With Means To Cool Or Lubricate Clutch Parts Patents (Class 192/70.12)
  • Patent number: 8215469
    Abstract: A multiple disk clutch includes a clutch outer, a clutch inner, frictional disks, a cam mechanism, and a vibration isolating member. The clutch inner is provided inside the clutch outer and configured to transmit a rotational driving force from the clutch outer to a transmission shaft. The frictional disks are movable in an axial direction of the transmission shaft to thereby make and break transmission of the rotational driving force from the clutch outer to the clutch inner. The cam mechanism is provided inside the clutch outer and configured to apply a pressing force to the frictional disks according to the rotational driving force from the crankshaft. The cam mechanism is configured to relax the pressing force applied to the frictional disks when a load from the transmission shaft exceeds a predetermined value. The vibration isolating member is provided at the clutch inner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kawatsu, Yoshitsugu Gokan
  • Patent number: 8215470
    Abstract: A starting device includes a housing; an output side member; a clutch mechanism; a working oil passage that supplies working oil to a hydraulic chamber of the clutch mechanism from an oil pressure source side; and a lubricating oil passage including a supply oil passage that supplies lubricating oil to the housing from the oil pressure source side and a return oil passage for returning the lubricating oil to the oil pressure source side from the housing, wherein the working oil passage and the lubricating oil passage are formed to overlap at least partially in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Ishikawa, Koji Maeda, Hiroshi Katou, Keizo Araki, Yuito Abe
  • Patent number: 8191696
    Abstract: A torque transmission apparatus includes first and second torque transmission members 3, 5, a frictional clutch 7 for transmitting a torque between the torque transmission members 3, 5, a stationary housing 11 accommodating a coupling 9, a spatial part for enclosing oil in the stationary housing 11 and an opening 15 formed in a part of the coupling 9 so that the oil in the stationary housing 11 is introduced into the coupling 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Isao Hirota, Norihiko Tashiro, Satoshi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20120097492
    Abstract: The present invention provides a friction plate having a friction surface formed by sticking an annular friction material to a substantially annular core plate and wherein the friction surface is provided with a first oil groove having an opening portion opened to an inner peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end terminating at a point between the inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, and a second oil groove having an opening portion opened to the outer peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end terminating at a point between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: TOMOYUKI MIYAZAKI, Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8146725
    Abstract: The present invention provides a friction plate having a friction surface formed by sticking an annular friction material to a substantially annular core plate and wherein the friction surface is provided with a first oil groove having an opening portion opened to an inner peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end terminating at a point between the inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, and a second oil groove having an opening portion opened to the outer peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end terminating at a point between the inner peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8087506
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-disk brake (1) in an automatic transmission, with an inner disk carrier (4) and an outer disk carrier (6), with inner disks (3) and outer disks (5) arranged axially in alternation on the disk carriers (4, 6), with friction linings (7) on the inner and/or outer disks (3, 5), with a piston (10) of a pressure-medium-actuated piston-cylinder arrangement such that the inner disks (3) and outer disks (5) can be acted upon by a force to close the multi-disk brake, with an end disk (9) or support disk (11) that forms an axial abutment for the disk set (14) formed by the disks (3, 5, 9, 11), and in which the disk brake (1) and/or the components around it are so configured that the disks (3, 5, 9, 11) can be wetted by a cooling oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Josef Haupt
  • Patent number: 8061497
    Abstract: A disk clutch or brake, with inner and outer disk carriers that respectively carry inner and outer disks. The inner and outer disks are arranged axially in alternation next to one another. At least one of the inner and outer disk carriers have radial openings through which coolant flows toward the disks. The inner and/or outer disk carrier have a toothed component, which is fixed to and at least partially axially and radially encompasses a basic component. The inner or outer disks are fixed toothed component to prevent relative rotation while allowing axial displacement. Radial openings are formed in the basic and toothed components to enable a flow of coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Illerhaus, Michael Obergasser
  • Patent number: 8051968
    Abstract: A clutch unit for use in the drive train of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission including at least one transmission input shaft. The clutch unit includes at least one wet clutch device that is provided with a plurality of clutch elements, in particular clutch discs, that are at least partially wetted by a coolant such as oil. The coolant carries away frictional heat that is generated by slippage between adjacent clutch discs during certain vehicle operating conditions. The heat absorbed by the clutch coolant is cooled by heat transfer from the coolant to a cooler that surrounds the clutch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Ivo Agner, Oliver Nöhl
  • Patent number: 8037990
    Abstract: A lubrication controlling method for a starting clutch including a wet type multi-plate clutch disposed between a transmission and an engine of a vehicle and adapted to transmit a power, the method including always supplying lubricant oil during an operation of the wet type multi-plate clutch, continuously changing a flow amount of the lubricant oil in accordance with a condition of the wet type multi-plate clutch, and controlling the amount of the lubricant oil so that a supplied amount of the lubricant oil during an idle rotation of the wet type multi-plate clutch is greater than a supplied amount of the lubricant oil during the complete engagement of the wet type multi-plate clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Shun Kitahara, Manabu Sawayanagi, Masaki Sakai, Yosuke Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20110192699
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes a clutch outer member for supporting friction discs, which are nonrotatable relative to the clutch outer member, and are axially slidable along a clutch axis; a clutch inner member for supporting clutch discs, which are nonrotatable relative to the clutch inner member, and are axially slidable along the clutch axis, and a pressure plate having a deep recess for accommodating a clutch spring engaged with the clutch inner member. The deep recess includes a bottom portion having a spring seat for receiving the clutch spring, and a partially cylindrical shape wall portion having an axis parallel to the clutch axis. The wall portion is oriented towards the clutch axis. The deep recess has a communicating portion formed therein for establishing the communication between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall portion so as to discharge oil towards the friction and clutch discs during operation of the clutch apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaya YAZAKI, Atsushi KOBAYASHI, Akio SENDA, Seiji ANZAI
  • Patent number: 7975822
    Abstract: Three external tooth wet friction materials are each composed of an external tooth plate and a lining adhered to one surface thereof along an entire circumference. Three internal tooth wet friction materials are each composed of an internal tooth plate and a lining adhered to one surface thereof along an entire circumference. Then, the three external tooth wet friction materials and the three internal tooth wet friction materials are disposed side by side so as to constitute a multi-plate frictional engagement apparatus. A thickness of the internal tooth plate is made thinner in view of its good heat discharge capability, and the thickness of the external tooth plate is made thicker by that much.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Aisin Kako Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Suzuki, Takuya Muranaka, Hirofumi Onishi
  • Patent number: 7975820
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a clutch assembly with a radial flow chamber including a first hub and a carrier. The first hub and carrier form at least one first opening and a first portion of at least one radial chamber or passageway in the clutch assembly. First and second radially disposed segments of the first hub and carrier, respectively, partially define the first portion. A second portion of the chamber is formed between the first segment and a third radially disposed segment connected to a second hub. Openings in the first segment connect the first and second portions. A third portion of the passageway is formed between the second segment and a fourth radially disposed segment. A plate forms at least a portion of an axial barrier with respect to a second clutch in the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schaffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 7966901
    Abstract: A torque transfer device, in particular in the power train of a motor vehicle, having at least one wet-running clutch device, in particular a multi-plate clutch device, which is actuatable by an actuating lever device, in particular an actuating lever spring device, through a pressure member. The pressure member has a blocking cross section which is opened toward a pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manuel Metzinger, Ivo Agner
  • Patent number: 7963381
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for a vehicle includes a clutch housing having friction plates, a clutch boss having clutch plates, a pressure plate, and roller weights that press the pressure plate in a direction such that the friction plates and the clutch plates are brought into frictional contact with each other when the roller weights receive a centrifugal force. The vehicle power unit includes a main shaft which has an oil supply passage formed therein. The clutch includes a first oil supply path that supplies oil via the oil supply passage to the friction and clutch plates. The clutch includes a second oil supply path that supplies oil via the oil supply passage to the roller weights. The first and second oil supply paths are formed individually to allow independent adjustment of oil supply to each path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 7958984
    Abstract: A friction plate for a wet-type multiplate clutch can include a core plate and friction linings bonded on opposite sides of the core plate, respectively. Each of the friction linings can include plural segment pieces bonded at angular intervals on a corresponding opposite side. The segment pieces can each include at least one first oil groove and at least one second oil groove. The first oil groove opens to a radially-inner side of its corresponding segment piece and has a closed end portion located in a radially-intermediate part of the corresponding segment piece. The second oil groove opens to a radially-outer side of the corresponding segment piece and has a closed end portion located in another radially-intermediate part of the corresponding segment piece. Adjacent ones of the segment pieces are provided, in radially-middle parts of opposing side walls thereof, with angularly-extending recessed portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Kinpara
  • Patent number: 7958983
    Abstract: A hydraulic system in motor vehicles with at least one hydraulically actuated clutch, which entails minimized control complexity for supplying the clutch with hydraulic oil and which takes up less structural space. These characteristics are achieved essentially in that the pressure control of the hydraulically actuated clutch is effected directly and exclusively by an electrically driven and electronically controlled oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Christian Popp, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7954612
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an input-side rotating member 2 driven by an engine (driving source) 90, an output-side rotating member 3 for driving an input member, such as a gear part 25 of a rear differential (driving-force distributing mechanism) 97 between wheels, a friction clutch 4 arranged between the input-side rotating member 2 and the output-side rotating member 3, a carrier housing (stationary member) 5 capable of accommodating the rear differential 97 and the friction clutch 4, an oil accommodating space (lubricant accommodating space) S formed in the stationary member 5 and an oil pump 6 driven by the output-side rotating member 3 to supply the friction clutch 4 with oil 600.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Naoshi Mogami, Isao Hirota, Shouji Yoshida, Tomohiko Tezuka
  • Patent number: 7921975
    Abstract: A clutch actuation mechanism having a plurality of friction plates engaged with a clutch outer and a clutch inner in a relatively non-rotatable manner and arranged alternately between a bearing plate portion and a pressing plate portion. A clutch disengage/engage control mechanism for switching disengagement/engagement of the clutch actuation mechanism. A clutch piston having opposite sides facing toward a control hydraulic chamber and a hydraulic canceler chamber. A division wall member forming the hydraulic canceler chamber between the division wall member and the clutch piston for forming an oil passage, which introduces lubricating oil toward the friction plates, in cooperation with the clutch inner. A control hydraulic chamber, hydraulic canceler chamber, and division wall member are arranged within a range corresponding to the space between the outer surfaces of a bearing plate portion and pressing plate portion and radially inward of a clutch actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ogasawara, Yoshinki Tsukada, Junya Watanabe, Takashi Ozeki, Shigeru Tajima, Kazuyuki Fukaya
  • Publication number: 20110073432
    Abstract: A pressure plate is movable in an axial direction to cause multiple driving friction plates and driven friction plates to come in pressure contact with each other. The pressure plate is biased by a clutch spring in a direction to bring the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates in pressure contact with each other. When acceleration torque is changed, an assist mechanism increases the pressure-contact force of the pressure plate. A pressure plate and a clutch inner are connected together and are capable of being separated from each other in an axial direction. When an assist mechanism increases a pressure-contact force of the pressure plate, the pressure plate is moved in a direction to bring driving and driven friction plates into pressure contact with each other, while the clutch inner is moved relative to the pressure plate in the same direction so as to be detached from the pressure plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu GOKAN, Jun Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Shiomi
  • Patent number: 7909140
    Abstract: There is provided a lubricating structure of a planetary gear mechanism which can simplify the outer shape of an introducing section formed by an oil catch plate, for introducing lubricating oil, and ensure a high degree of design freedom. In a double pinion type planetary gear mechanism, the distance from the axis of a carrier to the outermost edge of an opening in the direction of the carrier's diameter in an lubricating oil introducing hole formed in an outer diameter side pinion shaft and the distance from the axis of the carrier to the outermost edge of an opening in the direction of the carrier's diameter in an lubricating oil introducing hole formed in an inner diameter side pinion shaft are equal to each other. Therefore, lubricating oil can be supplied to the inner diameter side pinion shaft through the introducing section irrespective of the amount of lubricating oil that can be supplied to the outer diameter side pinion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sugihara, Takamitsu Niibune, Tooru Koyama
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110036677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-disc clutch for the transfer of torque between a first clutch part and a second clutch part, having at least one first and at least one second disc that engage one another and that are movable parallel to a rotational axis of the multi-disc clutch, and having a reset device for the reciprocal ventilation of adjacent discs. The first clutch part is connected in a rotationally secure fashion to the first disc and the second clutch part is connected in a rotationally secure fashion to the second disc. The reset device has at least two reset elements that are disposed eccentrically relative to the rotational axis and distributed in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KG
    Inventors: August Kriebernegg, Alois Lafer, Robert Luef, Johannes Quehenberger, Helmuth Sachsenmaier
  • Patent number: 7874406
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a friction device includes a flow control device which controls a flow of fluid through the friction device. A controller estimates a temperature state of the friction device and calculates a flow command based on the temperature state. The controller operates the flow control device based on the flow command. The temperature state is one of a temperature of the friction device and a thermal energy of the friction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Donald L. Dusenberry, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7874415
    Abstract: A torque transfer device, in particular in the drive train of a motor vehicle for torque transfer between a drive unit, in particular a combustion engine, and a transmission with at least one multi-disk clutch, in particular, a twin multi-disk clutch, comprising at least one disk packet, comprising outer disks, connected torque proof with an outer disk carrier, and inner disks, connected torque proof with an inner disk carrier (17, 27), and with at least one operating lever device for operating the multi-disk clutch, wherein a pressure transfer device extends between the disk packet and the operating lever device through at least one pass-through opening, which is cut out in a carrier device. The seal device is disposed between the inner disk carrier and the pass-through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivo Agner, Gabor Izso, Oliver Noehl
  • Publication number: 20110000757
    Abstract: A wet clutch includes a rotatable hub and a rotatable drum having an aperture extending therethrough. A plurality of outer clutch plates are fixed for rotation with the drum. A plurality of inner clutch plates are fixed for rotation with the hub and interleaved with the outer clutch plates. A piston is moveable to apply a force to the inner and outer clutch plates to transfer torque between the hub and the drum. A cover is moveable relative to the drum between first and second positions. The cover selectively restricts a flow of fluid through the aperture in the drum when in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Richard D. Muizelaar, Sean Steele, Jianwen Li, Andrew Kowalski
  • Publication number: 20100326785
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train (1) has an electric machine (15) with a stator (16) fastened to a clutch housing (18) and a rotor (20) that can be rotated relative to the stator (16) with a radial gap (22) therebetween. The hybrid drive train (1) also has a wet-running multiple disk clutch device (8) with an outer multiple disk carrier (24) that has at least one oil passage opening (41). The radial gap (22) between the rotor (20) and the stator (16) is shielded from the oil passage opening (41) of the outer multiple disk carrier (24) by an oil shielding device (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Henrik Schrage
  • Patent number: 7854306
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a ring carrier with a wall arranged to engage at least a portion of an outer circumference of a clutch pack for a clutch assembly for a vehicle and a clutch housing with a wall arranged to engage at least a portion of an inner circumference of the clutch pack. The wall for the housing includes at least one opening and the clutch housing is arranged to pump fluid through the opening in the wall independent of the rotation of an output hub for the carrier. The clutch housing can be configured as an inner clutch housing. The clutch housing includes a connecter portion arranged to transfer engine torque to the cylindrical wall from an outer housing of the clutch assembly connected to an engine crankshaft. The present invention also includes a clutch assembly with the ring carrier and clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Adam Uhler, Philip George, Todd Sturgin, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 7850567
    Abstract: A differential drive with a rotatably arranged differential carrier (11) in which a multi-plate coupling (23) is arranged so as to be effective between the differential carrier (11) and a sideshaft gear (29), wherein the differential carrier (11) includes a dish-shaped carrier part (12) in which there are received sideshaft gears (28, 29) and differential gears (26, 27). The differential carrier includes a dish-shaped cover (14) which receives the plates of the multi-plate coupling (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Fred Kramer, Adrian Chludek
  • Patent number: 7823714
    Abstract: A friction plate for a wet-type multiplate clutch is provided with a core plate and friction linings bonded on opposite sides of the core plate, respectively. Each of the friction linings is composed of plural segment pieces each having at least one first oil groove and at least one second oil groove. The first oil groove opens to a radially-inner side of the friction plate and has a closed end portion located in a radially-intermediate part of the friction lining, and the second oil groove opens to a radially-outer side of the friction plate and has a closed end portion located in another radially-intermediate part of the friction lining. The second oil groove has a shape that its angular width becomes narrower from its open end portion toward its closed end portion thereof, and at the open end portion, the angular width of the second oil groove is reduced. The first oil groove may be provided with an oil pocket at its closed end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Kinpara
  • Patent number: 7815028
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes an iron inner clutch plate and two iron outer clutch plates. Each clutch plate has a sliding surface that friction-engages with the other clutch plates. A diamond-like carbon film containing silicon, which functions as a solid lubricant, is formed on the sliding surface of each outer clutch plate through a conventional method such as plasma chemical vapor deposition. The diamond-like carbon film contains 1 wt % to 80 wt % of silicon. A coupling device includes a pilot clutch mechanism that has the friction clutch and an electromagnetic actuator. As a result, the friction clutch has an improved resistance to wear, and the coupling device is durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Ando, Naoyuki Sakai, Toshifumi Sakai, Hajime Fukami, Toshiyuki Saito, Koji Nishi, Kazuyuki Nakanishi, Hiroyuki Mori, Hideo Tachikawa
  • Patent number: 7810622
    Abstract: A transmission includes first and second clutch members rotatable about the same axis. An axial groove is formed in one of the members to distribute lubricating fluid to the other member. Preferably, clutch plates with radial grooves extend between the clutch members. Fluid flows from the axial groove through the radial groove and across faces of the clutch plates to separate the plates during disengagement in order to minimize spin losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Foster, Joel E. Mowatt, Gregory W. Kempf, James A. Raszkowski
  • Patent number: 7810623
    Abstract: A centrifugal friction clutch providing for a separation between the pressure and/or fixed plates and the friction surfaces of the clutch discs to provide for reduced heat transfer to said pressure and fixed plates, reduced risk of deformation of said plates, and improved distribution of axial forces to maintain maximum frictional engagement. Said pressure plates and fixed plates further including air impeller vanes or similar structures on their interior surface to further improve heat dissipation and reduce the risk of deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Marvin Wayne Justus
  • Patent number: 7806245
    Abstract: A clutch system selectively transmitting torque in an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a rotation axis rotated by the torque; at least one plate disposed at an exterior of the rotation axis and moved along an axial direction of the rotation axis; at least one disk alternately disposed with the plate and moved along the axial direction of the rotation axis, the disk having at least one wave along a radial direction thereof; and a piston applying force to the disk and the plate along the axial direction of the rotation axis such that a frictional force is generated between the plate and the disk. Therefore, the clutch system of this invention has advantages of enhanced durability and operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Wonseok Oh
  • Patent number: 7798301
    Abstract: Segmented steel core plates for either double sided or single sided wet clutch friction plates or separator plates and a process for making the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Martin P. Keating, Michael Roche, Michael Wagner, Dirk Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7798300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission module (10) for an engine-transmission unit, said module comprising an input shaft (11) for connecting to a heat engine, an output shaft (12) for connecting to a gearbox, and a clutch (30) connecting said two shafts. The inventive module also comprises: an independent casing (16) comprising a first half-shell (17) and a second half-shell (18), said two half-shells forming a sealed receiving element (22) containing the clutch (30) which is naturally in the engaged position; a mechanical element (35) for maintaining the clutch (30) in said engaged position by means of a piston in the form of a disk; a hydraulic control circuit (40, 41) for acting directly on the piston against the mechanical element, in the disengaged position of said clutch (30); and a hydraulic circuit (50, 52, 53, 55, 56) for lubricating and cooling the clutch. The invention can be applied to an engine-transmission unit for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Emmanuel Combes, Jerome Victor
  • Patent number: 7789209
    Abstract: The present invention provides a friction plate having a friction surface formed by adhering a friction material to a substantially annular core plate and wherein the friction surface is provided with an oil passage communicated with inner and outer peripheral edges of the friction plate, a first oil groove having an opening portion opened to the inner peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end portion terminating at a position between the inner and outer peripheral edges, and a second first oil groove having an opening portion opened to the outer peripheral edge of the friction plate and an end portion terminating at a position between the inner and outer peripheral edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: NSK Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Ritsuo Toya, Tsuyoshi Hirayanagi, Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7775336
    Abstract: Lubricating oil supply holes are drilled into a first member that is fitted to a plurality of first annular plates by a spline. Of splines to which each lubricating oil supply hole corresponds, lubricating oil grooves provided in the plurality of first annular plates do not overlap the splines on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the first annular plates, and therefore lubricating oil flowing out of the lubricating oil supply holes is dispersed in a circumferential direction and flows from the inner periphery to the outer periphery of the first annular plates, rather than gathering in each lubricating oil groove and flowing in an outer peripheral direction. As a result, a force generated by an axial lubricating oil flow, which acts in a direction for causing the second annular plates to contact friction materials on the first annular plates, is suppressed, leading to a reduction in drag torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aishin Kako Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Nishida, Satoru Kasuya, Masashi Kito, Yoshihisa Yamamoto, Akitomo Suzuki, Masato Fujikawa, Ryuji Ibaraki, Masatoshi Adachi, Tsuyoshi Mikami, Hideo Ono
  • Patent number: 7766144
    Abstract: A clutch plate assembly is provided having a friction interface and internal fluid passages for delivering pressurized fluid to the friction interface to cool the interface, and to reduce spin losses through the clutch assembly. The fluid passages comprise a plurality of primary passages extending inward from a clutch plate inner or outer diameter, and a plurality of secondary fluid passages intersecting the primary fluid passages for conducting fluid to the friction interface. Fluid is directed to the friction interface during clutch engagement for cooling thereof when the clutch assembly is engaging, and separates the clutch plates to reduce spin losses when the clutch assembly is disengaged. A method is also provided for controlling fluid flow at the friction interface, including providing fluid directly to the interface for cooling when the clutch plate assembly is engaging, and for reducing spin losses when the clutch plate assembly is substantially disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20100170764
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a clutch, a clutch drum, a piston, and a brake. The clutch drum, the clutch, and the brake are arranged in sequence in an interior space formed by joining a transmission case to a rear case in an axial direction from the rear case side. A separating/guiding wall that is provided in a circumferential direction so as to define a surplus lubricating oil trapping space for trapping surplus lubricating oil that gathers on an inner peripheral surface of the transmission case and in a second brake, and causes trapped surplus lubricating oil guided thereby into the surplus lubricating oil trapping space to flow downward in the circumferential direction, and a holding mechanism for restricting axial movement of the separating/guiding wall, are provided in relation to spline fitting portions formed on the inner peripheral surface of the transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terasu Harashima, Kazunori Kaneko, Tetsuya Kohno
  • Patent number: 7740119
    Abstract: A double clutch gearbox, which has a first volume flow valve for actuating a first clutch, which is arranged downstream, a second volume flow valve for actuating a second clutch which is arranged downstream, and a first hydraulic power source for supplying the volume flow valves and the clutches with a system pressure. In order to provide an improved double clutch gearbox, the clutches have fluid cooling which is arranged downstream of the first volume flow valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Staudinger, Marco Grethel
  • Publication number: 20100122887
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a hydraulic clutch assembly for a motor vehicle driveline is provided. The clutch assembly comprises an input member, and output member and a friction clutch pack operably disposed therebetween for controlling torque transfer. A first fluid circuit contains hydraulic based fluid at a first pressure and is in fluid communication with the friction clutch pack for lubrication thereof. A second fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the first fluid circuit for replenishing the second fluid circuit with the hydraulic based fluid at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The clutch assembly further comprises a motor and a gear train. The gear train has an input force driven by the motor and an output force. A first piston is in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit for delivering the hydraulic based fluid thereto and is operatively driven by the output force to displace the hydraulic based fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Philip J. Francis, Thad Kopp, Tsunlock A. Yu
  • Patent number: 7707911
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission which has a first clutch, actuated by a first hydraulic cylinder, a second clutch, actuated by a second hydraulic cylinder, shift devices for shifting gears, which are actuated by respective hydraulically operated cylinders, and a hydraulic energy source for supplying the hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulically operated cylinders with hydraulic energy. The hydraulic energy source has a first pump, a second pump and an electric drive driving the second pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Marco Grethel, Manfred Homm, Eric Mueller, Martin Staudinger
  • 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: 7694794
    Abstract: A PTO clutch includes a lubrication shut-off valve that can slide between a first position blocking a port for lubrication oil to lubricate the PTO clutch, and a second position opening the port to lubricate the clutch. A relief valve is provided in the lubrication shut off valve, which opens in response to pressure spikes of activation oil and isolates the pressure spikes from the clutch piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brian E. Biles, Craig A. Puetz, Chad E. Schoneman
  • Publication number: 20100072020
    Abstract: An embodiment of a multidisk oil-bath clutch having: a housing mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of rotation; at least one hub mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis of rotation and housed inside and coaxially with the housing; a number of drive disks housed inside the housing and angularly integral with the housing or the hub; a number of driven disks housed inside the housing, alternating with the drive disks, and angularly integral with the hub or the housing; at least one oil inlet into the housing; and at least one oil outlet from the housing. Each drive disk has a number of first circulation channels equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of rotation and extending radially from an inner edge of the drive disk to an outer edge of the drive disk; and each driven disk has a number of second circulation channels equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of rotation and extending radially from an inner edge of the driven disk to an outer edge of the driven disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: FERRARI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco CIMATTI
  • Patent number: 7677375
    Abstract: A drive force transmission device has an outer clutch plate and an inner clutch plate, which are rotatable relative to each other about a common rotational axis. The inner and outer clutch plates become frictionally engaged with each other with lubricant oil provided in between. The outer and inner clutch plates each have a sliding surface. The sliding surfaces face each other. A diamond-like carbon film is formed on the sliding surface of the outer clutch plate. Fine grooves are formed in the sliding surface of the inner clutch plate. The proportion of the sliding area to the sliding surface of the inner clutch plate at the initial stage of use is 55 to 90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Ando, Naoyuki Sakai, Toshifumi Sakai, Toshiyuki Saito, Hajime Fukami, Kazuyuki Nakanishi, Hiroyuki Mori, Hideo Tachikawa
  • Patent number: 7673730
    Abstract: A coolant distribution device for a wet-running clutch device and comprising several coolant distribution surfaces along which coolant is conveyed outwards in the radial direction. In order to increase the service lifetime of a wet-running clutch device the coolant distribution surfaces are implemented so that the coolant conveyed outwards in the radial direction has different axial coolant spray-off points and/or coolant spray-off devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs
    Inventors: Manuel Metzinger, Ivo Agner, Gabor Izso
  • Publication number: 20100044178
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission has a driving plate defining concentric engagement surfaces, concentric friction plates, concentric pressure plates, and first and second clutch springs for operation of the pressure plates in clamping the friction plates against their respective engagement surface on the driving plate. The driving plate has a top hat type configuration, whereby the engagement surfaces are axially off set from one another. Cooling passages may be provided in the driving plate. The dct is preferably nested, wherein the outer pressure plate is in axial alignment with the radially inner portion of the driving plate, the inner pressure plate is in axial alignment with the radially outer portion of the driving plate, and the friction plates are arranged in axial alignment with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: RICARDO UK LTD.
    Inventors: Jonathan Charles Wheals, Lee Sykes
  • Patent number: 7650977
    Abstract: The present invention provides a friction plate for a wet-type multi-plate clutch, to which a wet-type friction material is secured and in which there are provided an oil passage communicated with inner and outer peripheral edges, an oil groove opened toward the inner peripheral edge and having a terminal end disposed between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, and at least one circumferential groove communicated with the oil passage and extending in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Hideaki Suzuki, Masahiro Kobayashi, Masaki Sakabe