With Auxiliary Source Of Pressure Patents (Class 192/3.3)
  • Patent number: 10161512
    Abstract: A transmission includes a torque converter with an impeller, a turbine, a torque converter clutch, a hydraulic torque converter clutch control circuit and a controller that commands a first pressure into the hydraulic torque converter clutch control circuit during a transition period between a torque converter clutch OFF mode to a torque converter clutch ON mode and prior to the torque converter clutch reaching capacity and a second pressure into the hydraulic torque converter clutch control circuit after the torque converter clutch reaches capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventors: Brian M Porto, Jason Jousma, Patrick A Lewis, Jason M France
  • Patent number: 10161514
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a lockup clutch is provided. The control apparatus for the lockup clutch includes an electronic control unit that is configured to: calculate a driven target clutch torque capacity and a driving target clutch torque capacity; set a target clutch torque of the lockup clutch and control the lockup clutch, based on the driven target clutch torque capacity and the driving target clutch torque capacity; and change over the target clutch torque capacity from the driven target clutch torque capacity to the driving target clutch torque capacity when the driven target clutch torque capacity and the driving target clutch torque capacity coincide with each other after an operation state of an accelerator of the vehicle changes over from an accelerator OFF state to an accelerator ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keigo Matsubara, Hironobu Aratake
  • Patent number: 10118494
    Abstract: A vehicle control method is provided for controlling a vehicle having a friction clutch configured to switch between engagement and disengagement between a motor/generator and a drive wheel. The vehicle control method includes maintaining a friction clutch disengaged with slack eliminated in a stroke while the vehicle is stopped, reducing a motor rotational speed using a predetermined rotational speed as a target motor rotational speed in response a request to stop a motor/generator upon determining the motor rotational speed of the motor/generator is greater than the predetermined rotational speed, and when the motor rotational speed has reached the predetermined rotational speed, reducing the motor rotational speed toward zero while limiting the torque of the motor/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Ozawa, Youko Yoshioka, Takao Andou
  • Patent number: 10072624
    Abstract: A starting element (100) for use, for example, in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, includes a piston (310) which divides a first volume (560) that can be filled with a fluid from a second volume (570) that can be filled with a fluid, wherein the piston (310) comprises at least one fluid passage (640) which allows the fluid at least occasionally to pass through the piston (310) from the first volume (560) into the second volume (570) and/or from the second volume (570) into the first volume (560). The at least one fluid passage (640) comprises a passage component part (650) and a receiving opening (660) in the piston (310). The passage component part (650) is inserted into the receiving opening so that at least one passage opening (670) is formed which allows the fluid to pass through at least occasionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ralf Fambach, Peter Frey, Michael Heuler, Reinhard Feldhaus, Horst Zinssmeister
  • Patent number: 10066741
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission with a torque converter includes two regulator valves controlled by a single variable force solenoid (VFS). A bypass clutch regulator valve increases the pressure to a bypass clutch apply chamber as the VFS pressure increases. A converter charge regulator valve decreases the pressure in a converter charge circuit as the VFS pressure increases. The converter charge circuit is in series with a lubrication circuit. An orifice restricts the flow through these circuits such that they can be supplied from the line pressure circuit rather than a lower priority circuit. In one embodiment, an on/off solenoid opens a flow control valve to bypass the orifice when additional flow is required. In another embodiment, an electric pump supplements the flow in these circuits when required. This later embodiment includes a switch valve such that the electric pump also supports stop/start operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Anatole Frait
  • Patent number: 10065626
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having a motor and an engine that are selectively connected on a driveline and controlled by a controller. The controller is configured to schedule additional motor torque to compensate for engine inertia drag based upon a clutch pressure value and a clutch slip speed value during a period of clutch engagement. The controller is also configured to maintain vehicle acceleration using a proportional integral controller to adjust the motor torque during a period of clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Wei Liang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Patent number: 10054207
    Abstract: A torque converter comprising a torque input element (19), an impeller wheel (3) rotationally coupled to the torque input element (19) and able to hydrokinetically drive a turbine wheel (4), a torque output element (8), clutch means (10, 38) movable between an engaged position in which the torque input element (19) and the torque output element (8) are rotationally coupled through damping means (12, 43, 44, 45), and a disengaged position in which the torque input element (19) and the torque output element (8) are rotationally coupled through the impeller wheel (3) and the turbine wheel (4), with a first bearing (31) being axially mounted between the impeller wheel (3) and the reactor (5), with a second bearing (31?) being axially mounted between the reactor (5) and the turbine wheel (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Alexandre Depraete, Xuexian Yin
  • Patent number: 10006531
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque coupling device comprises a casing rotatable about a rotation axis, a torque converter including an impeller wheel and a turbine wheel disposed in the casing coaxially with the rotation axis, a locking piston including an annular piston body and a plurality of drive teeth unitary with the piston body, and a torsional vibration damper comprising a input member non-rotatably coupled to the drive teeth of the locking piston, elastic members and an output member elastically coupled to the input member trough the elastic members. The locking piston is axially moveable so as to selectively engage the locking piston against the casing. The input member has window-shaped mating openings complementary to each of the drive teeth. The drive teeth drivingly engage the mating openings of the input member so as to non-rotatably couple the locking piston and the input member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Zane Yang, Sungchul Lee, Rabah Arhab, Josip Kovac, Alfonso Medellin
  • Patent number: 9897198
    Abstract: An apparatus for calculating a filling time in an automatic transmission and a method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus includes an oil temperature detection unit for detecting an oil temperature of a transmission oil, a control duty input unit for receiving a control duty for controlling a solenoid valve that discharges or fills the transmission oil supplied from an oil pump from or to an oil flow path corresponding to a gear shifting stage to form a hydraulic pressure, a storage unit for storing a filling time table in which a relationship between a remaining flow and a filling time according to the oil temperature is mapped, and a calculation control unit for receiving the control duty of the solenoid valve from the control duty input unit to calculate the remaining flow on the basis of a variation interval of the remaining flow and an elapsed time, and calculating the filling time depending on the filling time table stored in the storage unit on the basis of the remaining flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Autron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Wook Jung
  • Patent number: 9879769
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a torque generative device and a torque converter having an impeller, a turbine and a torque converter clutch. A method to control torque converter slip includes a feedforward component and a feedback component. The feedforward component includes monitoring a reference slip, and actual slip, and a turbine speed of the torque converter, determining a desired turbine torque based upon the reference slip and the turbine speed, determining an actual turbine torque based upon the actual slip and the turbine speed, determining a feedforward torque converter clutch pressure command based upon the desired turbine torque, the actual turbine torque, a torque generative device torque, and a TCC gain, and determining feedforward torque converter clutch pressure command. The feedback component modifies the feedforward command pressure based on proportional plus integral plus differential (PID) slip feedback terms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Bryan P. Jagielo, Jose C. Zavala Jurado, Evan P. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9862385
    Abstract: In a method of operating a drive device for a motor vehicle, a clutch is at least partly engaged, while an internal combustion engine of the drive device is inactive during coasting of the motor vehicle and the clutch is disengaged, to crank and thereby start the internal combustion engine with a clutch torque applied to the clutch. The clutch torque is hereby determined from a default wheel slip value which is based on a motor vehicle parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Thomas Theel, Andras Eppel, Jörg Au
  • Patent number: 9852628
    Abstract: A vacant parking spot notification system for a vehicle includes a controller that, in response to receiving a user initiated signal indicative of the user's intent to cause a parked vehicle to vacate a parking spot and confirmation that operating parameters reflective of vehicle departure are present, broadcasts geographic coordinates of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Abdullah Hakeem, Ebrahim Nasser
  • Patent number: 9816609
    Abstract: A vehicle controller includes a lock-up clutch disposed to a power transmission path between an engine and a driving wheel, and a clutch configured to connect and disconnect the power transmission path, wherein at the time of switching driven traveling for causing a vehicle to travel by connecting the power transmission path and inertia traveling for causing the vehicle to travel by disconnecting the power transmission path, the lock-up clutch and the clutch are switched at switching start timings different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Mitsuyasu
  • Patent number: 9816607
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Patent number: 9778219
    Abstract: An electrochemical detection system for determining a concentration of a gas in exhaust gases of a combustion process. The system includes an electrolyte, a reference electrode, and a sense electrode that cooperate to form an electrochemical sensor that exposes both the reference electrode and the sense electrode to the exhaust gases. The electrochemical sensor is configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a species concentration of a species gas in the exhaust gases. The sensor signal exhibits a transient error in response to a change in a reference concentration of a reference gas in the exhaust gases. The processor is configured to determine the species concentration based on the sensor signal, and to determine an estimate of the transient error based on an operating condition of the combustion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Da Yu Wang, David M. Racine, Sheng Yao
  • Patent number: 9771079
    Abstract: A method includes measuring a parameter indicative of a measured torque in a PTO clutch, determining an incremental torque based at least in part on proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control logic, determining a command torque, wherein the command torque is a sum of the measured torque and the incremental torque, generating a control signal, wherein a current of the control signal corresponds to the command torque and a pressure in a cylinder of the PTO clutch, providing the control signal to the PTO clutch, reducing the incremental torque if an engagement power exceeds an engine power output, and ceasing engagement if an energy absorbed by the clutch exceeds an energy rating of the PTO clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Ashraf Mohammed Kandeel Omran, Brian Allen Hartman
  • Patent number: 9765872
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque coupling device includes an impeller, a casing having a first engagement surface, a damper assembly, a turbine-piston and a drive-clutch component non-moveably attached to the turbine-piston and having a second engagement surface. The turbine-piston is axially displaceable relative to the casing to move the second engagement surface axially towards and away from the first engagement surface for positioning the hydrokinetic torque coupling device respectively into and out of a lockup mode in which the first and second engagement surfaces frictionally interlock with one another to mechanically lock the casing non-rotatably relative to the input part of the damper assembly. The drive-clutch component is configured to engage and rotationally drive a torsional vibration damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: David Werthman, Sungchul Lee, Michel Bacher, Alexandre Depraete
  • Patent number: 9746074
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission apparatus having a starting engagement friction element, which has friction plates and a hydraulic servo including a piston that is moved according to a supplied oil pressure to press the friction plates, which is controlled to be engaged when a vehicle is started by using at least a driving force of the internal combustion engine, and which transfers creep torque. A control device capable of receiving an accelerator operation amount signal and capable of outputting a command value that controls the oil pressure. The control device executes temporary increase control of temporarily increasing the command value, when the accelerator operation amount signal is turned on from a state where the accelerator operation amount signal is off and the command value is output so that the starting engagement friction element transfers the creep torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Kitazawa, Kohei Tsuda
  • Patent number: 9746062
    Abstract: A lockup device (63) includes a lockup clutch (64) for establishing connection between a rotating body (44) of a torque converter (41) and a transmission shaft (55), a lockup control valve (70) that controls supply/discharge of pressurized oil from a hydraulic pump (69) to/from the lockup clutch (64), and a lockup oil passage (75) that introduces pressurized oil from the lockup control valve (70) to the lockup clutch (64). The lockup control valve (70) is arranged on an outer side face (18B) of an intermediate casing (18) in a position of radially overlapping the transmission shaft (55) in a radial direction of the transmission shaft (55). Further, a casing side oil passage (76) constituting the lockup oil passage (75) is formed as a linear oil passage that linearly extends in the radial direction of the transmission shaft (55) between the lockup control valve (70) and the transmission shaft side oil passage (77).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignees: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha KCM
    Inventors: Shuuji Kanda, Junichi Shirane, Hiroki Fujita
  • Patent number: 9683626
    Abstract: A torsion damping device (10) equipped with first torsion damping system that comprise a radial phase washer (38) and two guide washers (20A, 20B) and elastic members (36); the damping device being equipped with second torsion 5 damping system that have two pendulum flyweights (54A, 54B) that are mounted oscillatingly on a support element (56) that is rotationally integral with the phase washer (38); wherein the support element (56) is offset axially with respect to the guide washers (20A, 20B) in such a way that the two pendulum flyweights (54A, 54B) are offset axially on the same side with respect to the two guide washers (20A, 20B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Roel Verhoog, Lionel Renier
  • Patent number: 9643610
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an automatic transmission unit including at least a transmission with different selectable gear ratios and a clutch and being associated with a propulsion unit for a vehicle. The method includes operating the vehicle at a prevailing vehicle speed (v) in a downslope with the automatic transmission unit in a neutral gear or disengaged from the propulsion unit; operating the propulsion unit in an idle mode of operation; controlling the automatic transmission unit so as to select a gear which is a relatively low gear with regard to the prevailing vehicle speed (v), while maintaining the automatic transmission unit in a neutral gear or disengaged from the propulsion unit; and engaging the clutch to be slipping between the propulsion unit and the automatic transmission unit in order to adapt the rotational speed of the propulsion unit to the gear ratio of the relatively low gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Johan Bjernetun, Henrik Ryberg
  • Patent number: 9518617
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a drive assembly or transmission is provided. The drive assembly includes a front cover; a piston plate slidable axially toward and away from the front cover; a connection plate axially between the front cover and the piston plate elastically connecting the front cover and piston plate to each other; and at least one seal along at least one radial end of the piston plate, the connection plate and the piston plate retaining the at least one seal axially therebetween. A method of forming a drive assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jonathan Jameson
  • Patent number: 9494221
    Abstract: A torque converter includes an impeller shell and a backing plate defining at least a portion of a first hydraulic chamber, a cover and a piston plate defining at least a portion of a second hydraulic chamber, and a third hydraulic chamber. The third chamber is sealed from the first and second hydraulic chambers such that a hydraulic flow between the third chamber and the other chambers is at least restricted. In some example embodiments, the torque converter includes a turbine, a stator, and an impeller disposed within the first hydraulic chamber, and a lockup clutch including a piston plate. The first chamber is for being pressurized to prevent cavitation in the turbine, stator, or impeller, the second or third chamber is for being pressurized to engage the lockup clutch, and the other of the second or third chamber is for being de-pressurized to reduce a back pressure on the lockup clutch piston plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patrick Lindemann, David Avins
  • Patent number: 9488270
    Abstract: A slip control device includes a control unit configured to: calculate a difference value between a target value and a current value or an estimated value of a difference in a rotational speed between an input shaft and an output shaft of a fluid type power transmitting device, or a difference value being a difference between a target value and a current value or an estimated value of a speed of an engine; calculate an inclination of torque capacity of the fluid type power transmitting device with respect to an input parameter at a current value of the input parameter having correlative relationship with the torque capacity of the fluid type power transmitting device; calculate torque capacity of a lock-up clutch by multiplying the inclination by the difference value; and control a slip amount of the lock-up clutch by using the calculated torque capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Seiji Masunaga, Takayuki Ando, Yuki Aratsu
  • Patent number: 9476491
    Abstract: A torque converter for a powered vehicle, the torque converter including a cover coupled to an engine, and a piston moveably coupled to the cover to define a lockup cavity. The torque converter includes a converter cavity and an exhaust valve coupled to the converter cavity is configured to exhaust the converter cavity and lockup cavity of oil when the powered vehicle is placed in neutral or in park. A passage located in the cover enables oil located in the lockup cavity to move to the converter cavity to substantially eliminate oil located in the lockup cavity when the powered vehicle is placed in neutral or in park.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Boley
  • Patent number: 9316299
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, particularly torque converter, includes a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, an impeller, a turbine, a lockup clutch, a torsional vibration damping arrangement with an input region and an output region, wherein a first torque transmission path and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths are provided between the input region and the output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement further includes at least in the first torque transmission path a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Doegel, Michael Kühner, Ingrid Hoffelner, Mathias Kopp
  • Patent number: 9309824
    Abstract: A driver request module determines a driver torque request based on an accelerator pedal position, a first difference between a target engine speed and a transmission input speed, and a second difference between the transmission input speed and a measured engine speed. A request generating module generates first and second torque requests based on the driver torque request. An engine speed control module generates third and fourth torque requests based on a target engine speed and the first and second differences. Based on a mode signal: a first selection module sets a fifth torque request to one of the first and third torque requests; and a second selection module sets a sixth torque request to one of the second and fourth torque requests. An adjusting module selectively adjusts an engine operating parameter based on at least one of the fifth and sixth torque requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Krishnendu Kar
  • Patent number: 9303701
    Abstract: Impeller speed, which is difficult to measure when a torque converter includes an impeller clutch, is estimated based on a known relationship among impeller speed, turbine speed, and turbine torque. Turbine torque may be directly measured by a turbine torque sensor or estimated based on other measurements such as output shaft torque or vehicle acceleration. The relationship is stored in a controller in terms of the coefficients of a second order polynomial relating turbine torque to impeller speed and turbine speed. A slip speed is calculated based on a measured input shaft speed and the estimated impeller speed. Closed loop control is used to adjust the impeller clutch torque capacity to maintain a target slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Zhengyu Dai, Weitian Chen, Hong Jiang, Seunghoon Lee, Matthew John Shelton
  • Patent number: 9297428
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a front cover for connecting to an engine crankshaft; a clutch plate; a clutch backing plate limiting axial movement of the clutch plate away from the front cover; and a connector rigidly connected to the front cover and including a rivet portion for fixing the clutch backing plate to the front cover. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Gerdeman, David Avins, Daniel Sayre, Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 9285025
    Abstract: A lock-up device includes a piston, a clutch part, a first hydraulic chamber, a second hydraulic chamber, a first hydraulic port and a second hydraulic port. The first hydraulic chamber is formed between a front cover and the piston, and the operating oil for actuating the piston is supplied thereto. The second hydraulic chamber is formed independently from the first hydraulic chamber on the same side as the first hydraulic chamber with reference to the piston, and the operating oil for actuating the piston is supplied thereto. The first hydraulic port supplies the operating oil to the first hydraulic chamber. The second hydraulic port is provided independently from the first hydraulic port, and supplies the operating oil to the second hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9285282
    Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. One transmission includes an output shaft and a magnetic torque sensor. The output shaft has a magnetized region. The sensor, for detecting torque of the output shaft, is mounted on friction reduction members such as bushings supporting the output shaft. In another transmission, the sensor is alternatively mounted to a transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 9267555
    Abstract: A lock-up device includes a clutch part and a damper mechanism. The clutch part includes a clutch input member, a clutch output member, a drive plate, a driven plate, a second flange and a piston. The second flange is mounted between a front cover and an inner peripheral part of a turbine to be axially immovable with respect to the front cover, and forms a lock-up oil chamber. The piston is mounted between the front cover and the second flange, forms a lock-up oil chamber together with the second flange therebetween, and is configured to be moved toward the front cover by an operating oil to be supplied to the lock-up oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ushio, Takeshi Kawamoto, Ken Mototsune, Shinji Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9249871
    Abstract: A lock-up device is a device disposed in a space produced between a front cover and a turbine in a torque converter so as to mechanically connect the front cover and the turbine, and includes a clutch part and a release part. The clutch part is disposed in a power transmission path from the front cover to the turbine, and is configured to be in a clutch-on state of transmitting a power from the front cover to the turbine in a set posture. The release part is configured to be actuated by means of a hydraulic pressure, turn the clutch part of the clutch-on state into a clutch-off state, and block transmission of the power from the front cover to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Aoki, Kozo Yamamoto, Ken Mototsune, Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9222564
    Abstract: A lock-up device basically includes a piston, a first plate, a second plate, a plurality of outer peripheral side torsion springs and a plurality of inner peripheral side torsion springs. The piston is configured to press a friction member that is fixed to a lateral surface of the piston onto a front cover or release pressing of the friction member. Further, the piston has a plurality of engaging portions formed by partially bending the piston towards the turbine. The second plate is coupled to the turbine. The outer peripheral side torsion springs are disposed between the piston and the first plate. The outer peripheral side torsion springs are configured to transmit torque from the piston to the first plate while the circumferential ends thereof are engaged with the engaging portions of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Kawahara, Hiroyuki Ushio, Naoki Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 9200685
    Abstract: A lock-up device includes a clutch part, an input plate, an output plate, torsion springs and an input plate support member. The clutch part is disposed between a front cover and a turbine, and is configured to allow or block transmission of a torque. The input plate is coupled to a clutch output member of the clutch part. The output plate is fixed to a turbine shell. The torsion springs are disposed between the input plate and the output plate, and absorb and attenuate a torsional vibration. The input plate support member is fixed to a front cover side of a turbine shell and positions the input plate in a radial direction and an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ushio, Takeshi Kawamoto, Ken Mototsune, Shinji Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9194465
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a CVT includes a pressure regulator subsystem, a ratio control subsystem, a torque converter control (TCC) subsystem, a clutch control subsystem, and is enabled for automatic engine start/stop (ESS) functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9157492
    Abstract: A launch device for a vehicle transmission includes a housing, an impeller, a turbine; and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches include first and second pistons, respectively. The first and second pistons are sealingly engaged with one another. The first clutch releaseably engages the impeller with the housing and the second clutch releaseably engages the turbine with the first piston. In an example embodiment, the first clutch is disposed radially outside of the second clutch and at least a portion of the first piston is disposed axially between the housing and the second piston. In an example embodiment, the first clutch is engaged by a first pressure, and the second clutch is engaged by a second pressure greater than the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Todd Sturgin, Chris Luipold
  • Patent number: 9121485
    Abstract: A torque converter assembly comprises: a cover for driving engagement with a prime mover; a piston plate including an annular surface for engaging a clutch; and, a sealing plate comprising a substantially radial wall arranged between the cover and the piston plate and disposed radially inward of the annular surface, wherein: in a lockup mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate blocks fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate; and, in a release mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate is deflectable to enable a fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate via a pathway between the cover and the sealing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilbert Greathouse, Richard Bednar, John Carrier, Rashid Farahati, Jeremy Vanni, Brian Zaugg, Jerry Munk, Bruce E. Fox
  • Patent number: 9097345
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle drivetrain includes a transmission housing, an input shaft, an output shaft, and a plurality of gears within the transmission housing. The plurality of gears defines multiple mechanical gear ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft. The transmission further includes a plurality of clutches operable to selectively engage the multiple mechanical gear ratios, and a plurality of rotational speed sensors. Each rotational speed sensor is operable to measure rotational speeds relative to the transmission housing for of one of the input shaft, the output shaft, or one of the plurality of gears. The transmission further includes a transmission control system configured to receive signals representing the measured rotational speeds from the plurality of rotational speed sensors and control the plurality of clutches to change between gear ratios based at least in part on the signals representing the measured rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Joseph Funyak, Edward Lezon, Michael D. Hausmann, Martin D. Graefling
  • Patent number: 9057435
    Abstract: A start request detection unit detects a start request for a vehicle. A hydraulic pressure control circuit controls torque transmitted by a lock-up clutch by controlling an engagement force of the lock-up clutch. A rotation speed detection unit detects an output rotation speed of a torque converter. An engagement control unit issues an instruction to the hydraulic pressure control circuit such that the lock-up clutch is placed in slip engagement and is able to transmit the torque when the following conditions are both satisfied: a predetermined time period has elapsed since detection of the start request by the start request detection unit; and the output rotation speed has increased to a predetermined rotation speed or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takateru Kawaguchi, Akito Suzuki, Aki Hayakawa, Yasuhiro Endo, Hiroshi Sekiya
  • Patent number: 9027724
    Abstract: A lockup clutch mechanism of a hydraulic transmission device includes a lockup piston that is capable of moving toward a front cover to press first and second friction plates, and a flange member that together with the lockup piston defines an engagement-side oil chamber. The front cover and the lockup piston define a first lubricant passage that supplies hydraulic oil to the first and second friction plates. A second lubricant passage communicating with the first lubricant passage is formed in a centerpiece of the front cover. A first shaft oil passage communicating with the engagement-side oil chamber and a second shaft oil passage communicating with the second lubricant passage are formed in an input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Tanaka, Yuito Abe, Kazuyoshi Ito, Koji Maeda, Naohisa Momiyama
  • Patent number: 9010508
    Abstract: In a hydraulic transmission apparatus, a lockup piston of a lockup clutch mechanism is placed on the opposite side of first and second friction plates from a sidewall portion of a front cover. A damper device is placed on the opposite side of the lockup piston from the first and second friction plates. An outer peripheral portion of the lockup piston is located closer to the outer periphery than an outer peripheral portion of a flange member. A part of the lockup piston is placed in a region located between first and second springs and a third spring of the damper device in a radial direction and in the range of an axial width of the third spring located closer to the lockup piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Tanaka, Yuito Abe, Kazuyoshi Ito, Koji Maeda, Naohisa Momiyama
  • Patent number: 8997956
    Abstract: A rotary electric drive device for a vehicle configured to couple a combustion engine to a wheel. The drive device includes an engagement device selectively drivingly connecting the input member with the rotary electric machine and a fluid coupling. The engagement device includes a differential pressure generating chamber that receives oil supply so as to apply hydraulic pressure to a side of the pressing member opposite to a side to which hydraulic pressure for operation is applied. A body portion housing chamber housing a body portion of the fluid coupling and the differential pressure generating chamber are structured as oil chambers independent of each other. The drive device includes a coupling supply oil passage supplying oil to the body portion housing chamber and a differential pressure supply oil passage supplying the oil to the differential pressure generating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Toshihiko Kamiya, Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio
  • Patent number: 8967349
    Abstract: A lock-up device includes a clutch part and a damper mechanism. The damper mechanism includes an input plate, an output plate, a plurality of torsion springs, an intermediate member and a restriction member. The intermediate member is configured to cause at least two of the torsion springs to act in series. The restriction member is fixed to a clutch output member of the clutch part, while being disposed such that a part of the intermediate member is interposed between the input plate and the restriction member in an axial direction. The intermediate member is restricted from moving in a radial direction by the clutch output member, while being restricted from moving in the axial direction by the input plate and the restriction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ushio, Takeshi Kawamoto, Ken Mototsune, Shinji Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8960396
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper arrangement including a torsional vibration damper with a primary side and a secondary side rotatable with respect to the primary side around an axis of rotation against the action of a damper spring arrangement. One side of the primary side and secondary side includes two cover disk elements and a central disk element arranged between the cover disk elements. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by first connection elements radially inside the damper spring arrangement so as to be fixed axially and so as to transmit torque. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by second connection elements in such a way that they are prevented from moving axially away from one another. No torque can be transmitted between the cover disk elements by the second connection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Feldhaus, Christian Wickel, Norbert Ament, Alexander Markow, Michael Peterseim, Erwin Wack, Thomas Krüger
  • Patent number: 8939859
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a prime mover input and an impeller configured to rotate in response to the prime mover input. The torque converter further includes a turbine arranged with the impeller and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the impeller, a stator arranged with the impeller and the turbine, and a stator clutch configured to allow rotation of the stator in a first mode and configured to limit rotation of the stator in a second mode. The torque converter further including a stator clutch actuator configured to activate and deactivate the stator clutch to place the stator clutch in the second mode during particular operations and to place the stator clutch in the first mode. A vehicle and a process of converting torque for operation of a vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Amarnath Rao Jawalkar Nagaraj, Timothy J. May
  • Patent number: 8939267
    Abstract: A torque converter includes, in a case coupled to an output shaft of an engine, a torus formed from a pump, a turbine and a stator having a one-way clutch on the inside thereof, and a lock-up clutch. In addition, in this torque converter, a fluid from a pump is introduced from a space between a stator shaft (F2) and a turbine shaft (F1), and discharged from a space between a pump sleeve (23) and the stator shaft (F2) through a space where the lock-up clutch is disposed and the torus. Moreover, this torque converter further includes a seal member (80) which is disposed at a side that is closer to the engine than a spline engagement part (P2) of an inner race (52) and the stator shaft (F2), and seals a space between an inner peripheral face of the inner race (52) and an outer peripheral face of the stator shaft (F2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Iwashita, Tokimori Saka, Takashi Ishiyama, Hidetoshi Maeta
  • Patent number: 8936141
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
  • Patent number: 8925700
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque converter (1) which comprises: a casing (10) coupled to an output shaft of an engine; a torus (T) defined by a pump (20), a turbine (30) and a stator (40) each disposed within the casing (10); a lockup clutch (60) adapted to directly couple the turbine (30) and the casing (10); and a lockup damper (70) adapted to absorb shock during engagement of the lockup clutch (60). The turbine (30) has an outer peripheral portion (31a) bulging toward the engine to define a part of the torus (T), an inner peripheral portion (31c) located on the side of the engine with respect to a one-way clutch (50) supporting the stator (40), and an intermediate portion (31b) formed to be concaved toward a side opposite to the engine, in a radial position between the outer peripheral portion (31a) and the inner peripheral portion (31c). A part (75) of the lockup damper (70) is disposed on the side of the engine with respect to the intermediate portion (31b) and in a position axially overlapping with the torus (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Exedy Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kawamoto, Tokimori Saka, Norio Iwashita, Takashi Ishiyama, Hidetoshi Maeta
  • Patent number: 8919510
    Abstract: A lock-up clutch assembly for a torque converter includes a clutch housing defining an annular clutch chamber, and an annular piston received in the clutch chamber and extending between the inner diameter and outer diameter of the clutch chamber. The piston defines inner and outer diameters associated respectively with the inner and outer diameters of the clutch chamber. The assembly further includes a backing plate received in the clutch chamber, and at least one annular friction disk and at least one annular friction plate received in the clutch chamber between the piston and the backing plate. The assembly further includes first and second seal members configured to provide respective fluid seals between the inner diameters of the piston and clutch chamber and between the outer diameters of the piston and clutch chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jason R. Walker