Including Drive-lockup Clutch Patents (Class 192/3.28)
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Publication number: 20090325757Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided with a torque converter clutch (TCC) for regulating the slip between the engine speed and the transmission input speed and a method is provided for regulating the slip between the engine speed and the transmission input speed in an automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch. In order to improve the first time shift quality of transmissions, it is proposed that means are provided for learning the valve pressure offset. In first tests it could be stated that the first time shift quality can be considerably improved with a short test which takes place at the end of the vehicle production line. The longer the test time, the better the first time shift quality will be.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Patrick DROMARD, Vincent HOLTZ, Pascal TISSOT, Nicolas DISS
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Publication number: 20090283376Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive drive train having an internal combustion engine that is configured as a five-cylinder engine and a hydrodynamic torque converter device. The device has a torsional vibration damper consisting of two energy accumulating devices and a converter lockup clutch. The turbine wheel is interposed between the two energy accumulating devices. The mass moment of inertia J1 should be high between the two energy accumulating devices and masses should be as little as possible between the torsional vibration damper and the transmission input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2006Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephen Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
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Publication number: 20090283375Abstract: An automotive drive train having an internal combustion engine that is configured as a six-cylinder engine and a hydrodynamic torque converter device. The device has a torsional vibration damper consisting of two energy accumulating devices and a converter lockup clutch. The turbine wheel is interposed between the two energy accumulating devices. The mass moment of inertia should be high between the two energy accumulating devices and masses should be as little as possible between the torsional vibration damper and the transmission input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2006Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
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Patent number: 7546913Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-up clutch mechanism for a torque converter, comprising a lock-up clutch to which a friction material having a friction surface is secured and a front cover having an engagement surface with which the friction surface is engaged when the friction surface is urged in an axial direction and in which the friction surface of the friction material has a configuration including a protruded area protruding in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.Inventors: Tamotsu Fujii, Kenji Maruo, Hideaki Takabayashi
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Publication number: 20090125202Abstract: A torque converter having a first damper stage, a second damper stage, a floating flange torsionally connecting the first and second damper stages, an inertia element, and a tuned torsion damper. The torsion damper connects the inertia element and the flange. In a preferred embodiment, the inertia element is a turbine. In one embodiment, the first damper stage is a radially outer damper stage and the second damper stage is a radially inner damper stage. In another embodiment, the torsion damper generates a friction torque when rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Michael G. Swank, Patrick Lindemann
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Publication number: 20090065319Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter including a stator, a stator shaft, a one-way clutch including blocking elements and being connected to the stator shaft, a stator hub connecting the stator to the one-way clutch, and axial bearings supporting the stator hub, an axial length of the blocking elements being larger than an axial length between the bearings. Embodiments with blocking elements in a pump hub with an inner race with a radius similar to the stator shaft and with adjacent blocking elements are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: William Brees
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Publication number: 20090050430Abstract: It makes it possible to be able to operate at high velocity and making the square measure of setting small.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: AISIN KAKO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaki TOMINAGA, Tsutomu Inagaki
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Publication number: 20080277225Abstract: A torque converter assembly including a cover shell and a piston for a lock-up clutch. The piston is fixedly attached to the cover shell and the piston is flexible to operate the clutch. At least a portion of the piston at the point of attachment to the cover shell is in contact with the cover shell. The piston forms a portion of a sealed chamber and the piston is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the chamber. In one embodiment, the attachment is made by projection welding proximate an inner diameter of the piston or by riveting proximate an inner diameter of the piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Patrick Lindemann
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Publication number: 20080277226Abstract: A torque converter including a cover having a central longitudinal axis and an outer surface and a pilot stamped from metal. The pilot includes a disc at least partially radially aligned with the axis for the cover. The pilot and the cover central axis are fixedly secured to each other. In a first embodiment, the disc is flat. In a second embodiment, the disc is annular. In a third embodiment, the pilot includes a machined outer circumferential surface. In a fourth embodiment, the pilot includes first and second portions radially off-set with respect to one another. In a fifth embodiment, the pilot includes a portion axially extending from the portion of the disc at least partially radially aligned with the axis for the cover. In a preferred embodiment, the cover and pilot are fixedly secured by welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Patanjali Peri, Steven Olsen, Patrick Lindemann
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Publication number: 20080245635Abstract: A torque converter having an internal lock-up clutch which is activated by the elastic expansion or ballooning of the torque converter housing. This ballooning occurs due to the increased internal fluid pressure within the torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Renato Mauti
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Publication number: 20080242502Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Hong-Chin Lin
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Publication number: 20080173510Abstract: Disclosed is a torque converter, which comprises at least two thrust bearings disposed on respective axially-opposite sides of a radially-inward portion of a stator. The stator includes a non-rotatable member, a rotatable member and a one-way clutch. The rotatable member has a cylindrical portion having an inner peripheral surface interlocked with the one-way clutch, and an extension portion which extends from an approximately axially-central region of the cylindrical portion in a radially-outward direction relative to the cylindrical portion, and has an axial thickness less than that of the cylindrical portion. The thrust bearings are disposed to clamp the extension portion from respective axially-opposite sides of the extension portion at respective positions located radially outwardly relative to the cylindrical portion, so as to facilitate reduction in axial dimension of the torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Tokimori Saka
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Publication number: 20080173509Abstract: In a torque converter, a piston mounted on a turbine hub, sealed on the turbine hub, having a first friction surface at a radially outer portion of the piston, a first drive ring having a second friction surface and a third friction surface, the second friction surface arranged to engage the first friction surface, the first drive ring having means for connecting to the piston and for connecting the first drive ring to an elastic member of a damper, a second drive ring having a fourth friction surface and a fifth friction surface, the fourth friction surface arranged to engage the third friction surface of the first drive ring, means for connecting the second drive ring and the casing while permitting axial displacement of the second drive ring relative to the casing, the casing having a sixth friction surface which engages the fifth friction surface of the second drive ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Kevin Parks, Craig Kneidel
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Publication number: 20080173511Abstract: A supporting structure for a one-way clutch supports the one-way clutch arranged between a stator of a torque converter for transmitting a torque from an engine to a transmission side via a fluid and a shaft at the transmission side. The supporting structure includes a first protrusion and a first contact plate. The first protrusion is provided at an inner periphery of the stator and protruding towards an inner-peripheral side of the stator. The first contact plate is fitted between the one-way clutch and the first protrusion of the stator and supports the one-way clutch while restraining an axial movement of the one-way clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Kazuhito MAEDA, Ryousuke Iida
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Publication number: 20080168964Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a first fuel-cut duration extending portion that, when a fuel-cut is being executed during deceleration of the vehicle, slows the decrease in the engine speed by executing a slip control of a lock-up clutch; and a second fuel-cut duration extending portion which, when the engine speed has decreased to a coast-downshift threshold, which is higher by a given amount than a fuel-cut cancellation threshold, while the slip control is being executed, allows to downshift the automatic transmission if the road on which the vehicle is presently traveling has a downhill gradient that is larger than a reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2008Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeru KIMURA, Toshimitsu Satou
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Publication number: 20080121484Abstract: A torque transfer device for transferring torque between a drive unit and a shaft that is rotatable around an axis of rotation, in particular a transmission input shaft, having a hydrodynamic torque converter, which comprises a converter cover that is connectable to or connected to the drive unit, which converter cover may be coupled via an impeller to a turbine wheel to transfer torque, which turbine wheel is bridgeable, to transfer torque, by a torque converter lockup clutch, which includes a piston that is movable to a limited extent in the axial direction and is constructed as a multi-plate clutch with a plate pack that includes outer plates which are connected to an outer plate carrier in a rotationally fixed connection, and inner plates which are connected to an inner plate carrier in a rotationally fixed connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Mario Degler
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Publication number: 20080060895Abstract: A clutch assembly for a torque converter including: a plurality of annular friction elements; a pressure plate; and a restraining plate engageable with a portion of the plurality of annular friction elements and arranged to limit axial movement of a portion of the annular friction elements to a maximum distance from the pressure plate. In some aspects, the restraining plate is rotationally connected to the pressure plate. In some aspects, the pressure plate includes an axial protrusion arranged to limit the axial movement of the plurality of annular friction elements away from the pressure plate. In some aspects, the clutch assembly includes a plate radially overlapping the restraining plate to limit the axial movement of the plurality of annular friction elements away from the pressure plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Thomas Heck, Steven Olsen
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Patent number: 7322453Abstract: In a lockup clutch assembly for use in a torque converter, a friction lining attached to one of a clutch piston and a front cover of the torque converter is divided into an outer-circumference-side friction lining and an inner-circumference-side friction lining. The outer-circumference-side friction lining contains as a filler diatomaceous earth in a higher proportion than the inner-circumference-side friction lining.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: NSK- Warner K.K.Inventors: Yoshio Kinoshita, Shiro Takeuchi, Tatsuro Miyoshi, Shigeki Umezawa, Shun Kitahara, Tamotsu Fujii, Hiroyuki Kinpara, Kenji Maruo, Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Xiaoming Gu, Fumimasa Muramatsu, Shigeharu Nishimura, Ritsuo Toya
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Patent number: 7296666Abstract: A heavy-duty replacement torque converter cover for an automatic transmission designed to withstand the mechanical stresses generated during the torque converter lock-up cycle and other peak torque events in diesel engine pick-up trucks is disclosed. The present cover includes an internal spline that achieves up to a 70% increase in spline tooth engagement with a mating friction plate in the lock-up clutch in comparison to the original equipment cover providing increased torque capacity to the lock-up clutch. This is accomplished by machining a true internal spline within the cover on gear shaping equipment instead of utilizing the so-called Grob cold forming method, which provides only a simulated internal spline comprised of interlocking embossments having substantially less torque capacity than the present internal spline.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Michael G. Morin
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Publication number: 20070240954Abstract: A torque converter in which the output height of the output openings of the stator is higher than the input height of the input openings, producing a stator with a diffuser effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Bhaskar Marathe, Ramakant Rambhatla, Steven Olsen
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Publication number: 20070240953Abstract: A torque converter in which the inner turbine output diameter or the inner pump input diameter is smaller than the inner stator passage diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Bhaskar Marathe
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Patent number: 7160218Abstract: A starter unit comprising: an input and an output; a starter element, configured as a hydrodynamic component comprising a drive element that can be coupled to the input in a rotationally fixed manner and a driven element that can be coupled to the output. A free wheel mechanism is located between the driven element of the starter element and the output.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Martin Becke, Martin Nitsche
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Patent number: 7070032Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling apparatus (10) for transmitting torque between driving and driven elements includes an input shaft (14), a first end (16) of which is rotatably supported in a case (12) and a second end (18) of which is connectable to a torque generator (20). A hydrodynamic clutch (22) is connected to the first end (16) of the input shaft (14) and includes an impeller (34) and a turbine (36) enclosed in a clutch housing (24). The impeller (34) is fixed to the first end (16) of the input shaft (14), and the turbine (36) is rotatably supported adjacent the impeller (34). Both the impeller (34) and the turbine (36) are immersed in magnetorheological fluid (30). An electromagnetic field generator (32) is supported adjacent the clutch housing (24) and is operable to generate a magnetic field in the magnetorheological fluid (30). The field generator is adjustable to adjust the density of the magnetic field flux and, consequently, the amount of torque transferred from the impeller (34) to the turbine (36).Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: David Robert Weilant
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Patent number: 7032729Abstract: A torque converter housing includes an end cover that is secured to an impeller outer wall in a unique manner. The outward portions of the end cover extend in a radial direction but not in an axial direction. The end cover preferably does not extend axially beyond a plane of a clutch supported within the assembly. The impeller outer wall extends axially beyond the plane where it is secured to the end cover. The inventive arrangement changes the location of the connection between the impeller outer wall and the end cover, which enables the use of various other optional and advantageous features of the inventive arrangement. In one example, the impeller outer wall is welded to the end cover. In another example, a threaded connection secures the impeller outer wall to the end cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: RonJo Co.Inventors: Ronald E. Prater, Joseph A. Szuba
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Patent number: 6799665Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter includes a converter housing and a turbine wheel which is arranged in the converter housing and is rotatable with respect to the converter housing about a rotational axis of the converter The torque converter further includes a lockup clutch for producing a torque transmission connection between the converter housing and the turbine wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Christoph Sasse, Wolfgang Kundermann, Hans-Wilhelm Wienholt, Wolfgang Gude, Dietrich Bechmann, Erwin Wack
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Patent number: 6782982Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic converter comprising a torus-shaped working chamber surrounding the converter axis, said chamber having the form of a ring channel in an axial cross-section; an impeller which is rotationally fixed to an input shaft; a turbine wheel which is rotationally fixed to an output shaft, and a ring of adjustable guide vanes. The converter is designed in such a way that it has a lambda value of less than 0.0005.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Georg Wahl, Hans Schirle, Marjan Gantar, Rok Pavlin, Dusan Florjancic
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Patent number: 6782983Abstract: A torque converter with a lockup damper is provided to improve the vibration damping function. The torque converter 1 has the lockup device 7 for mechanically connecting and disconnecting a front cover 11 and a turbine 22, which includes a clutch mechanism and a damper mechanism. A friction generating mechanism 45 is a mechanism that generates friction resistance when the lockup damper operates, and includes a friction washer 52, which constitutes a friction surface, and a micro twisting angle adjustment gap 56, which is arranged to prevent the friction washer 52 from operating within a range of micro twisting angles.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventors: Kozo Yamamoto, Kazuhiro Yamashita
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Publication number: 20040154896Abstract: A torsional damper (10) rotatably supported for translating torque between a prime mover and the input of a transmission including a torque input member (12) that is operatively connected for rotation with the power take-off of a prime mover, an output member (14) operatively connected for rotation with the input to a transmission and a plurality of damping elements (16) interposed between the input member and the output member. The damping members (16) act to translate torque between the input and output members and to dampen torsional forces generated between the prime mover and the transmission. A bypass clutch (40) acts to translate torque directly between the input and output members thereby providing a path for partial torque translation that bypasses the damping elements at low rotational speeds of the input and output members.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: Thomas E. Braford
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Publication number: 20040112699Abstract: A torque converter housing includes an end cover that is secured to an impeller outer wall in a unique manner. The outward portions of the end cover extend in a radial direction but not in an axial direction. The end cover preferably does not extend axially beyond a plane of a clutch supported within the assembly. The impeller outer wall extends axially beyond the plane where it is secured to the end cover. The inventive arrangement changes the location of the connection between the impeller outer wall and the end cover, which enables the use of various other optional and advantageous features of the inventive arrangement. In one example, the impeller outer wall is welded to the end cover. In another example, a threaded connection secures the impeller outer wall to the end cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Ronald E. Prater, Joseph A. Szuba
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Patent number: 6715595Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a hydrodynamic clutch device particularly for coupling a turbine wheel hub with a turbine wheel shell and/or for coupling a lockup clutch arrangement with a turbine wheel, includes a primary side and a secondary side which is rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the primary side against the action of a damper element arrangement. A radial bearing arrangement is arranged for radially supporting the primary side and secondary side with respect to one another. For this purpose, the radial bearing arrangement is arranged radially outside of the damper element arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventor: Herbert Schmid
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Publication number: 20040050639Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter with a built-in bypass clutch is provided with an arrangement which regulates the cooling of the clutch at a rate dependent upon the slip between the coaxial driving and driven parts of the clutch, and hence upon the quantity of generated friction heat. The cooling unit for the driving and/or driven part of the clutch can employ, for example, one or more pumps; a supply of a substance which changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous or from solid to flowable in response to heating, and vice versa in response to cooling; one or more porous washers in the path for the flow of hydraulic fluid between the customary plenum chambers provided in the housing of the torque converter to move a piston of the driven part of the clutch into and from frictional engagement with the housing; and/or a system of recesses, grooves, channels and/or other passages serving to convey fluid between the chambers at a rate which is higher or highest when the clutch operates with maximum slip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Gunnar Back, Hubert Friedmann, Paul Granderath, Jean-Francois Heller, Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner, Bruno Muller, Wolfgang Reik
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Publication number: 20040045287Abstract: A dual displacement engine is provided with first and second crankshaft portions which are fluidly coupled to one another, for example, by a torque converter in order to provide an engine that can be utilized with alternative configurations of engine cylinders. Specifically, a first crankshaft portion can be provided with, for example, four pistons as a primary crankshaft portion for driving the vehicle, while a second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged via a fluid coupling to supplement the power provided by the primary crankshaft portion. Thus, the vehicle can be operated using the primary crankshaft portion for fuel efficient operation while the second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged for meeting higher torque demand requirements as necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: James P. Wylin
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Publication number: 20040026201Abstract: In a torque converter in which a radial bearing and a one-way clutch are disposed adjacent and concentrically with each other between a hub of a side cover and a turbine shaft extending through the hub, and a hub of an output gear is coupled to an outer end of the turbine shaft, an inner peripheral surface of the hub of the side cover is comprised of a larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion located on the side of its base end, and a smaller-diameter inner peripheral surface portion located on the side of its tip end and connected to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion through an annular step, and an outer race of the radial bearing fitted to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion is clamped by the annular step and a retaining ring locked to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Masafumi Imasaka, Seiji Makita
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Patent number: 6615962Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Gunnar Back, Bruno Müller, Hubert Friedmann, Stephan Maienschein
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Publication number: 20030155199Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus comprising a housing (12) with a radial wall (14) coupled with another input shaft, a turbine wheel (104) coupled with a hub (54) and an output shaft; and a lockup clutch comprising a piston (40); an annular friction disc (152) with global radial orientation, coupled in rotation with the turbine wheel (104)/hub (54) assembly and bearing on a first surface a first counter-track (210) co-operating with a first friction track (200) integral with the piston to define a first annular friction zone (Z1), and which bears on its second surface opposite to the first surface, a second counter-track (230) co-operating with a second friction track (220) integral with the radial wall (14) to define a second annular friction zone (Z2). The invention is characterised in that the first and second friction zones (Z1, Z2) are radially offset relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2001Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Michel Bacher, Alexandre Depraete, David Forgeron, Daniel Santonnet, Norbert Termenon, Roel Verhoog
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Patent number: 6585091Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for incorporation into the torque transmission path between two components or subassemblies, especially for a hydrodynamic coupling device, includes at least two disk-like damper members. Each damper member has a radially outward coupling region and a radially inward coupling region, and at least one deformation region extending between the radially outward coupling region and the radially inward coupling region. Each deformation region is elastically deformable at least in some areas to permit a relative circumferential movement between the radially outward coupling region and the radially inward coupling region.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Edgar Reinhart, Dietrich Bechmann, André Meyer, Friedrich Schramm, Christoph Sasse, Erwin Wack, Jörg Sudau
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Patent number: 6516928Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling device comprises a casing arrangement and a turbine rotor which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (A) in the casing arrangement. The turbine rotor has a turbine rotor shell which supports a plurality of turbine rotor blades, and a turbine rotor hub which is coupled or can be coupled to a drive element for joint rotation. A lock-up clutch arrangement is provided for the optional production of a torque transmission connection between the turbine rotor and the casing arrangement, and a torsional vibration damper arrangement couples the turbine rotor for torque transmission to a coupling element of the lock-up clutch arrangement. A positive drive arrangement is provided on the torsional vibration damper arrangement, which positive drive arrangement is in drive engagement for torque transmission with a mating positive drive arrangement on the turbine rotor. The mating positive drive arrangement is formed integrally on the turbine rotor shell.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Christoph Sasse, Erwin Wack
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Patent number: 6435998Abstract: A drive train of a motor vehicle includes a gear arrangement with at least two gear elements moveable relative to one another acts in a torque transmission path between an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The gear arrangement being connected between a drive-side flywheel mass and a gear-side flywheel mass. The gear arrangement includes at least one additional mass having a center of gravity (Sp) which is displaceable radially in relation to an axis of rotation (D) of the torque transmission path as a function of a relative position of the at least two gear elements. In the event of a change in the relative rotary angle between the flywheel masses, a moment of inertia of the torque transmission path also changes, so that there is no definite resonant point and the torque transmission path takes effect as a self-steadying system. Furthermore, the additional mass may be arranged to generate a centrifugally dependent return force directed toward a specific relative rotary angle position.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Mannesmann, Sachs AGInventors: Jörg Sudau, Erwin Wack, Peter Frey
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Publication number: 20020084160Abstract: A method for controlling a damper clutch of an automatic transmission that can perform a normal shifting quality by selecting a correction value according to an outside air temperature for direct connection of the damper clutch and delaying the direct connection of the damper clutch until the operational oil temperature rises by considering the correction value to thereby enable it to get to an appropriate degree of operational oil temperature, a normal state of operational oil, the method for controlling a damper clutch of an auto transmission comprising the steps of: detecting the outside air temperature; correcting oil temperature to determine a point of time for direct connection of the damper clutch according to the determined outside air temperature; and performing controlling operations for direct connection of the damper clutch with a requirement that the operational oil temperature reaches to the correction value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Hyuk-Bin Kwon
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Publication number: 20020056599Abstract: A torque converter of a power transmitting apparatus includes a pump impeller connected to a crank shaft of an engine via a front cover, a turbine runner opposing thereto and an input clutch switching a relationship between the turbine runner and an input shaft to an engaged or disengaged state of an automatic transmission. A lockup clutch switched to an engaged or disengaged state with respect to the front cover includes a torsion damper provided between an upstream side plate fixed to the lockup clutch and a downstream side plate, in which a clutch drum is provided with an inertial mass at a downstream side of the torsion damper. Thereby, low-frequency sounds or vibrations in the power transmitting apparatus can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventor: Hosei Suzuki
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Patent number: 6378676Abstract: The invention concerns a plate clutch device (5) for locking or unlocking an elastic coupling between said turbine wheel (1) and a radial wall (2a) of said case, via a set of helical shock absorber springs (22) with circumferential action held in place in the arc-shaped housings (24) integral with the turbine wheel (1) and opening in axial direction towards the radial wall (2a). The housings (24) are directly arranged in the thickened peripheral part (25) of the turbine wheel (1) made of mouldable material which for example can be overmoulded on a central metal disc (23) for connection with the driven shaft, the opposite radial ends (26) of the housings (24) acting as supports for the corresponding ends of the springs (22).Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: ValeoInventors: Gustave Chasseguet, Frédéric Sauvage
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Publication number: 20020040622Abstract: A control device for a lock-up mechanism arranged parallel with a hydraulic type torque transmitting mechanism that transmits rotatory power of a pump impeller connected with an output shaft of an engine to a turbine impeller connected with a wheel side element. The lock-up mechanism controls a slip value between the rotational speeds of the pump and turbine impellers in response to supplied hydraulic pressure. The control device calculates a target slip value, detects an actual slip value based on the rotational speed difference of the pump and turbine impellers, sets an intermediate slip value between the actual and target slip values, controls the hydraulic pressure to the lock-up mechanism so that the actual and intermediate slip values coincide, and reduces the intermediate slip value to a renewed value closer to the target slip value than the intermediate slip value when the actual slip value reaches the intermediate slip value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: Kazutoshi Tsunekawa, Yuuki Ohta, Keisuke Kurokawa
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Publication number: 20020040835Abstract: Excessive increase in processing loads and damages to a thickening roller resulting from pressing the thickening roller against the blank from the outer peripheral end face are prevented, and processing of a cylindrical member having an enlarged diameter portion is made possible. With the side surface of an intermediate portion of a blank abutting and being supported on an increased diameter portion of a mandrel, a thickening roller is pressed against the side surface of the intermediate portion and moved in the radially inward direction. The blank is thus partially thickened, and the thickened portion is pressed into tooth spaces formed in a columnar portion of the mandrel, whereby splines are formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: Osamu Fukukawa, Masaki Nakajima, Hideyuki Nagai, Takehiko Adachi
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Patent number: 6367604Abstract: A power transfer device for amplifying and transmitting torque consists of an Impeller (14), a turbine (16), and a stator (18). A one-way clutch (32) responsive to impeller (14) rotational speed allows the stator (18) to rotate when the turbine is stationary or during high speed operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Ker-Train Holdings LTDInventor: John Hugh Kerr
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Patent number: 6364081Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter having a torsional vibration damper arrangement which is arranged in a torque-transmission path between a lockup clutch of the torque converter and a turbine impeller of the torque converter. The torsional vibration damper arrangement has a primary side, which is coupled to the lockup clutch or forms a part thereof, and a secondary side, which is coupled to the turbine impeller and/or forms a part thereof. The primary side and the secondary side are able to rotate with respect to one another about a converter axis of rotation, counter to the action of a damper spring arrangement. The turbine impeller has a bearing area for the primary side, which allows radial movement of the primary side with respect to the turbine impeller.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventor: Erwin Wack
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Patent number: 6364080Abstract: An arrangement for the rotationally fixed connection of a hydrodynamic coupling device to a drive component, in particular a drive shaft, has a first torque-transmission engagement formation, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive component, a second torque-transmission engagement formation, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the hydrodynamic coupling device and is in or can be brought into torque-transmitting engagement with the first torque-transmission engagement formation as a result of these formations being moved toward one another substantially in the direction of an axis of rotation, and a preloading device which preloads the hydrodynamic coupling device with respect to the drive component substantially in the direction of the axis of rotation. The first and second torque-transmission engagement formations are brought into or held in torque-transmitting engagement with one another by the preloading force generated by the preloading device.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Jörg Sudau, Erwin Wack
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Patent number: 6354420Abstract: In a damper apparatus for a lock-up clutch having a spring disposed in a lock-up piston, a retainer plate and a guide member covering the spring are integrally pre-assembled to provide a unit, and the unit is disposed in the piston by a necessary torque capacity. Also, the unit holds a plurality of springs disposed in series.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.Inventor: Hiroshi Yabe
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Patent number: 6332517Abstract: For a torque converter lock-up clutch (7) a method is proposed in which an application pressure is adapted. To this end, within a first interval, a pressure change is output after a transition function and the existence of the reaction of the torque converter lock-up clutch is tested after output of the application pressure during an application phase from an electronic gear control (13). In the absence of reaction, additional intervals are then output. The application phase is then terminated when the reaction of the torque converter lock-up clutch occurs. The control/regulating phase for the torque converter lock-up clutch (7) follows after the application phase terminates.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Bernd Zimmermann
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Patent number: 6314357Abstract: A lock-up control device is provided to control the engaging and release of a lock-up clutch, which is arranged in parallel with a torque converter to transmit driving force of an engine of a car. Herein, target driving force is calculated based on accelerator pedal opening and car velocity. A present shift position is detected using a shift map based on accelerator pedal opening, car velocity and engine speed. Target engine torque is calculated based on the target driving force and present shift position as well as a torque amplification ratio, which is detected when the torque converter is placed in a torque amplification state. A lock-up release instruction is issued under conditions that the torque converter is placed in the torque amplification state while the target engine torque is greater than a preset value, which is determined in advance based on a torque characteristic of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanori Kon, Yoshiharu Saito
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Publication number: 20010035321Abstract: A damper structure is constructed of a core plate, a retainer plate fixed on the core plate, a spring assembly carried on the retainer plate and having at least one spring, and a driven plate arranged coaxially with the spring assembly and having a flange engageable with the spring. The retainer plate is composed of an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate is provided with a lug portion formed by slitting a part of the upper plate and bending the slit part. The driven plate is provided with a stopper engageable with the lug portion. The damper structure is suitable for use in a lockup clutch for a torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: NSK-Warner K.K.Inventors: Hiroshi Yabe, Dai Okamura