With Auxiliary Source Of Pressure Patents (Class 192/3.3)
  • Patent number: 8172054
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement includes a clutch device for transmitting torque between a clutch housing and a takeoff, wherein a pressure element and an opposing pressure element cooperate to establish and release a working connection between at least one drive-side clutch element and at least one takeoff side clutch element. The opposing pressure element is mounted nonrotatably and without freedom of axial movement on the clutch housing, and is connected to at least one drive-side clutch element by axially acting energy storage devices. A takeoff-side clutch element is located between a drive-side clutch element and the opposing pressure element, and between any adjacent drive-side clutch elements. Alternatively, the axially acting energy storage devices can connect the drive-side clutch elements to the clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Scordino, Matt Winhold, Carsten Zuehl
  • Patent number: 8167103
    Abstract: A torque converter including: an impeller clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a first cover for the torque converter to a shell for an impeller; a lock-up clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a second cover for the torque converter to an output hub; a release chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a first channel; an apply chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a second channel; an apply chamber for the lock-up clutch, connected to a third channel; and a torus connected to a fourth channel. The second, third, and fourth channels open to a space including a longitudinal axis for the torque converter and the space is arranged to receive an input shaft for a transmission. The first channel is arranged to connect to a line in a pump housing for a transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Adam Uhler, Philip George
  • Patent number: 8151957
    Abstract: A piston plate anti-rotate mechanism in a closed piston, three passage torque converter including a cover having an inner radial surface, a drive plate comprising an annular plate, a piston plate having an axial inner crown, a front annular edge, an axial skirt, and a back annular edge, wherein the cover, drive plate, and piston plate are operatively arranged to rotate about a transverse axis of rotation, and wherein the piston plate is attached to the cover or the drive plate such that the piston plate is axially moveable and rotationally immovable relative to the cover. In some embodiment, the present invention further includes a leaf spring attaching the piston plate to the cover or the drive plate, such that the piston plate is axially moveable and rotationally immovable relative to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffer Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Hoffmann, Thomas Heck, Ryan Cmich, Jonathan G. Jameson
  • Publication number: 20120073924
    Abstract: A fluid pressure control device controls input and output of a fluid pressure to and from a fluid chamber in a device that transfers power from a motor via working fluid in the chamber, the chamber being partitioned into engagement and disengagement oil chambers by a lock-up clutch. A signal pressure output valve performs pressure regulation to output a signal pressure. The control device includes a control valve connected to an output source flow passage leading to an output source of the fluid pressure, and a control unit controlling the signal pressure output valve so the control valve establishes a first state when the lock-up clutch is turned off, establishes a third state when the lock-up clutch is turned on, and establishes a second state so the working fluid can be confined in the disengagement oil chamber when the lock-up clutch is switched on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira FUKATSU, Hiroshi TANAKA, Toshiaki HAYASHI, Toshihiro AOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20120067685
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle mounted with a torque converter can be configured to instantly supply sufficient oil to a clutch mechanism on restart of the engine after an idle-stop without an electrically-driven oil pump. A power transmitting apparatus can comprise a torque converter having a torque amplifying function, a clutch mechanism, an oil pump, a clutch control device, an engine control device, and a flow control device. The oil pump can be driven by the driving power of the engine to supply oil to the clutch mechanism and the torque converter to operate them. The flow control device can be configured to limit or prevent the supply of oil to the torque converter by the oil pump and to prioritize the supply of oil to the clutch mechanism when the engine is restarted by the engine control device after the idle-stopped condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Shouji Asatsuke, Akio Oishi, Ryouhei Chiba, Jun Ishimura, Keiichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8127910
    Abstract: A frictional engagement assembly for an automotive device, including: at least one frictionally engageable plate; a first piston plate displaceable in a first axial direction to urge the at least one frictionally engageable plate into frictional contact; a first resilient element engaged with the first piston plate and urging the first piston plate in a second axial direction substantially opposite the first axial direction; a check valve controlling fluid flow to displace the first piston plate; and an accumulator. As fluid from a chamber, at least partially formed by the first piston plate, discharges through the check valve, the accumulator controls fluid volume in the chamber to maintain a distal portion of the first piston plate, urging the at least one frictionally engageable plate into frictional contact, in a furthest position in the first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George, Ross A. Gresley
  • Patent number: 8108115
    Abstract: A vehicle control device including an input member drive-connected to a power source; a mechanical pump; an electric pump assisting the mechanical pump; a drive mechanism transmitting the rotational driving force of the input member to an output member; a fluid coupling between the input member and the drive transmission mechanism and including a lock-up engagement element which receives hydraulic oil discharged from the mechanical pump and the electric pump to operate; a state detection unit that detects the state of the one or more factors that the discharge of the electric pump; and a control unit which executes a first or second control mode, wherein the first control mode permits engagement of the lock-up engagement element if a first condition is satisfied based on the one or more factors, and wherein a second control mode inhibits engagement of the lock-up engagement element if the first condition is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yasuo Yamaguchi, Shinichi Nomura
  • Publication number: 20120000740
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device including a first oil passage connected to an engagement side oil chamber defined on one side of a piston included in a clutch, an engagement pressure generating valve generating an engagement pressure supplied to the engagement side oil chamber via the first oil passage; a second oil passage connected to a back-pressure side oil chamber defined on the other side of the piston, and a clutch control pressure generating valve generating a clutch control pressure supplied to the back-pressure side oil chamber via the second oil passage and operates to lower the clutch control pressure as hydraulic pressure supplied as a feedback pressure from the back-pressure-side oil chamber side becomes higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya SHIMIZU, Tomoya JINNO, Kenichi TSUCHIDA, Naoyuki FUKAYA, Kazunori ISHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 8066618
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device includes a first oil path; a second oil path; a third oil path; an engagement pressure generation unit; a signal pressure generation unit; and an internal pressure switching unit that switches between a non-reduced pressure state where locking occurs due to the signal pressure inputted and a source pressure is outputted unchanged as internal pressure to the first oil path, and a reduced pressure state where the signal pressure is not inputted and a hydraulic pressure is regulated to a constant pressure from the source pressure, based on a feedback pressure of the internal pressure and an urging force of a first urging unit, and outputted as the internal pressure to the first oil path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Noda, Yuichiro Umemoto
  • Patent number: 8051964
    Abstract: A torque converter including: a pump shell; a cover; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch fixed by contact with the cover and the pump shell. In some aspects, the backing plate is fixed by axial pressure exerted by the cover and the pump against the backing plate. A torque converter including: a plurality of components axially disposed between a pump shell and a cover; and a pump hub fixedly secured to the pump shell. The position of the pump hub with respect to the pump shell is selected to establish respective axial distances between components in the plurality of components. A torque converter including: turbine shell; and a backing plate for a torque converter clutch, the backing plate rotationally connected to the turbine shell and forming a portion of a boundary between first and second pressure chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Steven Olsen, Jonathan G. Jameson, Kevin Parks
  • Patent number: 8042666
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch includes a hydrodynamic circuit formed by at least a pump wheel and a turbine wheel in a clutch housing with a drive-side housing wall extending to the axis of rotation, and a bridging clutch with a piston capable of shifting axially relative to the drive-side housing wall. The turbine wheel is connected to a hub, which is connected for rotation in common to a takeoff, and is axially supported between the hydrodynamic circuit and the clutch housing, and has first and second flow passages which are axially offset from each other. The hub has a drive-side end with an axial bearing area which can be moved into axial contact with an axial bearing, which is either an axial contact surface on the drive-side housing wall or is assigned to the drive-side housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Frey, Roland Baumann, Michael Greulich, Georg Mencher, Bernd Reinhardt, Peter Hammer, Patrick Rediger
  • Patent number: 8042665
    Abstract: A torque converter including an impeller clutch with a first portion connected to a cover for the torque converter and a second portion connected to an impeller; and a lever element in contact with the clutch and displaceable to multiply a first force applied to the lever element for operation of the clutch. In some aspects, the converter includes an impeller piston plate engaged with the lever element and displaceable to apply the force to the lever element. In some aspects, the torque converter includes a torus and a charge chamber for the impeller clutch, a second force is associated with a hydraulic pressure to prevent cavitation in the torus, a third force is required to operate the impeller clutch to transmit a desired torque across the impeller clutch, and the multiplied force is at least equal to a sum of the second force and a third forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Todd J. Sturgin
  • Patent number: 8042667
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter device comprising a torsional vibration damper, an impeller, a turbine, a stator, and a converter lockup clutch. The torsional vibration damper has first and second energy accumulating devices with one or more first energy accumulators, and second energy accumulators, respectively. The converter lockup clutch and the first and second energy accumulating devices are connected in series. The turbine has an outer shell that is rotationally fixed to an intermediate part between the first and second accumulating devices. An input element of the first energy accumulating device is used to transmit torque via the lockup clutch for loading the first energy accumulating device. The input element of the first energy accumulating device has at least one lug having a free end and a non-free end, with the non-free end of the lug radially inside the free end of the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Patent number: 8033370
    Abstract: A device for damping vibrations, especially a torsional vibration damper, comprising at least one primary part and a secondary part that are coaxial in relation to each other and limited rotatably relative to each other in a peripheral direction, whereby the primary part and secondary part (4) are coupled with each other by a vibration damper, and the secondary part can be at least indirectly coupled to a connecting element, especially a transmission input shaft. A ramp is provided that is at least indirectly connected to the secondary part, extends in a peripheral direction over a section, has an axially changing slope and acts on at least one counter element braced against a connecting element via a pretensioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mario Degler
  • Publication number: 20110192691
    Abstract: A fluid transmission device includes a pre-damper 10 that transmits driving force received from a crankshaft 100 to a front cover 20 via first damper springs 14, a mechanism 30 that transmits the driving force transmitted to a pump 31 to a turbine 32 via hydraulic fluid, a piston member 40 that is disposed between the front cover 20 and the mechanism 30 and delivers the driving force to an output shaft 200, a dynamic damper 60 that connects the piston member 40 and the turbine 32 via second damper springs 63, a lock-up clutch 50 that enables the front cover 20 and the piston member 40 to engage with each other, a turbine clutch 70 that enables the turbine 32 and the piston member 40 to engage with each other, and a control device 80 that controls the lock-up clutch 50 and the turbine clutch 70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohito Murata, Takuya Okada
  • Patent number: 7984800
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch includes a hydrodynamic circuit formed by at least a pump wheel and a turbine wheel in a clutch housing with a drive-side housing wall extending to the axis of rotation, and a bridging clutch with a piston capable of shifting axially relative to the drive-side housing wall. The turbine wheel is connected to a hub, which is connected for rotation in common to a takeoff, and is axially supported between the hydrodynamic circuit and a flow guide element, which is supported between the hub and the drive-side housing wall, and has first and second flow passages which are axially offset from each other. The flow guide element has a drive-side end with an axial bearing area which can be moved into axial contact with an axial bearing, which is either an axial contact surface on the drive-side housing wall or is assigned to the drive-side housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Frey, Roland Baumann, Michael Greulich, Georg Mencher, Bernd Reinhardt, Peter Hammer, Patrick Rediger
  • Publication number: 20110168509
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a first source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for providing a first flow of hydraulic fluid, a second source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for providing a second flow of hydraulic fluid, and a torque converter control subsystem for controlling a torque converter and a torque converter clutch. The torque converter control subsystem includes a torque converter control valve and a solenoid. The solenoid is multiplexed to the torque converter control valve and the torque converter clutch. The torque converter control valve is operable to control a flow of hydraulic fluid to the torque converter and to other subsystems within the hydraulic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, John R. Czoykowski, Chinar S. Ghike
  • Patent number: 7975817
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a bridging clutch and two dampers, wherein the bridging clutch is positioned in the power path between the dampers. The converter is provided with a three-duct system for the oil supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Mueller, Stephan Maienschein, Thorsten Krause, Mario Degler
  • Publication number: 20110147154
    Abstract: An oil supply system is provided for an automatic transmission of a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a valve body and an electric oil pump. The valve body houses a plurality of hydraulic pressure control valves to control main pressure, torque converter and gear shifts of the automatic transmission. The valve body is in flow communication with an oil pan. The electric oil pump is driven by an electric supply and is configured to pump oil into the automatic transmission via the plurality of hydraulic control valves. The electric oil pump is positioned within the valve body or within the oil pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Aytac DEMIR
  • Publication number: 20110118082
    Abstract: A method for engagement of an impeller clutch includes a process for decreasing a back pressure relative to a clutch engagement pressure by decreasing an internal pressure of a torque converter in a case where the impeller clutch is brought into an engaged state, the impeller clutch enabling a driving force of an engine to be transmitted and disconnected to and from a pump impeller of the torque converter, transmission and disconnection of the driving force between the engine and the pump impeller being controlled by the clutch engagement pressure that is applied to the impeller clutch through an independent oil passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihisa TSUZUKI, Yosuke Makino, Tomoko Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20110094842
    Abstract: A lockup clutch control apparatus includes a power unit, an automatic transmission, a torque converter, a lockup clutch, an input shaft connected to the power unit, a first output shaft for transmitting the driving force to the automatic transmission; and a second output shaft for transmitting the driving force from the automatic transmission. When a power unit rotation speed or a first output shaft rotation speed becomes equal to, or lower than a first rotation speed, the lockup pressure supplied to the lockup clutch is controlled at a first pressure reduction speed to a target reduced pressure value which is obtained within a range at which the lockup pressure can be controlled. When the lockup pressure becomes the target reduced pressure value, the lockup pressure is reduced at a second pressure reduction speed, which is lower than the first pressure reduction speed, until the lockup clutch starts slipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: KAZUTOSHI TSUNEKAWA
  • Patent number: 7926635
    Abstract: A piston assembly for arrangement in a pressure cavity in a force transfer device for operating a first and a second actuatable clutch device, comprising a piston element associated respectively with an actuatable clutch device. The invention is characterized in that the piston element of the second clutch device is guided at the piston element of the first clutch device movable against a stop, forming an additional second cavity, loadable with pressure medium, wherein the first piston element is movable in an axial direction, relative to the piston element of the second clutch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Eugen Kombowski
  • Publication number: 20110073427
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device used in an automatic transmission includes an oil pump, a working pressure regulating portion, a first lubricant supply passage, a lockup switch mechanism, and a second lubricant supply passage. The oil pump is driven in accordance with rotation of a driving source. The working pressure regulating portion regulates a working pressure based on an oil pressure generated by the oil pump. The first lubricant supply passage supplies a back pressure of the working pressure to a lubricant passage. The lockup switch mechanism turns on/off a lockup clutch of the automatic transmission by switching a supply/discharge path of the working pressure to/from a fluid transmission apparatus of the automatic transmission. The second lubricant supply passage supplies the working pressure to the lubricant passage and is disconnected when a lockup clutch of the automatic transmission is turned on by the lockup switch mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomomi ISHIKAWA, Tetsuya SHIMIZU, Kazunori ISHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 7891473
    Abstract: A three-channel torque converter in which an additional wall is mounted, thereby creating a third space which hydraulically connects the end of the plates that faces away from the turbine to a third channel. This third space ensures that an exchange flow of oil in a region of the hydrodynamic components (impeller, turbine, stator), of an optional damper, and of the lockup clutch is always restricted to flow across the plates of the lockup clutch. This provides high-performance cooling of the plates in the slip mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffer Technologies GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Mario Degler, Bruno Mueller, Kai Sebastian Schenck
  • Patent number: 7878313
    Abstract: A torque converter having a transverse axis of rotation, a cover having an inner diameter and an inner annular surface, an impeller shell having an inner diameter and an inner annular surface, and an annular backing plate having an outer diameter and an outer annular surface, wherein the cover, impeller shell, and backing plate are operatively arranged to rotate about the axis of rotation, wherein the backing plate is substantially orthogonal with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the inner diameter of the cover is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the impeller shell, and wherein the inner annular surface of the cover and the inner annular surface of the impeller shell are fixedly attached to the outer annular surface of the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ryan Cmich
  • Publication number: 20110011689
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a hydraulic power transmission, the hydraulic power transmission including a pump impeller configured to rotate, a turbine runner configured to rotate in response to fluid transmitted from the pump impeller, a lock-up clutch adapted to directly connect the turbine runner to a power source and an impeller clutch adapted to disconnect the pump impeller from the power source, wherein the hydraulic pressure control apparatus includes a switching valve provided at a fluid passage connecting the impeller clutch and a hydraulic pressure source and selectively connecting the impeller clutch to one of the hydraulic pressure source and a first control valve controlling a hydraulic pressure applied to the lock-up clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu SAKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7866454
    Abstract: A torque converter includes at least two thrust bearings disposed on respective axially-opposite sides of a radially-inward portion of a stator. The stator includes a non-rotatable member, a rotatable member, and a one-way clutch. The rotatable member has a cylindrical portion having an inner peripheral surface interlocked with the one-way clutch, and an extension portion which extends from an approximately axially-central region of the cylindrical portion in a radially-outward direction relative to the cylindrical portion, and has an axial thickness less than that of the cylindrical portion. The thrust bearings are disposed to clamp the extension portion from respective axially-opposite sides of the extension portion at respective positions located radially outwardly relative to the cylindrical portion, so as to facilitate reduction in axial dimension of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tokimori Saka
  • Patent number: 7837018
    Abstract: There is provided a lock-up damper that affords greater design latitude. A lock-up damper 7 comprises a pair of input rotors 71 that rotate integrally, an intermediate plate 73, a turbine hub 43, an output rotor 72, a plurality of first springs 74, and a plurality of second springs 75. The turbine hub 43 is disposed so as to be capable of rotating within a specific angle range with respect to the intermediate plate 73, and is able to come into contact in the rotational direction with the intermediate plate 73. A pair of the output rotors 72 are disposed to the inside in the radial direction of the pair of input rotors 71, and are fixed to the turbine hub 43.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Takeyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7828128
    Abstract: A system for controlling hydraulic fluid supplied to a torque converter of an transmission includes a torque converter including a chamber containing an impeller and a turbine, and a bypass clutch having a variable torque capacity, a source of variable control pressure, a latch valve changes in response to the variable control pressure alternately between an unlatched state, wherein the latch valve produces a low pressure output, and a latched state, wherein the latch valve produces a high pressure output, a first valve for limiting hydraulic pressure in the chamber alternately at two magnitudes of pressure in response to the low pressure output and the high pressure output, and a second valve responsive to the variable control pressure for regulating a magnitude of hydraulic pressure that actuates the bypass clutch and changes the torque capacity of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Dennis W. Person
  • Patent number: 7815026
    Abstract: A system for controlling a torque converter of an automatic transmission driven by a power source, the system including a torque converter an impeller, a turbine driveably connected to a transmission input and able to be driven hydrokinetically by the impeller, a stator, an impeller clutch for alternately engaging and disengaging a drive connection between the impeller and the power source, a source of converter charge pressure communicating with the impeller clutch, a source of converter discharge pressure communicating with the impeller clutch, a magnitude of differential force due to charge pressure and discharge pressure across the impeller clutch alternately producing operating multiple operating states of the impeller clutch, and a orifice having a variable fluid flow area for changing a magnitude of converter discharge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Povirk, William R. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20100236887
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a hydraulic power transmission, which includes a pump impeller, a turbine runner, and a multi-plate impeller clutch, the multi-plate impeller clutch configured to engage the pump impeller to a power source by supplying a hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic pressure chamber. The apparatus further includes a control valve for controlling the hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the hydraulic pressure chamber, a fail valve disposed between the hydraulic pressure chamber and the control valve for selectively connecting the hydraulic pressure chamber and the control valve or the hydraulic pressure chamber and a source of a hydraulic pressure, and an electronic control portion controlling operations of the control valve and the fail valve. The hydraulic pressure chamber is connected to the source of the hydraulic pressure when at least one of the control valve, the fail valve, and the electronic control portion fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu SAKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100193313
    Abstract: A power transmission device that includes a clutch that transmits power from a motor to an axle; a first pump that is driven by power from the motor to generate and output fluid pressure; a second pump that receives and is driven by a supply of electric power to generate and output fluid pressure; a line pressure generating valve that is operated by operation fluid input to an operation input port, and regulates fluid pressure output from the first pump to generate a line pressure for engaging the clutch; and a switching valve that switches between a first connection state and a second connection state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazuhiko Kato, Naoyuki Fukaya, Kazunori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7766792
    Abstract: Disclosed are a power train structure that can operate hybrid vehicles in an electric mode at its startup and/or lower speed stages and a method of operation of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hee-Ra Lee, Yeon-Ho Kim, Tal-Chol Kim, Kyung-Ha Kim, Wan-Soo Kim, Gwang-Seob Shin, Joo-Woong Yoon, Seong-Jae Song, Kyung-Won Hwang, Jong-Hyun Kim, In-Pil Yoo
  • Patent number: 7708126
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic coupling device is intended, in particular, for a motor vehicle. The hydrokinetic coupling device comprises a casing rotationally connecting a driving shaft and an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel fixed to a turbine hub rotationally connected to a driven shaft, a clutch locking the coupling of the driving and driven shafts, and a damping element comprising elastic washers for restricting the essentially-radial circulation of the fluid at least inside a front axial space which is located between a front guide washer and a web, such that the fluid circulates though the lockup clutch of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Rabah Arhab, Norberto Termenon, Daniel Bonnel
  • Patent number: 7699150
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch includes a housing which can be brought into working connection with a drive; a hydrodynamic circuit formed by a pump wheel and a turbine wheel; a torsional vibration damper having a drive side transmission element, a takeoff side transmission element, and at least one energy storage group between the transmission elements; and a bridging clutch including first friction elements connected to the housing and second friction elements connected to the drive side transmission element. A first flow route extends from a first flow passage to the friction elements, and a second flow route extends from the hydrodynamic circuit to a second flow passage. A sealing arrangement cooperates with the drive side transmission element to separate the first flow route from the second flow route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Frey, Michael Heuler, Edgar Reinhart, Bernd Reinhardt, Stefan Mundt, Thomas Baier, Frank Zerner
  • Patent number: 7693635
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for approximating the flow rate of hydraulic fluid in an automatic transmission. The method includes estimating a flow rate value for each of a plurality of temperatures. Thereafter, the current transmission temperature is measured. The flow rate corresponding to the current transmission temperature is then learned in the following manner. The process of learning the flow rate initially includes identifying the presence of a predefined shift aberration. If the predefined shift aberration was not identified, the flow rate estimation corresponding to the current transmission temperature is iteratively adjusted. If the predefined shift aberration was identified, the flow rate estimation corresponding to the current transmission temperature is reversed by one iterative step thereby providing the learned flow rate value for the current transmission temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Rains
  • Patent number: 7677373
    Abstract: A torque converter lock-up clutch may be controlled by a lock-up clutch regulator control valve. The valve is utilized to selectively direct a fluid to the torque converter or to a pressure regulator valve. For example, in a hydrodynamic condition of the torque converter, the valve permits fluid to flow to the torque converter. In a lock-up condition of the torque converter, the valve directs fluid to a pressure regulator valve which selectively permits pressure to build in the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Jan A. Bedert, Filip D. Schacht, Mark R. J. Versteyhe
  • Patent number: 7665588
    Abstract: The invention relates to a starting unit (1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6) comprising a starting element in the form of a hydrodynamic component (5, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) and a housing (17, 18) that is coupled with the primary impeller (6) in a static or rotationally fixed manner and that encloses at least one impeller (7, 8) in the axial direction, thereby defining at least one working fluid guide channel or compartment (19). The invention is characterized in that the unit is provided with means (2) for influencing the transmission behavior of the hydrodynamic component (5). Said means comprise pressure medium-actuated integrated mechanical components (3) that have an at least indirect effect on the working cycle ensuing in the working compartment (8, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Achim Menne
  • Publication number: 20100038200
    Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine and a torque converter. The engine is configured to provide oil to the torque converter for operation of the torque converter. The engine oil may provide both the fluid coupling and torque converter clutch apply and release functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Hamid Vahabzadeh, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 7654373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque transmission device in the drive train of a motor vehicle for torque transmission between a drive unit, in particular an internal combustion engine, a gearbox, and with a hydrodynamic torque converter. The torque converter lockup clutch comprises outer lamellae which work together with inner lamellae to connect to a driver plate which is connected to a torsional vibration damper. In order to provide a torque transmission device which has a long service life and can be produced economically, a coupling is fastened to the inner lamella carrier in such a manner that it cannot be turned, and to the radially inner edge area of the driver plate which bounds an annular space in which the radially inner edge area of the driver plate can be moved in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Mario Degler
  • Patent number: 7650973
    Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission device includes a toroid portion, a turbine hub, and a lock-up device. The toroid portion includes a pump impeller and a turbine runner. The turbine hub is engaged with an input shaft of a transmission and holds the turbine runner. The lock-up device is installed so that it engages and disengages freely and it mechanically transmits to the turbine hub rotation that is transmitted from a drive power source. The toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction. Because the toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction, the size of the hydraulic power transmission device in the axial direction can be reduced, and the hydraulic power transmission device can be made more compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Takeshi Inuzuka, Mitsugu Yamashita, Atsuhiro Mase
  • Patent number: 7644812
    Abstract: A method for controlling an impeller clutch of a torque converter includes determining a function relating a K-factor of the torque, determining a current engine torque, determining a desired impeller clutch slip, using the function determine the actual impeller speed and thus actual clutch slip, and adjusting the operating state of the impeller clutch to produce the desired impeller clutch slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William R. Simpson, Jacob M. Povirk, Christopher G. Garbacz, David B. Plasencia
  • Patent number: 7628261
    Abstract: An apparatus operating a hydrodynamic torque converter and a corresponding converter-bypass clutch of a transmission. The apparatus having a line system, a solenoid valve and a therewith coacting variable pressure controlling valve. A valve stem assembly respectively of the solenoid valve and the pressure control valve are controllable by subjection to a pilot pressure counter to a spring arrangement. A spent flow of the torque converter is, by way of a piston chamber of the converter-bypass clutch, which chamber is subjected to hydraulic fluid pressure of the spent flow of the torque converter, by means of an operational pressure aperture valve and a relief control aperture valve of the pressure control valve, connectable to a spent flow control aperture valve of the solenoid valve. By way of the piston chamber, this spent flow communicates with the hydraulic system through the spent flow control aperture valve of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Gierer, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7617918
    Abstract: A device for operating a starter mechanism actively connected with a hydraulic supply circuit of a transmission unit. The starter mechanism has a piston chamber subject to hydraulic pressure for activating a frictional shift element and a hydraulic chamber subject to hydraulic pressure for the cooling and lubricating an area of the starter mechanism. A hydraulic pressure between a lubrication pressure control port of a second pressure relief valve and the hydraulic chamber and equivalent to a lubrication pressure, is exerted on a second back pressure outlet port of a first relief valve, which acts on a valve slide of the first relief valve in the opposite direction relative to the working pressure exerted on a first back pressure outlet port of the first relief valve so that the pressure feed-back of the hydraulic pressure to the first relief valve occurs additively to the pilot signal characteristic of the first relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Gierer, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7611002
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a hydrodynamic torque converter and a corresponding converter-bypass clutch of a transmission, having a solenoid valve communicating with a variable pressure control valve. The respective valve stem assembly thereof having surfaces which react to an application of hydraulic pressure. Each valve being controlled by a pilot pressure countering a spring arrangement. A spent fluid flow side of the torque converter communicates with a spent fluid flow aperture of the solenoid valve. The valve stem assembly related, to the solenoid valve is blocked by a supply aperture of the solenoid valve and is in operational connection with an auxiliary pressure control valve. A supply aperture of the variable pressure controller valve is connected with an operational pressure aperture of the pressure control valve, which, can be connected with a piston space of the converter-bypass clutch, which pressurized hydraulic fluid can be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Gierer, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7588130
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device includes a pump wheel, a housing connecting the pump wheel to a drive, a turbine wheel connected to a takeoff, the turbine wheel being located in the housing and cooperating with the pump wheel to form a hydrodynamic circuit, and a bridging clutch located in the housing and having a piston located between the hydrodynamic circuit and a pressure space. The piston is movable between an engaged position and a released position. At least one through opening in the piston allows an exchange of clutch fluid between the hydrodynamic circuit and the pressure space regardless of the position of the piston and a non-return valve allows only flow from the hydrodynamic circuit to the pressure space when the clutch is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Heuler, Jürgen Ackermann, Thomas Adelmann, Christoph Gajda
  • Patent number: 7575111
    Abstract: A clutch apply control valve switches between a first position and a second position based on a control pressure PDS1 and a control pressure PDS2. When both the control pressure PDS1 and the control pressure PDS2 are output, the clutch apply control valve switches from the first position to the second position and outputs the control pressure PDS2. As a result, a lockup control valve switches to an OFF position. Accordingly, a dedicated solenoid valve for controlling operation of the clutch apply control valve can be eliminated, thus reducing both size and cost while enabling a lockup clutch to be released even if there is an ON failure of a solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Yoshinobu Soga
  • Publication number: 20090157272
    Abstract: A torque converter including: an impeller clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a first cover for the torque converter to a shell for an impeller; a lock-up clutch arranged to transmit, when closed, torque from a second cover for the torque converter to an output hub; a release chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a first channel; an apply chamber for the impeller clutch, connected to a second channel; an apply chamber for the lock-up clutch, connected to a third channel; and a torus connected to a fourth channel. The second, third, and fourth channels open to a space including a longitudinal axis for the torque converter and the space is arranged to receive an input shaft for a transmission. The first channel is arranged to connect to a line in a pump housing for a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: LUk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Adam Uhler, Philip George
  • Publication number: 20090105918
    Abstract: A vehicle control device including an input member drive-connected to a power source; a mechanical pump; an electric pump assisting the mechanical pump; a drive mechanism transmitting the rotational driving force of the input member to an output member; a fluid coupling between the input member and the drive transmission mechanism and including a lock-up engagement element which receives hydraulic oil discharged from the mechanical pump and the electric pump to operate; a state detection unit that detects the state of the one or more factors that the discharge of the electric pump; and a control unit which executes a first or second control mode, wherein the first control mode permits engagement of the lock-up engagement element if a first condition is satisfied based on the one or more factors, and wherein a second control mode inhibits engagement of the lock-up engagement element if the first condition is not satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko KOBAYASHI, Yasuo Yamaguchi, Shinichi Nomura
  • Patent number: 7513346
    Abstract: A power transmission device, in particular for use in vehicles, having one input and at least one output, comprising a hydrodynamic component and a lockup clutch. The lockup clutch includes at least one friction surface arrangement which is coupled at least indirectly in a rotationally fixed manner with the input of the power transmission device, or is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner with the pump wheel, and can be brought into an operative connection with a second frictional surface arrangement which is connected to the output in a rotationally fixed manner. An actuating mechanism is assigned to the lockup clutch. The actuating mechanism forms one structural unit with a friction surface carrying element of the first friction surface arrangement, and is coupled in an axially movable and rotationally fixed manner with the input of the power transmission device, or with the connection between the input and the pump wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Bruno Mueller