Having Fluid-pressure Operator Patents (Class 192/3.29)
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Patent number: 8020680Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter device for an automotive drive train, comprising a torsional vibration damper and a converter torus which is formed by an impeller, a turbine wheel and a stator. The torsional vibration damper has a first energy accumulating device with one or more first energy accumulators, and a second energy accumulating device with one or more second energy accumulators, which is connected in series to the first energy accumulating device.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: LuK Vermoegensverwaltungsgesellschaft mbHInventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
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Patent number: 8016091Abstract: A piston plate stop for a torque converter including: a flexible connection element with a first end and a second end, the first end arranged to connect to a piston plate for the torque converter, the second end arranged to rotationally connect to a cover for the torque converter and a stop disposed on the flexible connection element. The stop is arranged to restrict axial movement of the piston plate. In some aspects, the flexible connection element is arranged to rotationally connect the cover and the piston plate. A torque converter including a piston plate; a cover; and at least one flexible connection element rotationally connecting the piston plate and the cover. The flexible connection element has a tab that is positioned to limit axial displacement of the piston plate away from the cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Heck, Jonathan G. Jameson, Brian Zaugg, Patrick Lindemann, David C. Avins
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Publication number: 20110192692Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter (1), comprising a turbine wheel (9) driven by an impeller (8) and connected to an output part, and comprising a housing (34), in which a torsional vibration damper (19) having several damper stages (17, 20) and a centrifugal force pendulum (11), and also a converter lockup clutch (18) connecting a housing and an output part (3), are accommodated. In order to avoid any striking of the pendulum masses of the centrifugal force pendulum in internal combustion engines having large oscillating angles driving the torque converter, a turbine damper is connected in the power flow upstream of the centrifugal force pendulum.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Markus Werner, Jan Loxtermann
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Patent number: 7992694Abstract: A method and a sealing system for sealing the space between a piston and the hub of a torque converter lockup clutch is provided. According to the method and the sealing system, the seal is pretensioned with its cylindrical surface facing the piston bore. In an embodiment of the invention, the first seal is fastened by a second seal. The invention allows minimization of oil leakage flow and at the same time to linearize its dependency on the differential pressure. Spontaneous sealing may be reduced, thereby directly correlating the contact pressure of the piston—and thus the torque of the torque converter lockup clutch—with differential pressure and eventually allowing for smoother travel.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thorsten Krause, Dominique Engelmann
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Patent number: 7980370Abstract: A lockup device 7 of a torque converter 1 is formed of a piston 75, a clutch plate 80, and a damper mechanism 9. The clutch plate 80 has a first passage P1 connecting an inner space S3 on the radially inner side to a space S1 formed axially between the front cover 11 and the clutch plate 80, and a second passage P2 connecting the inner space S3 formed on the radially inner side to a space S2 formed axially between the piston and the clutch plate 80.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventor: Naoki Tomiyama
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Patent number: 7966817Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises includes a turbo-compound and the known Föttinger-coupling is replaced by a torsion vibration damper. The Föttinger-coupling, which is used to transmit power, has high losses in power when it is necessary to have a differential rotational speed between the input side and the output side, that is, the appearance of a slip. The losses are not used in a torsion vibration damper which has at least the same quality as a Föttinger-coupling.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: LuK Vermoegensverwaltungsgesellschaft mbHInventors: Kai Sebastian Schenck, Wolfgang Reik, Bruno Muller
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Publication number: 20110139562Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes an input shaft having a bore portion extending in an axial direction thereof, a stator shaft formed in a cylindrical shape and provided so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the input shaft, and a sleeve formed in a cylindrical shape and provided so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the stator shaft, wherein the stator shaft includes an internal hydraulic passage, a clearance formed between an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve and the outer circumferential surface of the stator shaft serves as a first hydraulic passage, the internal hydraulic passage serves as a second hydraulic passage, a clearance formed between an inner circumferential surface of the stator shaft and the outer circumferential surface of the input shaft serves as a third hydraulic passage, and the bore portion of the input shaft serves as a fourth hydraulic passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinobu Nakamura, Masahiro Tomida
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Publication number: 20110132709Abstract: The present torque converter includes a front cover, an impeller, a turbine, a stator, a stator brake and thrust bearings. The stator brake brakes rotation of the stator and includes a brake case coupled to the stator, a brake fixation member coupled to a stationary shaft and a brake disc unit. One of the thrust bearings, disposed axially between the impeller and the brake case, supports the both members in a rotatable state. The other bearing supports the impeller and the brake fixation member in a rotatable state, while disposed between the members and axially closer to the engine than the thrust bearing is.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATIONInventors: Takao Fukunaga, Kazutoshi Nakayama
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Publication number: 20110120829Abstract: A flow separation hub including a first hub component, a second hub component affixed to the first hub component, a first passage arranged through the first and second hub components for enabling a first fluid to flow through the flow separation hub, a second passage arranged through the first and second hub components for enabling a second fluid to flow through the hub, wherein the hub prohibits fluid communication between the first and second fluids when the first and second fluids flow through the hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Jeremy VANNI, Steven OLSEN
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Publication number: 20110118079Abstract: A shiftable clutch device for disconnecting a first drive machine from a drive train and connecting it thereto, including a control device that can be actuated by a pressure medium, is characterized according to the invention in that the shiftable clutch device includes two partial clutches, a first partial clutch forming a main clutch and a second partial clutch forming a drag clutch, which are disposed and configured such that each is adapted to produce a drag torque in an end position of the control device, a first opening end position characterized by an open state of the main clutch and a second closing end position characterized by a closed state of the main clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Bruno Mueller, Parviz Movlazada, Thorsten Krause
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Publication number: 20110114432Abstract: A torque converter apparatus includes a torque converter, a lock-up clutch arranged between the torque converter and an engine, and a lock-up damper arranged between the torque converter and the lock-up clutch and connected to the lock-up clutch, the lock-up damper including a plurality of springs arranged at multiple stages and separated from each other in a radial direction of the torque converter, the lock-up clutch including an outer hub and an inner hub, the outer hub extending toward the lock-up damper and supporting one of first and second frictional engagement members engageable with each other, the outer hub extending toward a first space formed between the plurality of springs in the radial direction, the inner hub extending toward the engine and supporting the other of the first and second frictional engagement members.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yukihisa TSUZUKI, Yosuke Makino, Tomoko Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kitagawa
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Publication number: 20110114433Abstract: A torque converter apparatus includes a torque converter having a torus-shaped element, and an impeller clutch transmitting and disconnecting a driving force of an engine to and from an input element of the torque converter, the impeller clutch arranged at a radially outward side of the torus-shaped element of the torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuaki HATTORI, Takahiro Misu, Yukihisa Tsuzuki, Naohisa Tsuzuki, Yasuhiro Kobayashi, Yosuke Makino, Tomoko Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kitagawa
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Patent number: 7934588Abstract: A torque damper can comprise a clutch piston arranged within a cover of a torque converter and can be adapted to be moved between a connected position and a non-connected position relative to the cover. Damper springs can be arranged along the circumference of the clutch piston. Connecting members can be arranged abutting against one end of the damper spring and adapted to connect a turbine arranged within the cover and the clutch piston via the damper spring. Damper holders can be arranged abutting against the other end of the damper spring and adapted to hold the damper spring against the compressive force applied to the damper spring from the connecting member. Guide sheets having wear resistance can be interposed between the circumference of the clutch piston and the damper spring and can be adapted to guide the damper spring. A torque input to the cover can be transmitted to the turbine via the clutch piston and the damper springs when the clutch piston is in the connected position.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.Inventors: Akira Tsuboi, Yoshihiko Ozawa, Yasutaka Amano, Hiromi Fujiwara, Ryo Mochizuki
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Publication number: 20110067968Abstract: In a hydraulic apparatus for an automatic transmission having a torque converter with a lockup clutch and CVT, there are provided a first control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the lockup clutch oil chamber, a first electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the first control valve, a second control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the CVT pulleys, a second electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the second control valve, a switching valve interposed between the oil chamber and the first control valve. In the apparatus, when detecting that the first control valve or first electromagnetic solenoid valve is failed and the lockup clutch is locked in engaged condition, current supply to the second electromagnetic solenoid valve is stopped so that it operates the switching valve to disengage the lockup clutch, thereby enabling to forcibly release the engagement without manipulation by the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Keiichi Hanyu, Genso Igari, Akihira Aoki
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Patent number: 7909151Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-up clutch mechanism for a torque converter, comprising a lock-up piston and a front cover having an engagement surface capable of being engaged with the lock-up piston and in which a friction material is stuck to wither one of the lock-up piston and the front cover and in which engagement and disengagement are performed in accordance with a hydraulic pressure difference between the front cover and the lock-up piston and wherein the friction material includes a first flat friction surface disposed at an outer diameter side and a second tapered friction surface disposed at an inner diameter side and further wherein, when the lock-up piston and the front cover are slip-controlled, the first friction surface is engaged with uniform face pressure, and, when the lock-up piston and the front cover are substantially integrally joined with a great hydraulic pressure difference under slip control, maximum face pressure is generated at a border between the first friction surface andType: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.Inventors: Hideki Matsumoto, Hideaki Takabayashi, Chisato Yagi
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Patent number: 7905337Abstract: A force transmission device including an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component, having at least one pump shell and one turbine shell, and a device for damping vibrations including a primary component and a secondary component, rotatable relative to each other in circumferential direction, wherein the secondary component is connected at least indirectly torque proof with the output, and the turbine shell is connected at least indirectly torque proof with the output. The connection between the turbine shell and the output, or an element coupled torque proof with the output, is performed through the intermediary element connected with the turbine shell in a first coupling section and coupled in a second coupling section with the output, or with the element coupled torque proof with the output, wherein the intermediary element is characterized by a substantially constant wall thickness, and the two coupling areas are disposed offset relative to each other in axial and in radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein
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Patent number: 7905787Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Frey, Michael Kühner, Alexander Markow, Michael Heuler, Martin Grumbach, Bernhard Sich, Robert Reiser, Peter Hammer
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Publication number: 20110031083Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a lockup device that can improve a fuel efficiency of a vehicle. The lockup device (6) has a piston (61), an output plate (63), a first coil spring (65), an inertia member (64), and a second coil spring (66). The output plate (63) is coupled to a turbine (4) such that it can rotate as an integral unit with the turbine (4). The first coil spring (65) elastically couples the piston (61) to the output plate (63) in a rotational direction. The inertia member (64) is provided such that it can rotate relative to the output member (63). The second coil spring (66) elastically couples the inertia member (64) to the output plate (63) in a rotational direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiro Matsuoka, Mitsugu Yamaguchi, Takeshi Kawamoto, Kazuhiro Yamashita, Kazuaki Oomoto
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Publication number: 20110011691Abstract: A lockup device has a piston, an input member, and a damper mechanism. The damper mechanism has a plurality of first elastic members, a plurality of second elastic members, an intermediate member, and an output member. The intermediate member supports the first and second elastic members such that the first and second elastic members operate in series and can undergo elastic deformation in a rotational direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATIONInventor: Naoki Tomiyama
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Publication number: 20110011690Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a torque converter, the torque converter including a pump impeller configured to rotate, a turbine runner configured to rotate in response to fluid transmitted from the pump impeller and a lock-up clutch adapted to directly connect the turbine runner to a power source, includes a control valve outputting a lock-up pressure for engaging the lock-up clutch by controlling a hydraulic pressure outputted by a hydraulic pressure source and a relay valve including a first switching portion for selectively allowing and interrupting a communication between the control valve and the lock-up clutch, wherein the relay valve interrupts the communication between the control valve and the lock-up clutch by means of the first switching portion when a value of the lock-up pressure outputted by the control valve is a predetermined value or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Osamu SAKAMOTO
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Publication number: 20110005880Abstract: The present invention is a torque converter having three sealed chambers in which a piston for engaging and disengaging a lock-up clutch is attached to the torque converter using a plurality of leaf springs. The assembly includes a plurality of access or pass-through holes for effecting the attachment of the leaf spring to the cover using rivets. Also included is plurality of plugs to seal the pass-through holes. Also presented is a method of using the plugs to prevent uncontrolled leakage from one sealed chamber to another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: John CARRIER, Nathan YENSHO
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Patent number: 7849985Abstract: A pilot plate torque transmitting assembly for a torque converter, including: a pilot plate arranged to be rotationally connected to a housing for the torque converter; a piston plate for a clutch; and at least one spring assembly rotationally connecting the pilot plate and the piston plate. The at least one spring assembly is arranged to be axially disposed between the piston plate and the housing for the torque converter. In some aspects, the piston plate is arranged to form at least a portion of a pressure release chamber for the clutch with the housing, and the assembly includes a channel between the piston plate and the pilot plate and arranged to be in fluid communication with the release chamber. In some aspects, the pilot plate or the piston plate is stamped.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Michael C. Davis
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Publication number: 20100282558Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a lockup clutch prevents stagnation and accumulation of air bubbles in a torque converter when a vehicle is at a stop at low oil temperature, preventing impairment of vehicle drive performance caused by insufficient transmission torque at the time of start of the vehicle. It occurs sometimes that air-mixed hydraulic oil is supplied into a torque converter from a second oil path when a vehicle is at a stop, with a transmission set to a drive range such as a D range, at a low oil temperature in a time, for example, immediately after an engine is started. In such a case, when a lockup clutch is disengaged, in which a second line hydraulic pressure is supplied from the second oil path to the lockup clutch, a third oil path is interrupted (closed) to prohibit discharge of the hydraulic oil. As a result, despite large pipe path resistance due to low viscosity, the hydraulic oil in the torque converter is reliably discharged from a first oil path to an oil cooler via a cooler oil path.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takeshi Ishiwada, Kazuaki Nakamura
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Publication number: 20100276243Abstract: A hydrokinetic coupling device includes a lock-up clutch having at least one friction disc mounted such that it can slide axially with respect to a first rotary shaft, at least one first backing disc rotating as one with a secondary rotary shaft and a support ring to support the backing disc. The support ring has at least one axial groove circumferentially delineated by an upstream face and by a downstream face. A radial guide tooth of each backing disc is housed such that it can slide axially in the groove. Elastic preload elements are provided which are able to exert a preload torque to clamp the guide tooth of each braking disc circumferentially against one of either the upstream or downstream faces of the guide groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Norberto Termenon
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Patent number: 7823710Abstract: Description of a hydraulic control system (1A) for a hydrodynamic torque converter (1) with a controlled torque converter lockup clutch (2) of an automatic transmission for controlling a supply pressure (p_WD_zu) of the torque converter (2) and a supply pressure (p_WK_zu) of the torque converter lockup clutch (2). The torque converter lockup clutch (2) is engaged when the supply pressure (p_WD_zu) of the torque converter (1) is lower than a predefined pressure level of the supply pressure (p_WK_zu) of the torque converter lockup clutch. A converter pressure valve (WDV) is provided for controlling the supply pressure (p_WD_zu) of the torque converter (1), and a converter coupling valve (WKV) for controlling the supply pressure (p_WK_zu) of the torque converter lockup clutch, where their valve slides (WDV_S, WKV_S) can be acted upon by at least one pre-control pressure (p_VS) and one system pressure (p_sys).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Georg Gierer, Thilo Schmidt, Tobias Rolser
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Patent number: 7815027Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-up clutch mechanism for a torque converter, comprising a lock-up piston and a front cover opposed to the lock-up piston and wherein a friction material having a friction surface is secured to one of the lock-up piston and the front cover, and the friction surface includes an outer peripheral friction surface which is engaged at an initial stage of engagement between the lock-up piston and the front cover and an inner peripheral friction surface which is engaged upon tightening, and the outer peripheral friction surface has a taper with respect to the inner peripheral friction surface, and the inner peripheral friction surface and the outer peripheral friction surface are subjected to a cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.Inventors: Hideki Matsumoto, Hideaki Takabayashi
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Publication number: 20100236887Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a hydraulic power transmission, which includes a pump impeller, a turbine runner, and a multi-plate impeller clutch, the multi-plate impeller clutch configured to engage the pump impeller to a power source by supplying a hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic pressure chamber. The apparatus further includes a control valve for controlling the hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the hydraulic pressure chamber, a fail valve disposed between the hydraulic pressure chamber and the control valve for selectively connecting the hydraulic pressure chamber and the control valve or the hydraulic pressure chamber and a source of a hydraulic pressure, and an electronic control portion controlling operations of the control valve and the fail valve. The hydraulic pressure chamber is connected to the source of the hydraulic pressure when at least one of the control valve, the fail valve, and the electronic control portion fails.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Osamu SAKAMOTO
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Publication number: 20100230225Abstract: In a fluid coupling wherein a turbine shell is welded to a turbine hub, it is necessary to take care of the strength of the welded portion because the turbine shell is displaced toward the pump blade as the torque thereof is transmitted. A fluid coupling (10) according to the present invention is provided with an input-side rotary constituent (A) including a pump blade (18), to which is attached an input member, and an output-side rotary constituent (B) including a turbine shell (22), to which is attached a turbine blade (21) opposed to the pump blade (18), and a turbine hub, to which is coupled an output member (1), the turbine hub (15) being welded to an inner peripheral portion of the turbine shell (22), wherein the turbine shell (22) and the turbine hub (15) have contact surfaces (23, 24), respectively, extending along a rotational axis (10a) of the fluid coupling (10), and a joint portion (14) is formed by the welding on the contact surfaces (23, 24) closer to the pump blade (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiya Yamashita, Yuji Hattori, Tomoaki Yanagida
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Patent number: 7775335Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmitting device having a hub arranged in the drive train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, in particular a turbine wheel hub of a turbine wheel of a torque converter which is coupled to a damper hub with a rotational vibration damper connected in between via a driving plate, in particular of a converter bridge coupling. The invention is operatively arranged such that the rotational vibration damper is equipped with a mechanical stop mechanism that is in effect as soon as a maximum design load on the rotational vibration damper has been exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
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Patent number: 7770705Abstract: A drive lug for a piston plate in a torque converter, including a base operatively arranged for attachment to the piston plate and a protruding portion integral to the base and extending axially from the base. The protruding portion is operatively arranged to engage with a damping element in the torque converter. In some aspects, the plate is arranged for attachment with a plurality of drive lugs, while in other aspects, the drive lug is arranged for attachment to the plate with at least one rivet. In some aspects, the lug is made of a hardenable material or by forging. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an outer circumference and the drive lug is arranged to be secured proximate the outer circumference. In some aspects, the damping element further includes a spring and the drive lug is arranged to engage with the spring. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an axial width, the drive lug further includes a radial width, and the radial width is greater than the axial width.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Craig Kneidel
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Patent number: 7770704Abstract: A multiplate torque converter clutch system, which is adapted for installation in torque converters of different automatic transmission manufacturers, namely, BORG WARNER, ALLISON, FORD, GENERAL MOTORS, and CHRYSLER transmissions. The present multiplate torque converter clutch system is provided in kit format including a hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly, multiple clutch plates including friction rings, a set of outer damper springs, and a set of inner damper springs. The present multiplate torque converter clutch system also includes a torque converter cover subassembly and a turbine hub subassembly configured to adapt the present torque converter clutch system to different vehicle engines and transmissions respectively. The hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly can be tuned to match a peak engine torque value by changing the number of damper springs.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Andrew D. Dumas
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Patent number: 7770703Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Renato Mauti
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Patent number: 7757827Abstract: A lockup clutch for a torque converter is provided with a friction lining. The friction lining is divided into a radially-outer-side friction lining and a radially-inner-side friction lining. ?-? characteristics of the radially-outer-side friction lining have a positive gradient to inhibit occurrence of a shudder by a stick-slip which takes place. The radially-inner-side friction lining is equipped with a large coefficient of static friction to provide large torque capacity during a clutch engagement. The radially-outer-side friction lining is bonded on a side of a piston in said lockup clutch.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.Inventor: Ritsuo Toya
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Patent number: 7757828Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque transfer apparatus for a torque converter including at least one connection element attached to an inner circumferential surface for a cover of the converter; a lock-up clutch, and at least one resilient element connected to the connection element and the piston plate. The clutch includes a piston plate with extruded rivets and the resilient element is connected to the piston plate with the extruded rivets. In some aspects, the clutch includes a friction material having inner and outer radii and the extruded rivets are disposed at a radial distance greater than the inner radius; the extruded rivets are disposed between the inner and outer radii; a radial segment for the connection element extends radially from the inner surface and has an edge at a greater radial distance than the inner radius; or the resilient element is between the inner and outer radii.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Todd Sturgin, Scott Schrader, Marc McGrath
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Patent number: 7753183Abstract: A torque converter with a casing, a turbine, and a piston having a first friction surface located at a radially outer portion of the piston, and a first drive ring having second and third friction surfaces. The piston is displaceable to engage the first and second friction surfaces. The torque converter also includes a second drive ring having fourth and fifth friction surfaces. The first drive ring is displaceable to engage the third and fourth friction surfaces. The second drive ring is driveably connected to the piston and to an elastic member of a damper. The torque converter includes a sixth friction surface for the casing. The second drive ring is displaceable to engage the fifth and sixth friction surfaces, the first drive ring and the casing are nonreleasably connected, and the first drive ring is axially displaceable with respect to the casing.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Kevin Parks, Craig Kneidel
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Patent number: 7743900Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic clutch arrangement is provided with a drive-side transmission element and a takeoff-side transmission element, which can be deflected around a certain angle of rotation relative to the drive-side element against the action of energy storage devices, where at least one driver element with an actuating function is assigned to each energy storage device. To realize a multi-stage action of the energy storage device, at least some of these driver elements arrive in working connection with an assigned final turn of the corresponding energy storage device only after using up a predetermined clearance gap in the circumferential direction. For this purpose, at least one transmission element has openings to accommodate energy storage devices, and at least one circumferential boundary of each opening is provided as a driver element for the assigned energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Horst Breier
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Patent number: 7731005Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-up clutch mechanism for a torque converter, in which a plurality of friction materials are arranged concentrically in a radial direction and adjacent friction materials are integrally connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.Inventor: Ritsuo Toya
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Publication number: 20100126816Abstract: A control section determines a driving state of a vehicle and controls first and second solenoid valves on the basis of the determined driving state. An oil passage length of a second oil discharge passage is shorter than that of a first oil discharge passage and a discharge end of the second oil discharge passage is opened at a lower position than that of the first oil discharge passage. The control section derives hydraulic oil, discharged from an oil chamber via a first shift valve, to the first oil discharge passage by means of a second shift valve when it is determined that the driving state is one during normal driving. The control section derives the hydraulic oil to the second oil discharge passage by means of the second shift valve when it is determined that the driving state is one required for rapid lock-up off.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Takei, Yutaka Ishikawa, Yoshimichi Tsubata, Motoo Takeda
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Patent number: 7717244Abstract: A replacement torque converter cover designed to withstand mechanical stresses generated in the torque converter lock-up clutch of ALLISON transmissions when such transmissions are utilized with diesel engines and other high-torque truck engines. The original equipment cover includes through-drilled holes for receiving unitary threaded stud pins, which function to attach the cover to the engine crankshaft externally and to drive the lock-up clutch piston internally during operation. The present replacement cover provides a lock-up clutch piston interface wherein such through-drilled holes and unitary threaded stud pins are eliminated, which substantially reduces stress concentration and mechanical fatigue in the replacement cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Brian G. Rowell
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Patent number: 7703590Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Thomas Heck, Kevin Parks
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Publication number: 20100099537Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a dual clutch automatic transmission having a torque converter. The transmission provides seven forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse. The control system includes a hydraulic pump, a pressure regulator assembly and control valves that provide and release pressurized hydraulic fluid to the torque converter, a pair of input clutches and eight synchronizer clutches. A first pair of control valves are high flow rate valves which are capable of rapidly engaging and disengaging the input clutches. A second pair of high flow rate valves, control valves and spool valves provide a branching control circuit which controls engagement and disengagement of the synchronizer clutches. A control valve linked to the shift lever blocks hydraulic fluid flow to the first pair of high flow rate valves to inhibit input clutch activation when the shift lever is in Park or Neutral.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John R. Maten, Kevin Michael Dougan, Richard T. Tamba, Darren Firth
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Publication number: 20100096231Abstract: A wet clutch arrangement, particularly a wet plate clutch or lockup clutch including a first friction face formation coupled with a housing arrangement for rotation around an axis of rotation and a second friction face formation coupled with an output member for rotation around the axis of rotation, and a preferably ring-shaped pressing piston. The pressing piston, together with the housing arrangement, defines a pressure fluid space and is movable in direction of the axis of rotation through a change in fluid pressure in the pressure fluid space for influencing the frictional interaction between the friction face formations. An operant fluid application surface of the pressing piston is in the range of 15000 mm2 to 25000 mm2 for generating a force acting upon the pressing piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: ZF Freidrichshafen AGInventors: Gregor Sueck, Jürgen Dacho, Thomas Adelmann
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Patent number: 7694789Abstract: The invention relates to a starting unit comprising: an input, which can be coupled to a drive, and an output that can be coupled to a driven part; a starting element provided in the form of a hydrodynamic component, comprising at least one primary turbine wheel and one secondary turbine wheel that, together, form a working chamber which can be filled with operating material; an engaging and disengaging clutch comprising at least two clutch elements that can be brought into frictionally engaged active contact with one another in a direct or indirect manner via additional intermediate elements, the first clutch element being at least indirectly connected to the input in a rotationally fixed manner and the second clutch element being at least indirectly connected to the output in a rotational fixed manner; an adjusting device assigned thereto, and; a stationary or rotating housing that surrounds at least one of the turbine wheels while forming an adjoining chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Achim Menne
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Publication number: 20100084237Abstract: A transmission includes a torque converter and an oil pump for providing fluid. The transmission has a stator shaft and a torque converter hub mounted on the stator shaft, defining an annular chamber between the stator shaft and the torque converter hub. A pump rotor for the oil pump is mounted on the torque converter hub. The torque converter hub extends beyond the pump rotor to fluidly seal the pump rotor from the annular chamber between the torque converter hub and the stator shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Andrew L. Bartos, Farzad Samie
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Publication number: 20100084238Abstract: A power transmission device for power transmission between an engine and a power output, comprising at least an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component with an impeller- and a turbine wheel and a device for partially bypassing at least the hydrodynamic component with a servo unit featuring a piston element that can be pressurized with hydraulic medium and having means for influencing the circulation rate difference of flow media on both sides of the piston element, wherein the means comprises rotary synchronism with the piston element of the servo unit, a further rotatable piston element disposed in axial direction with a spacing from the piston element of the servo unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Bruno MUELLER, Thorsten KRAUSE, Christian HUEGEL
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Publication number: 20100072014Abstract: An impeller hub assembly including a first portion connected to a rotor for an electric motor, a second portion connected to an impeller shell of a torque converter, and a rotary shaft seal for hydraulically sealing at least one of the first and second portions of the impeller hub assembly to a housing for the torque converter. The assembly may further include a dynamic seal, a hydraulic chamber at least partially enclosed by the rotary shaft seal and the dynamic seal, and a hydraulic channel in fluid communication with the chamber. In some example embodiments of the invention, the hydraulic channel is for lowering pressure in the chamber by providing a discharge path for fluid in the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KGInventors: Gregory HEEKE, Eugen KOMBOWSKI
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Patent number: 7677373Abstract: A torque converter lock-up clutch may be controlled by a lock-up clutch regulator control valve. The valve is utilized to selectively direct a fluid to the torque converter or to a pressure regulator valve. For example, in a hydrodynamic condition of the torque converter, the valve permits fluid to flow to the torque converter. In a lock-up condition of the torque converter, the valve directs fluid to a pressure regulator valve which selectively permits pressure to build in the torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Jan A. Bedert, Filip D. Schacht, Mark R. J. Versteyhe
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Publication number: 20100059324Abstract: A coupling arrangement, particularly for a hydrodynamic coupling device, including a first friction surface arrangement that is rotatable around an axis of rotation with a housing filled with fluid, a second friction surface arrangement, which is rotatable around the axis of rotation with a driven member, and a pressing arrangement that is actuated by pressure fluid. The first friction surface arrangement and the second friction surface arrangement are brought into frictional engagement by the pressing arrangement. The pressing arrangement includes an annular piston element that is movable in its radial inner area in a fluid-tight manner in direction of the axis of rotation on a guide disk element which is secured to an inner side of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Eberhard BIERMANN
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Patent number: 7669701Abstract: A first orifice is provided in a first fluid passage upstream of a cooler, and a second orifice is provided in a second fluid passage. The flowrates of hydraulic fluid flowing through the first and second fluid passages are regulated by the first and second orifices, respectively, and are thus suppressed from becoming excessive. Also, the downstream side of the second fluid passage is connected to the first fluid passage between the first orifice and the cooler, and a lubrication passage is connected to the first fluid passage downstream of the cooler. Accordingly, the lubrication passage is a single passage and the cooler and the lubrication passage are arranged in series so the cooler flowrate and the lubrication flowrate are the same. As a result, the flowrate of hydraulic fluid that flows out from a secondary regulator valve to the upstream side of an oil pump can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yusuke Ogata, Ryuji Chida, Yoshinobu Soga
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Publication number: 20100044176Abstract: A force transmission device (1) disposed in a drive train between an engine and a transmission, including a housing including a housing part (10.1), wherein the housing part is formed as an input (E) and connected with an impeller (P) of a hydrodynamic machine, an output (A), a switchable clutch device (6) disposed between the input (E) and the output (A), which clutch device can be actuated by a piston element (8) and guided on the housing part (10.1) in a slidable, pressure-tight manner in an axial direction, and wherein the piston element can be pressurized with a medium by forming a variable chamber (9) that can be pressurized with the medium and means (16) for creating a non-rotational lock between the housing part (10.1) and the piston element (8), wherein the means (16) for creating the non-rotational lock at least comprises a spring device (17, 17.1, 17.2).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KGInventor: Benjamin DANIEL