (20) and the mechanism (30) and delivers the driving force to an output shaft (200), a dynamic damper (60) that connects the piston member (40) and the turbine (32) via second damper springs (63), a lock-up clutch (50) that enables the front cover (20) and the piston member (40) to engage with each other, a turbine clutch (70) that enables the turbine (32) and the piston member (40) to engage with each other, and a control device (80) that controls the lock-up clutch (50) and the turbine clutch (70).

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 damper for a torque converter includes a first clutch arranged for selective engagement with a cover for the torque converter, a first spring, a second spring, and a first plate drivingly engaged with the first spring and the second spring. The damper also includes a second plate and a third plate. The second plate is axially displaceable relative to the first plate, drivingly engaged with one of the first or the second spring, and arranged for fixing to a turbine for the torque converter. The third plate is axially displaceable relative to the first and second plates, fixed to the first clutch, and drivingly engaged with the one of the first or second spring.

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.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque from an engine; a centering flange fixedly connected to the cover and including a radially outwardly facing surface; a turbine; and a vibration damper with a first input component and a flange arranged to contact and engage an input shaft for a transmission to transmit torque to the input shaft. The torque converter includes: a torque convert clutch including a piston plate fixedly connected to the first input component, the piston plate including: a radially innermost distal end arranged to at least indirectly engage the input shaft; and a radially inwardly facing surface at least indirectly engaged with the radially outwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A launch device for a vehicle transmission includes a housing, an impeller, a turbine; and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches include 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 first piston. In an example embodiment, the first clutch is disposed radially outside of the second clutch and at least a portion of the first piston is disposed axially between the housing and the second piston. 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: The disconnect clutch and motor of a parallel type hybrid electric vehicle are repositioned within the wet zone of an automatic transmission to compactly and efficiently reconfigure a drive line using a motor and transmission assembly. A drive shell is provided interposed between the engine output and the disconnect clutch input which surrounds the torque converter enabling the torque converter to move independent to the engine output shaft. The resulting structure is compact and provides good structural support and cooling for the disconnect clutch and motor.

Abstract: A manifold for a torque converter assembly is disclosed. The manifold may have a base portion configured to be fixedly connected to a frame of a mobile machine. The base portion may have a first face, a second face, and an outer radial surface located between the first face and the second face. The manifold may also have a sleeve portion extending axially away from the second face of the base portion. The sleeve portion may have an outer radial surface. The base portion may further have a first passageway configured to receive hydraulic fluid. The first passageway may have an inlet in the outer radial surface of the base portion and an outlet in the outer radial surface of the sleeve portion. The manifold may also have a second passageway configured to receive hydraulic fluid. The second passageway may have an inlet in the first face and an outlet in the second face.

Abstract: An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having an annular portion with a first substantially circumferentially aligned surface, and a bearing centering plate including at least one second substantially circumferentially aligned surface engaged with the first surface, the bearing centering plate arranged to retain a thrust bearing or bushing. An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having a first surface aligned with an axis of rotation for the clutch, at a first substantially uniform distance from the axis, and facing radially outward, a thrust bearing or bushing, and a bearing centering plate. The bearing centering plate including at least one second surface arranged to contact the first surface, and at least one third surface aligned with the axis, at a second substantially uniform distance from the axis, facing radially inward or radially outward, and arranged to contact a circumference of the thrust bearing or the bushing.

Abstract: A clutch and damper assembly for a torque converter includes a clutch piston with a piston friction surface for engaging the clutch and an outer sealing diameter, and a damper. The piston friction surface is disposed radially inward of the damper and the outer sealing diameter is disposed radially outward of the damper. In an example embodiment, the clutch piston includes an inner sealing diameter disposed radially inward of the piston friction surface. In some example embodiments, the damper includes a resilient element and a drive plate. The drive plate is drivingly engaged with the resilient element and frictionally engageable with the clutch piston.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling device including: a housing; a sealing plate rotationally connected to the housing; a pump disposed within the housing; a turbine disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the pump; and a dry chamber at least partially enclosed by the housing and the sealing plate. A hydrodynamic coupling device including: a housing; an electric motor rotationally connected to the housing; and a fluid coupling including a pump rotationally connected to the housing and a turbine rotationally connected to an output hub. The fluid coupling does not include a stator. A hydrodynamic coupling device including a space formed between a stator shaft and a pump hub and a sleeve disposed in the space. The sleeve divides the space into first and second channels.

Abstract: A system for controlling a dual clutch torque converter that allows for independent control of the dual clutches includes a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first solenoid, and a second solenoid. The first valve assembly is operable to control whether the dual clutches are released, trimmed, or engaged. The second valve assembly is operable to control which of the dual clutches are released, trimmed, or engaged. The first solenoid is operable to control the position of the first valve assembly and the second solenoid is operable to control the position of the second valve assembly.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to inhibit axial size increase and simplify a structure of a torque converter including a clutch disposed between a front cover and an impeller. The torque converter includes a front cover, a housing, a torque converter main body, a lock-up clutch and an impeller clutch. The housing includes an outer periphery coupled to that of the front cover. The torque converter main body, including an impeller, is disposed in a space enclosed by the front cover and the housing. The impeller clutch is disposed between the housing and the impeller for allowing/preventing torque transmission. Further, the impeller clutch includes a plate fixed to a radially outer part of the impeller and a friction facing disposed between the housing and the plate.

Abstract: A torque converter including a clutch assembly and a channel. The clutch assembly includes: a reverse clutch with a piston plate, the reverse clutch controllably connecting a reverse stator and a drive hub; a forward clutch including the piston plate, the forward clutch controllably connecting a turbine and the drive hub; and a cavity partially formed by the piston plate. The channel supplies fluid to the cavity and to vent fluid from the cavity and the piston plate is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the cavity to control operation of the reverse and forward clutches. In a preferred embodiment, forces associated with operation of the reverse and forward clutches are balanced within the clutch assembly. The torque converter also includes a clutch rotationally connected to a turbine and a ground and a one-way clutch rotationally connected to a forward stator and the ground.

Abstract: A torque converter including: an impeller clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a first cover for the torque converter to a shell for an impeller; a lock-up clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a second cover for the torque converter to an output hub; a release chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a first channel; an apply chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a second channel; an apply chamber for the lock-up clutch, connected to a third channel; and a torus connected to a fourth channel. The second, third, and fourth channels open to a space including a longitudinal axis for the torque converter and the space is arranged to receive an input shaft for a transmission. The first channel is arranged to connect to a line in a pump housing for a transmission.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus with improved power transmitting efficiency and reduced lag time for shifting speeds can comprise a starting clutch mechanism configured to selectively transmit and cut off driving power of engine to wheels of a vehicle, a plurality of gear-stage clutch devices operatively positioned to transmit power between the starting clutch mechanism and the wheels, an input and an output of the plurality of gear-stage clutch devices configured at predetermined gear ratios, and a gear-stage selecting device configured to select any one of the gear-stage clutch devices in accordance with a vehicle operating condition and selectively set a gear ratio for power transmission from the engine to the wheels. The gear-stage clutch devices can comprise alternately arranged driving clutch discs and driven clutch discs, and hydraulic pistons.

Abstract: A torque converter including an impeller clutch connected to an impeller; a torque converter clutch connected to an output hub for the torque converter; and a same plate included in the impeller clutch and in the torque converter clutch and at least indirectly connected to a cover for the torque converter. The impeller clutch includes a first portion exclusive of the same plate, the torque converter clutch includes a second portion exclusive of the same plate, and in some aspects, the same plate is axially disposed between the first and second portions. In some aspects, the torque converter includes a damper assembly rotationally connected to the same plate and the cover. In torque converter mode, an impeller clutch release chamber and the torus are hydraulically isolated.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus, such as an automotive transmission, can be configured to reduce the size of a torque converter as well as improve the flexibility of the torque converter's layout. A power transmitting apparatus configured to transmit power from a driving source of a vehicle to its wheels and can be configured selectively transmit or cutting-off the driving force to the wheels can comprise a torque converter having a torque amplifying function. A clutch mechanism can include a first clutch device to transmit the driving force to the wheels through a power transmitting system of the torque converter and a second clutch to transmit the driving force without the power transmitting system of the torque converter. A selecting device can control the first clutch device or the second clutch device in accordance with conditions of the vehicle including start of a vehicle from a stop.

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 method of transitioning a torque converter from torque conversion mode to lock-up mode, and a torque converter. The method includes rotationally fixing stator blades to a non-rotatable stator shaft; partially engaging a torque converter clutch to transmit torque from a housing to a turbine at a first speed ratio between the turbine and the housing; disengaging a pump clutch at a second speed ratio between the turbine and the housing, the pump clutch arranged to transmit torque from the housing to the pump; and fully engaging the torque converter clutch at a third speed ratio between the housing and the turbine. The second ratio can be less than a ratio for a coupling point. The torque converter has torque converter and pump clutches, a non-rotatable stator, and a connection point between a turbine and hub, at least partially radially aligned with an inner ring for the stator.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque converter including a turbine and a one-way clutch rotationally connected to said turbine and an output hub for said converter. The one-way clutch rotationally disconnects the hub and the turbine when the hub receives torque from an input transmission shaft. In some aspects, the one-way clutch is a ratchet clutch. The converter can include a torque converter clutch to lock a cover and the turbine. In some aspects, the converter includes a torque converter clutch to connect a cover, the one-way clutch, and the hub and the torque converter clutch transmits torque from the hub to the cover to start a drive unit connected to the cover. The converter can include a damper element rotationally connected to the torque converter clutch and the turbine, one-way clutch, or hub. The one-way clutch is rated to operate under multiplied drive unit torque.

Abstract: A torque converter including a clutch assembly and a channel. The clutch assembly includes: a reverse clutch with a piston plate, the reverse clutch controllably connecting a reverse stator and a drive hub; a forward clutch including the piston plate, the forward clutch controllably connecting a turbine and the drive hub; and a cavity partially formed by the piston plate. The channel supplies fluid to the cavity and to vent fluid from the cavity and the piston plate is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the cavity to control operation of the reverse and forward clutches. In a preferred embodiment, forces associated with operation of the reverse and forward clutches are balanced within the clutch assembly. The torque converter also includes a clutch rotationally connected to a turbine and a ground and a one-way clutch rotationally connected to a forward stator and the ground.

Abstract: In a hydrodynamic torque converter having a long-life torque converter lock-up or bypass clutch with an axial piston structure for engaging the clutch plates of the clutch and fluid flow control structures are provided for supplying a controlled flow of lubricant to the clutch plates via the axial piston cylinder structure for lubricating and cooling the clutch plates and a torsion damper is provided adjacent the clutch and effective to reduce the transmission of torque oscillations to the vehicle transmission.

Abstract: A torque converter including: a sealed liquid-tight fluid-containing chamber; an impeller clutch; and at least one piston for the clutch forming a part of the chamber. A torque converter including: first and second fluid-containing chambers; a torque converter clutch; a piston plate for the clutch having a one-way opening and forming part of the first chamber. The first chamber is liquid-tight for pressure levels greater than in the second chamber. During torque converter mode, fluid flows from a torus through the second chamber and one-way opening into the first chamber. A multi-function torque converter including: an impeller clutch; at least one impeller piston plate; a plate; and a fluid-containing chamber. The chamber is at least partially formed by a combination of one or more of the impeller plates and the plate and the combination is at least indirectly connected to balance axial forces generated by pressurization of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a starter unit having a hydrodynamic clutch with a pump wheel and a turbine wheel which form together a torus-shaped working space, which can be filled and emptied with working medium by way of a supply and discharge medium. A circulatory flow of the working medium can be provided in said working space; at which a throttling component has been provided which can be moved by means of a pressure- controlled adjusting mechanism in order to affect the circulatory flow in and/or at the working space; and a mechanical bridging clutch having at least two coupling elements which can be placed in a friction-locked connection to each other via a pressure-controlled clutch-engaging device so that the pump wheel and the turbine wheel are torque connected.

Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle comprises a drive unit with a drive shaft and a torque-transmitting assembly, which is to be connected on the drive side to the drive shaft for rotation in common around an axis of rotation (A) and which is to be connected on the takeoff side to a gearbox. The drive-side connection is accomplished by means of an axial plug-in connection arrangement, and the torque-transmitting assembly is supported in at least one axial direction on the gearbox.

Abstract: A torque converter including a damper assembly connected to a hub for the torque converter; a turbine clutch connected to a turbine and the damper assembly; and a torque converter clutch connected to a cover for the torque converter and the damper assembly. In an idle mode, the turbine clutch and the torque converter clutch are disengaged and the torque converter cover is rotationally disconnected from the hub. In a torque converter mode, the turbine clutch is engaged, the torque converter clutch is disengaged, and the turbine clutch rotationally locks the turbine and the damper assembly. In a lock-up mode, the torque converter clutch is engaged and the torque converter clutch rotationally connects the torque converter cover and the damper assembly.

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.

Abstract: A dual-input clutch transmission is provided having a torque converter with a rotatable hub, the transmission comprising a transmission pump having internal fluid channels and a rotor set which is drivingly connected to the hub, and a dual-input clutch in fluid communication with the transmission pump through the fluid channels. The pump and torque converter are positioned along a common axis of rotation, the pump circumscribing the torque converter hub to reduce axial space. The dual-input clutch is mounted to the transmission pump housing for structural support. A method is also provided for reducing axial space within a dual-input clutch transmission having a torque converter, including providing an on-axis transmission pump with a housing and rotor set, providing a torque converter with a rotatable hub which is drivingly connected to the rotor set for powering of the transmission pump, and mounting the dual-input clutch to the pump housing for support.