With Auxiliary Source Of Pressure Patents (Class 192/3.3)
  • Patent number: 12259018
    Abstract: A torsional damper disposed between a rotor sleeve, which is configured to receive a rotational force of an engine, and a rotor hub, which is disposed rearward of the rotor sleeve, and configured to transmit the rotational force of the engine to the rotor hub, and a hybrid drive module to which the torsional damper is applied, includes: a first damper, and the first damper includes a first cover plate provided at a driving side and having a first stopper, a first stopper accommodation portion provided at a driven side and configured to accommodate the first stopper, and shield members configured to cover an opening of the first stopper accommodation portion to restrict a movement of a fluid in a radial direction through the first stopper accommodation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: VALEO KAPEC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung-Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 12252016
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle has an input shaft which is rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation, via which torques provided by an internal combustion machine can be introduced into the hybrid drive system, an output drive shaft arranged coaxially with the input shaft, an electric machine which has a stator and a rotor, and a torque converter which has an impeller, a converter cover connected to the impeller, an interior for receiving oil, and a converter hub which is connected to the converter cover. The converter hub is connected to the rotor in a manner fixed against rotation. The system further has a separable clutch having a disc pack, a clutch chamber in which the disc pack is received, an operating piston, and an associated operating chamber. Via the separable clutch the converter hub can be connected to the input shaft fixed against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz Group AG
    Inventors: Kai Heukelbach, Bernd Koppitz, Bernhard Ziegler, Jan Velthaus, Lukas Rube, Thomas Lechthaler
  • Patent number: 12202478
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for controlling a transmission and other vehicle systems and components based on operation of an auxiliary braking system for a vehicle are disclosed. A controller for a vehicle includes a processing circuit having at least one memory device coupled to at least one processor, the at least one memory device is configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processors, cause the at least one processor to: receive data regarding operation of an auxiliary brake system of the vehicle; determine an auxiliary brake fault condition based on the received data regarding operation of the auxiliary brake system; determine that the vehicle is on or is about to experience a negative road grade; determine a vehicle speed is greater than a requested vehicle speed for the negative road grade; and control a transmission to downshift at least two settings relative to a current transmission setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Charles Seifer, Ryan Eugene Edgecomb
  • Patent number: 12092207
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle includes an engine including at least one combustion chamber configured to generate power for driving the vehicle by combustion of fuel, a torque converter including an impeller, a turbine, and a damper clutch and configured to convert torque output from the engine through an operation fluid, a continuously variable transmission including a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a belt, a forward clutch configured to selectively block power delivery between the torque converter and the continuously variable transmission, and a controller configured to perform a slip control of the forward clutch while the vehicle is coasting, re-inject fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine when a fuel re-injection condition is satisfied, release engagement of the damper clutch after performing a slip control of the damper clutch of the torque converter, and fully engage the forward clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunghwa Jeong, Hoegab Kim, Ho Young Kim
  • Patent number: 12072022
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a powertrain. In one example, a method for a powertrain includes adjusting a coupling between a synchronization shaft and one or more of an input shaft and an output shaft in response to a clutch drag torque. The adjusting is based on speeds of one or more of the input shaft, the synchronization shaft, and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: James Matthew Richardson, James Allen
  • Patent number: 12055214
    Abstract: Provided is a transmission device monitoring system including: a diagnostic frequency estimation unit that extracts a plurality of diagnostic frequency candidate groups from a frequency region separated by a specific frequency or more using at least current information on a motor, a gear ratio of a transmission device, and the number of stages of the transmission device, and estimates a frequency satisfying a specific relationship from frequencies obtained in the plurality of diagnostic frequency candidate groups as a diagnostic frequency; and an abnormality diagnosis unit that diagnoses abnormality of the transmission device using at least the one diagnostic frequency estimated by the diagnostic frequency estimation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakamura, Koichiro Nagata, Takuma Nishimura
  • Patent number: 12007019
    Abstract: A modified hydraulic circuit for an OEM vehicle transmission, which transmission has a forward clutch, a forward clutch hub and a forward sprag having an inner sprag race and an outer sprag race, an overrun clutch and an overrun clutch hub, the forward clutch and the forward sprag providing a link to a planetary gear train to propel the vehicle forward, the forward clutch hub defining the outer sprag race, the overrun clutch hub defining the inner sprag race, a hydraulic valve body having a plurality of passages and a separator plate, and a 1-2 shift valve, a 2-3 shift valve, a 3-4 shift valve and a 3-4 relay valve, and a gear shift valve, includes a blockage in the passage fluidically connecting the 2-3 shift valve to the overrun clutch, a blockage in the passage fluidically connecting the gear shift valve to the 2-3 shift valve, removal of a movable element from the first check valve body and a passage from the gear shift valve to the overrun clutch via the first check valve body, wherein when operating in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Sonnax Transmission Company
    Inventor: James A. Dial
  • Patent number: 11976719
    Abstract: A transmission, includes a transmission mechanism including a torque converter having a lock-up clutch; an oil pump configured to discharge an oil to be supplied to the transmission mechanism; a lock-up oil pressure control valve configured to adjust a pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump and supply the oil to the lock-up clutch; a lubricating oil pressure control valve configured to adjust the pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump and supply the oil to a portion to be lubricated of the transmission mechanism; and a controller configured to control the lock-up oil pressure control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeaki Ishibashi, Tomohiro Inoue, Sho Kowatari
  • Patent number: 11971098
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a torque converter device, a first hydraulic pump, a first oil channel, a second oil channel, a third oil channel, a second pressure control valve, and a controller. The torque converter device has a torque converter and a lock-up clutch. The first oil channel supplies hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump to the torque converter. The second oil channel drains hydraulic fluid from the torque converter. The third oil channel communicates with the first oil channel and the second oil channel. The second pressure control valve is disposed in the third oil channel. The controller sets the second pressure control valve to an open state when the lock-up clutch is in an engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Torisu, Takuro Yoneda, Tetsuya Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 11919401
    Abstract: A device for power transmission within a hybrid motor vehicle and a method of operating the device. The device is a P2 module and includes a torque converter, an electric motor, a connect/disconnect clutch and a one-way clutch. The torque converter is configured to be coupled to an input member of the transmission. The electric motor includes a rotor that is fixedly connected to the input of the torque converter. The connect/disconnect clutch has an input member configured to be coupled to the output of the engine and has first and second clutch members moveable between a disengaged and engaged positons. The second clutch member is also fixedly connected to the torque converter. The one-way clutch is coupled between the connect/disconnect clutch and the torque converter and has a locked up configuration and an overrunning configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Exedy Globalparts Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Gerard Walega, Bryant David Grytzelius
  • Patent number: 11859369
    Abstract: A spring preloaded lockup clutch system comprises clutch disc(s), an input component, and an output component housed in a hydraulic fluid chamber of a torque converter, a lockup piston and a mechanical spring housed in a piston housing of the torque converter, and a relief valve coupled to the hydraulic fluid chamber. The clutch disc(s), when engaged, couples the input component to the output component. The lockup piston has a first end and a second end, engages with the clutch disc(s) when biased, and disengages from the clutch disc(s) when unbiased. The mechanical spring, coupled to the lockup piston at the second end, applies force to bias the lockup piston. The relief valve, when opened, relieves hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic fluid chamber allowing the lockup piston to remain being biased, and, when closed, allows the hydraulic pressure to build up allowing the lockup piston to be unbiased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon L Hagman
  • Patent number: 11840229
    Abstract: An electronic control unit carries out deceleration fuel cutoff for stopping fuel injection in an engine, and deceleration lockup for engaging a lockup clutch, at the time of deceleration of a vehicle. The electronic control unit then ends deceleration fuel cutoff and deceleration lockup upon fulfillment of a recovery condition, On the other hand, when a request to restrain heat-up of a filter device is made before fulfillment of the recovery condition, the electronic control unit stops deceleration fuel cutoff, but continues deceleration lockup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nagata, Keita Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11788614
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a torque transmission device between a first drive element and an output element, having a torque transmission unit; an input, which is rotatable about a rotation axis and can be coupled to the first drive element, and an output, which can be connected to the output element. A separating clutch is arranged outside of the torque transmission unit and the fluid chamber, and is designed for selective torque transmission between the first drive element and the torque transmission unit. The separating clutch has a clutch input and a clutch output that is selectively connectable via a clutch actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Maienschein
  • Patent number: 11784448
    Abstract: The invention relates to a travel adapter, comprising a housing, at least one receptacle of a first standard and at least one plug of a second standard. The receptacle of the first standard has at least one first contact socket and one second contact socket. The plug of the second standard has at least one first contact pin and one second contact pin. The plug is arranged on the housing. The receptacle is rotatably mounted in the housing. The plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin are pivotally arranged on the housing in such a way that the plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin can be pivoted out of the housing. The invention also relates to a set and an additional travel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: WorldConnect AG
    Inventors: Christian Frei, Remo Jud, Erich Hinderegger
  • Patent number: 11752855
    Abstract: A hybrid module having a damper hub connected to an internal combustion engine, a housing, a clutch, an electric machine which has a rotor and a stator connected to the housing, a torque converter has a converter housing connected to a central hub and a turbine shaft, and an output shaft. The rotor of the electric machine is connected to the central hub or the converter housing. The turbine shaft is connected to the output shaft to be fixed with respect to rotation and the clutch is arranged between the damper hub and the torque converter The central hub is supported at the output shaft via at least one bearing and is supported at the damper hub via at least two bearings and the damper hub is supported at the housing by a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Monika RÖßner, Gerald Viernekes, Wolfgang Kundermann, Wolfgang Großpietsch, Martin Brehmer, Thilo Schmidt, Thomas Riedisser
  • Patent number: 11698113
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a torque converter and a clutch assembly. The torque converter includes a front cover. The clutch assembly includes a piston axially spaced from the front cover. The piston is axially slidable to engage the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly further includes a seal plate non-rotatably connected to the front cover and sealed to the piston. A seal is compressed between the seal plate and the front cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Natalie Allen, Brandon Heitger, David Avins, Nigel Gurney
  • Patent number: 11679758
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline disconnect clutch of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, the systems and methods may adjust a relationship (e.g., transfer function) between an amount of electric current that is supplied to a driveline disconnect clutch control valve and a commanded driveline disconnect clutch pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Akshay Bichkar, Jason Meyer, Bradley D. Riedle, Corey James Blue, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bret Keller
  • Patent number: 11644090
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter (1) with a converter torus formed by a pump wheel (3) and a turbine wheel (4) and a guide wheel (5). The guide wheel (5) is supported rotatably by a first axial bearing (51) and a second axial bearing (52). A sealing device (11), with a sealing gap, is provided in the area of the first axial bearing (51), which impedes a through-flow of the working fluid of the torque converter (1) through the first axial bearing (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ewgeni Bayer, Peter Brielmaier
  • Patent number: 11635138
    Abstract: A monitoring device and a method for operating an idling automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a torque converter which includes at least one pump wheel and a turbine wheel that are designed to transmit torque hydrodynamically from one to the other. The method includes at least the following steps of: determining a rotational speed of the turbine wheel; determining a load on the motor of the motor vehicle; and recognizing whether there is a blockage in the drive-train of the motor vehicle or whether the torque converter is running dry, as a function of the turbine rotational speed and the motor load detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ulf Lang
  • Patent number: 11634027
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission including an input shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), a power take-off (1) and a hydraulic pump (2). The hydraulic pump (2) serves to supply the motor vehicle transmission with hydrodynamic working pressure. The power take-off (1) has a power take-off gearwheel (1A). The power take-off gearwheel (1A) is connected to the hydraulic pump (2) in order drive the hydraulic pump (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Michael Epple
  • Patent number: 11635128
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine; a stator; and a lock-up clutch including a piston plate, a first plate, a second plate axially disposed between the cover and the first plate, and a rivet non-rotatably connecting the first plate to the second plate, the rivet being a component distinct from the first plate and the second plate. The cover and the piston plate define at least a portion of a first pressure chamber. The first plate and the second plate define at least a portion of a second pressure chamber. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged to receive and expel a fluid to axially displace the piston plate to open and close the lock-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Long Souers
  • Patent number: 11585436
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle transmission with at least two friction elements, the system comprising a first hydraulic circuit comprising a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic circuit. A flow restriction may be provided in the first hydraulic circuit between an output of the pump and a sump for providing leakage of hydraulic fluid into the sump. Further, a second hydraulic circuit comprising a second pump may be arranged, wherein the hydraulic pressure in the first circuit is higher compared to the second circuit. A flow control element operated using hydraulic pressure from the first circuit may be arranged for controlling flow/pressure in the second circuit. Further, the hydraulic system may be arranged for generating a line pressure, wherein an actuator for engaging a park lock system may be connected to the first hydraulic circuit for enabling direct actuation by means of the line pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Punch Powertrain PSA E-Transmissions NV
    Inventors: Roell Marie Van Druten, Peter Mark Smid
  • Patent number: 11565702
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive train of a motor vehicle includes: starting the motor vehicle solely with the aid of an electric machine; engaging a torque converter lockup clutch for rotationally fixing an impeller of a torque converter to a turbine wheel of the torque converter, wherein the turbine wheel is rotationally fixed to the electric machine; and engaging a clutch in order to drivingly connect the impeller to a motor vehicle drive unit, in order to start the motor vehicle drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Florian Petrich, Robert Reiser, Oliver Angele
  • Patent number: 11441654
    Abstract: A lock-up device includes a clutch part and a damper part. The clutch part is disposed between a front cover and a turbine, and transmits or blocks torque. The damper part transmits torque from the clutch part to the turbine, and absorbs torsional vibration. The damper part includes input and output members, elastic members, and a support member. The input member is connected to the clutch part. The output member is connected to the turbine. The elastic members connect the input and output members. The support member has a connecting part, a regulating part, and a stopper part. The regulating part is provided such that the output member is interposed axially between the regulating part and part of the input member. The stopper part is configured to contact the output member and prohibit the input and output members from rotating relative to each other by a predetermined angle or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11402004
    Abstract: A torque converter comprising a cover arranged to receive torque, an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell is provided. In embodiments, the torque converter includes a lock-up clutch including a piston plate, an output hub connected to the turbine shell and arranged to non-rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft, and a seal plate disposed, at least partially, axially between the piston plate and the turbine shell, wherein the seal plate is connected to the cover and the piston plate. A flow plate may be connected to the seal plate and disposed axially between the seal plate and the turbine shell. A through-bore may be bounded in first and second opposite radial directions by the seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Victor Norwich, Patrick Lindemann
  • Patent number: 11402005
    Abstract: A torque converter comprising a cover arranged to receive torque, an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell is provided. In embodiments, the torque converter includes a lock-up clutch including a piston plate, an output hub connected to the turbine shell and arranged to non-rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft, and a seal plate disposed, at least partially, axially between the piston plate and the turbine shell. A connector is arranged to connect the cover, the piston plate and the seal plate to each other, wherein a first chamber is formed at least in part by the piston plate and the seal plate and a second chamber is formed at least in part by the cover, the seal plate, and the piston plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Kyle Nelson
  • Patent number: 11303192
    Abstract: A torque converter comprises a front cover, an impeller having an impeller shell fixed to the front cover, and a turbine fluidly coupled with the impeller and having a turbine shell. A damper assembly is provided that includes an output flange connected to the turbine shell. A clutch assembly is disposed between the front cover and the turbine. The clutch assembly comprises a piston sealed to the front cover at an outer diameter thereof and a clutch flow deflector plate disposed axially between the piston and the output flange, wherein the clutch flow deflector plate is configured to direct a cooling fluid to the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jonathan Adams, Kyle Nelson, Victor Norwich
  • Patent number: 11293535
    Abstract: A launch device coupling a prime mover to a transmission. The launch device includes a front cover for connecting to the output of the prime mover and an output hub for connecting to the input of the transmission. A rear cover is connected to the front cover and cooperates to define a chamber. Within the chamber are an impeller and a turbine having a plurality of opposing blades such that hydraulic fluid is directed from the impeller blades and toward the turbine blades. A main damper is provided between the turbine and output hub of the launch device. Coupled to the main damper is a lock-out clutch configured to releasably lock the main damper for rotation with one of the front and rear covers. The launch device also includes an active dynamic damper system coupled to the main damper and configured to reduce resonance influence on the main damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: EXEDY GLOBALPARTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Kitada, Scott Binder, Ken Mototsune, Daniel Leschuk
  • Patent number: 11255417
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling arrangement has a housing connected to pressure medium lines for conducting pressure medium into or out of a pressure space sealed by a piston of a clutch device relative to a toroidal space of a hydrodynamic circuit provided in the housing. A rotatable area is provided for axially displaceably receiving a radially inner piston hub of the piston of the clutch device, and at least one through-opening which is rotatable relative to the housing is provided in a through-opening area for producing at least one flow connection between at least one pressure medium line and the pressure space. The receiving area and the through-opening area are in rotational communication with a retarding device influencing a flow of pressure medium in the pressure space, this flow of pressure medium arriving in the pressure space after passing through the through-opening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jens Schönekäs, Georg Mencher
  • Patent number: 11242921
    Abstract: A torque converter comprises a cover configured to receive an input torque and an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover. A piston is disposed axially between the cover and the impeller. The piston is configured to axially displace to selectively engage a clutch and a seal plate is disposed axially between the piston and the cover. The seal plate is sealed to the cover. A first chamber is formed at least in part by the cover, the seal plate, and the piston. A second chamber is formed at least in part by the piston and the impeller shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Austin Hoff, Victor Norwich
  • Patent number: 11204092
    Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission includes a continuously variable transmission mechanism, a torque converter, a target transmission ratio calculation unit, a feedback control unit, and a phase compensation unit. The torque converter has a lock-up clutch. The target transmission ratio calculation unit is configured to calculate a target transmission ratio based on a travelling state. The feedback control unit is configured to perform feedback control based on an actual value indicative of a state of the continuously variable transmission mechanism. The phase compensation unit is configured to perform phase lead compensation of the feedback control based on the travelling state. The phase compensation control unit is configured to halt the phase lead compensation when an unstable travelling state of a vehicle is detected. The phase compensation control unit is further configured to release the lock-up clutch when the phase lead compensation is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Okahara, Hiroyasu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11187312
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell fixed to the cover; a turbine including a turbine shell; a stator including at least one stator blade axially disposed between the impeller shell and the turbine shell; and a lock-up clutch. The lock-up clutch includes: a piston plate non-rotatably connected to the cover; a dam plate; a centering plate axially disposed between the cover and the dam plate; a first chamber bounded at least in part by the cover and the piston plate; a second chamber bounded at least in part by the piston plate and the dam plate; a first channel connected to the first chamber and bounded at least in part by the cover and the centering plate; and a second channel connected to the second chamber and bounded at least in part by the centering plate and the dam plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kyle Nelson, Victor Norwich, Justin Persinger
  • Patent number: 11156279
    Abstract: A torque converter includes an impeller and a turbine configured to fluidly couple with the impeller. A bypass clutch has a hydraulically actuated piston, an apply chamber, and a compensation chamber. A turbine hub is attached to the turbine and has an inner circumferential surface defining axially extending teeth configured to connect with a shaft. A flow-control sleeve is axially spaced from the turbine hub and has a radial tab portion attached to the turbine. The sleeve defines an orifice in fluid communication with the apply chamber or the compensation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Long Souers, Drew Hilty
  • Patent number: 11121605
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a motor housing, an electric motor, a shaft, a torque converter housing, a backing plate, a piston, and a hub. The motor housing includes a first flow passage. The electric motor includes a rotor and stator. The shaft is drivingly engaged with the rotor and includes a second flow passage arranged for fluid communication with the first flow passage. The torque converter housing is drivingly engaged with the rotor. The backing plate is fixed to the torque converter housing. The piston is sealed to the torque converter housing and the backing plate and forms at least a portion of a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The hub includes a third flow passage arranged for fluid communication with the second flow passage and one of the first fluid chamber or the second fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeremy Vanni, Matthew Payne, John Ramsey
  • Patent number: 10975943
    Abstract: A torque converter assembly configured to be connected between an engine and a transmission in a vehicle. The torque converter assembly comprises a cover plate, a pump, a turbine, a stator, and a clutch assembly operably connected between the cover plate and the turbine. The clutch assembly comprises a coverside plate, a turbine-side plate, and a piston located at least partially between the coverside plate and the turbine-side plate. A charge circuit is configured at least partially between the cover plate and the coverside plate, a compensation circuit is configured at least partially between the coverside plate and the piston, and an apply circuit is configured at least partially between the piston and the turbine-side plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Leonid Basin, Victor M. Roses
  • Patent number: 10948079
    Abstract: A method of, and a system for, controlling and predicting the health of a torque converter clutch control system is provided. The method includes determining, via a controller, rotational input and output speeds of the torque converter and a torque converter clutch slip. The method also includes determining, via the controller, whether a set of predetermined conditions are met for predicting the health of the torque converter clutch control system. The method includes gathering a plurality of initial features of the vehicle propulsion system, determining statistical information about the plurality of initial features, and selecting at least one feature of the vehicle propulsion system based on the statistical information. Furthermore, the method includes classifying the health of the torque converter clutch control system based on the selected feature or features. In some forms, principal component analysis is used to select the feature or features used for classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shiming Duan, Chunhao J. Lee, Zhen Zhang, Peter P. Radecki, Xiaodong Jia
  • Patent number: 10859159
    Abstract: A control system to control slip of a torque converter clutch includes a clutch plant model configured to predict a value of a parameter that relates to torque converter clutch slip as a function of clutch plant model inputs comprising commanded clutch pressure and of torque from the torque generative device. The control system also includes a model predictive controller configured to receive signals that allow determination of a desired value of the parameter that relates to torque converter clutch slip and a predicted value of the parameter that relates to torque converter clutch slip, receive a signal representing reported torque of the torque generative device, identify an optimal commanded clutch pressure value that will result in an optimal value of an objective function based on the clutch plant model, and provide a command signal to an actuator effective to control commanded clutch pressure to the torque converter clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jose C. Zavala Jurado, Gionata Cimini, Bryan P. Jagielo, Zhen Zhang, Yue-Yun Wang, Harinath Atmaram
  • Patent number: 10844951
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a torque transmitting apparatus having multiple selectively engageable couplers is provided. The multiple couplers may be selectively engaged and disengaged to provide a mechanical, friction or fluid coupling between portions of the torque transmitting apparatus and other components of a vehicle powertrain during various operational stages. The control apparatus includes a fluid pressure control device and a fluid flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, David C. Ames
  • Patent number: 10821819
    Abstract: A driveline system with an electric machine and method for manufacturing driveline system are provide for achieving increased coupling strength between a rotor carrier, rotor drive hub, and a rotor. The driveline system includes the rotor drive hub axially clamped between sections of the rotor carrier and a plurality of laminated rotor sections. The driveline system further includes a torque converter drive plate coupled to the rotor drive hub and a torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley Heuver
  • Patent number: 10794478
    Abstract: A washer having such a thickness t that a value (L3?(L1+L2+t)) obtained by subtracting the sum of a first distance L1 in an axial direction between a leading end face of a friction member and a face of a lockup piston, a second distance L2 in the axial direction between a shell-side abutting face of a pump shell and a face of an outside extended portion of an output hub, and the thickness t in the axial direction of the washer, from a third distance L3 in the axial direction between an opposed face of a front cover and a cover-side abutting face of a tubular portion, is in a predetermined range larger than zero, is selected and placed between the lockup piston and the outside extended portion of the output hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignees: AISIN AW INDUSTRIES CO., LTD, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Muneda, Takao Shimada, Fumimasa Kasashima, Keigo Goto, Masaaki Yamaguchi, Kazuyoshi Ito, Kensuke Sakamoto, Takayuki Miyaoka
  • Patent number: 10745886
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a torque converter having a lock up clutch and a controller that conditionally allows operation of the lock up clutch in a locked position or an unlocked position. The controller determines a plurality of active work vehicle parameters during operation of the work vehicle and includes a plurality of ready to dig parameters. The controller determines a ready to dig condition or a non-digging condition of the work vehicle by comparing at least two of the active work vehicle parameters to at least two corresponding ready to dig parameters. The controller disallows operation of the lock up clutch in the locked position in response to the ready to dig condition, allows operation of the lock up clutch in locked or unlocked positions in response to a non-digging condition. Operation of the lock up clutch avoids the engine from stalling in a ready to dig condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Megan L. Pence, Kevin W. Campbell, David J. Myers, Kyle E. Leinaar, Thomas A. Porter, Michael R. Goodpaster
  • Patent number: 10711873
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic side plate for a stator in a torque converter includes a first radial surface, a second radial surface opposite the first radial surface, a first axial restriction surface on the first radial surface opposite an inner race of a stator assembly, a second axial restriction surface on the first radial surface opposite locking components of the stator assembly, and a plurality of hydrodynamic pads in the second radial surface separated by a plurality of corresponding radial grooves. The first axial restriction surface is configured to restrict axial movement of the inner race of the stator assembly. The second axial restriction surface is configured to restrict axial movement of the locking components of the stator assembly. The second radial surface comprises at least two anti-rotation tabs configured to prevent relative motion with the stator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Christopher Krause, Nigel Gurney, Scott Strong
  • Patent number: 10704676
    Abstract: A transmission assembly including a clutch system, an accumulator, and a controller is provided. The clutch system may include a flow source. The accumulator may be selectively in communication with the flow source via a solenoid valve. The controller may be programmed to, responsive to detection of a vehicle stop and the accumulator charged below a predetermined threshold, output a command to open the solenoid valve to rapidly charge the accumulator from the flow source. The predetermined threshold may be an accumulator pressure between 700 kPa and 900 kPa. The controller may be further programmed to, responsive to detection of the accumulator being charged to or above the predetermined threshold, output a shut down command to an engine in communication with the transmission assembly and to output a close command to the solenoid valve. The flow source may be a pump out circuit or a line pressure circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Scott Slayton, Patrick Heikka, Mark Davis, Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Benjamin Rupley
  • Patent number: 10641374
    Abstract: A torque converter may include: an impeller and a turbine hub to form a chamber together, a damper piston connected to a damper clutch and divide the chamber into a damper chamber and a balance chamber, a discharge path to connect and block the balance chamber and control an internal flow rate of the torque converter, and an O-ring to open or close the discharge path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Se-Hwan Jo, Hyun-Jun Son, Jong-Gu Lee, Pan-Seok We
  • Patent number: 10508735
    Abstract: A controller of a toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises a position control unit which outputs a driving signal to a hydraulic actuator to control a roller position. The hydraulic actuator includes a biasing mechanism which forcibly keeps the roller position at a predetermined position in a case where the driving signal meets a predetermined condition. The position control unit is configured to perform a start-up control during start-up of the toroidal continuously variable transmission. During the start-up control, the position control unit is configured to output the driving signal to reciprocate a spool of the hydraulic actuator in a case where a temperature of hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic actuator is lower than a reference temperature, and output the driving signal which meets the predetermined condition in a case where the temperature of the hydraulic oil has become equal to or higher than the reference temperature thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakashima, Tatsuhiko Goi, Koji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10495660
    Abstract: An actual slip amount (S) of a torque converter is calculated by subtracting an actual input shaft rotational speed (Nr) of an automatic transmission from an engine rotational speed (Ne), which is the rotational speed of a crankshaft. Then, an engine rotational speed for display (Nd) is calculated by adding a slip amount adjusted for display (Sp), which is obtained by applying a predetermined correction process to the actual slip amount (S) to the actual input shaft rotational speed (Nr). The above described correction process may be a first-order-lag filter processing, for example. Thus, even when the actual slip amount (S) temporarily increases or decreases, a temporary increase or decrease in the engine rotational speed for display (Nd) may be suppressed. In other words, fluctuation or variation in the engine rotational speed for display (Nd) is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10480614
    Abstract: An inertial deflector (1) for a motor vehicle transmission system. The inertial deflector comprises a support member (7) intended to be associated with an element (3) of the transmission system and to be driven rotationally around an axis X, an inertia mass (8) mounted rotationally movably on the support member (7) around the axis X, and helical springs (9) arranged along a circumferential direction and elastically rotationally coupling the support member (7) and the inertia mass (8). Each of the helical springs (9) is received in a receiving space that is delimited between on the one hand a recess (22) configured in the inertia mass (8) and radially and axially guiding the helical spring, and on the other hand a rim zone (23) of the support member (7) covering the recess (22) in order to axially retain the helical spring (9) in the recess (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Franck Cailleret, Michael Hennebelle, Roel Verhoog
  • Patent number: 10415696
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system may include control valve to selectively supply line pressure to first and second ejection flow channels, first shift valve converting flow channel, second shift valve converting path to selectively supply hydraulic pressure of the first ejection path to first chambers of first and second actuators and to selectively supply hydraulic pressure of the second ejection path to second chambers of the first and second actuators, third shift valve converting path to selectively supply hydraulic pressure of the first ejection path to first chamber of third actuator and to selectively supply hydraulic pressure of the second ejection path to second chamber of third actuator, and fourth shift valve converting path to selectively supply hydraulic pressure of the first ejection path to first chambers of fourth and fifth actuators and to selectively supply hydraulic pressure of the second ejection path to second chambers of fourth and fifth actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yong Uk Shin, Minho Chae, Chon Ok Kim, Sun Sung Kwon
  • Patent number: 10400874
    Abstract: A torque converter that is downsized in an axial direction utilizing existing space is provided. A pump impeller, a turbine runner, a lockup clutch, an elastic damper, and a planetary unit are held in a housing. A torsional vibration damping device is arranged concentrically with the lockup clutch. An input element is arranged concentrically with the lockup clutch while being connected to the lockup clutch and a drive member. An output element is connected to a driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuya Takahashi, Morihiro Matsumoto, Husahiro Tsukano, Taiki Nakamura, Hiroyuki Amano
  • Patent number: 10352376
    Abstract: A clutch control method of a vehicle may include estimating a change in an input torque supplied by a power source based on an extent to which an acceleration pedal is depressed by the controller; obtaining an additional torque at a level to prevent slippage of a clutch against the input torque estimated in the estimating of a change in input torque by the controller; determining a final clutch control torque for controlling the clutch by adding the additional torque, which is obtained in the obtaining of an additional torque, to the input torque by the controller; and controlling the clutch by operating a clutch actuator with the final clutch control torque determined in the determining of a final clutch control torque by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Sung Kim, Ju Hyun Nam