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 hydraulic system for supplying fluid to a torque converter of an automatic transmission for a vehicle driven by a power source includes a torque converter including an impeller, a turbine, and an impeller clutch for alternately engaging and disengaging a drive connection between the impeller and the power source, a hydraulic control system producing line pressure and converter charge pressure that communicates with the impeller clutch, a discharge line communicating with the impeller clutch and through which hydraulic fluid discharges from the torque converter at a discharge pressure similar to the first pressure, thereby minimizing a pressure differential across the impeller clutch tending to disengage the impeller clutch, and an oil cooler to which fluid is supplied from at least one of the source of line pressure and the converter discharge line and from which fluid returns to the control system.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic transmission of a multistage type having a plurality of shift stages selectively established depending on a combination of engagement and release of multiple engagement elements, comprises: a torque converter coupled to an input rotating member of the automatic transmission; an oil pump coupled to a pump side of the torque converter, at least one of the multiple engagement elements being a meshing engagement element, and the meshing engagement element being at least partially disposed on an inner circumferential side of at least one of the torque converter and the oil pump.

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 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 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.

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: A torque transmission device includes a torque converter, a pump impeller, a turbine wheel and optionally a stator. The device also includes a converter bypass coupling having a flange which is connected to the housing or the pump impeller in a force-locking manner. The flange is arranged between the pump impeller and the turbine wheel and can be connected to the turbine wheel in a frictionally engaged manner by means of a first coupling.

Abstract: A dual clutch engine coupling damper includes a slipping ECCC clutch in series with a plurality of damper springs, and a bypass clutch in parallel with the damper springs. The ECCC is adapted for use when the vehicle engine is running and the bypass clutch is adapted for use when the vehicle engine is being started. The dual clutch engine coupling damper incorporates a single pressure plate design adapted to actuate both the ECCC clutch and the bypass clutch. The single pressure plate design is compact and minimizes axial space requirements for the apparatus. Additionally, the components of the present invention are primarily stamped parts which may be produced in an inexpensive and efficient manner.

Abstract: To control one clutch (2) in a hydrodynamic torque converter, the pressure acting upon one first piston area (4) is supplied to a control unit which, depending on the pressure, adjusts the pressure acting upon a second piston area (5). It is possible to exactly adjust the piston force acting upon a clutch (2) even in the presence of changing pressure ratios within the hydrodynamic torque converter.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic converter for the power train of a motor vehicle is proposed which comprises one pump (2), one turbine (3) connected with the transmission input shaft (4) and one stator (guide wheel) (5) and in which the pump (2) is detachably connectable via a primary clutch (PK) with the input of the engine, the primary clutch (PK) being situated in the transmission (G).

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

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter for use with a transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle has a housing rotatable by the engine and containing a pump, a turbine and at least one stator as well as a rotary output device connected to the input shaft of the transmission. The pump is normally rotatable by the housing; the turbine is rotatable (a) by the fluid which is circulated by the pump or (b) by the housing in response to engagement of a lockup clutch; and the stator can be connected to the stationary case of the transmission or is rotatable by the circulating fluid. First and second hubs are non-rotatably but axially movably mounted on the output member and are respectively connectable with the turbine and the stator by suitable clutches.