With Means To Cool Or Lubricate Clutch Parts Patents (Class 192/70.12)
  • Publication number: 20090321209
    Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement for controlling a twin-clutch transmission of a motor vehicle. The hydraulic arrangement has a hydraulic energy source for supplying the hydraulic arrangement with hydraulic energy with a hydraulic medium; a pressure accumulator for storing the hydraulic energy; and a clutch cooling device for cooling clutches of the twin-clutch transmission with the hydraulic medium. A transmission lubrication process and/or a transmission cooling process for cooling and/or lubricating a transmission of the twin-clutch transmission with the hydraulic medium is/are carried out, in addition to a prioritization process for prioritizing the supply of the pressure accumulator before the clutch cooling, and the clutch cooling before the transmission lubrication and/or transmission cooling by means of the hydraulic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Marco GRETHEL, Martin STAUDINGER
  • Publication number: 20090308707
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Dietmar Illerhaus, Michael Obergasser
  • Patent number: 7631739
    Abstract: A dual clutch for a transmission with a first transmission input shaft and a second transmission input shaft that is positioned in coaxial relation to the first transmission input shaft. The dual clutch comprises a clutch portion comprising a hollow cylinder portion for transmitting torque, wherein the hollow cylinder portion is provided in a radial position between a clutch axle and a clutch hub, is rotatable in relation to the clutch axle and the clutch hub, and comprises at least one opening allowing oil to be fed from the clutch axle to the clutch hub. This design allows supply of hydraulic oil, sufficient cooling oil, and at the same time flexibility in attaching auxiliary engines such as an electromotor to the dual clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Enström
  • Patent number: 7625308
    Abstract: The invention provides a differential gear which can effectively prevent a drag noise of a clutch plate by a simple structure. In a differential gear (10) provided with a clutch means (16) having an inner pawl clutch plate (12) integrally rotating with a side gear (11), and an outer pawl clutch plate (14) integrally rotating with a differential case (13), a main communication path (41) and a radial communication path (44) communicating a bottom of the side gear (11) with a fitted portion (17) between the side gear (11) and the clutch plates (12, 14) is formed in the side gear (11), as a lubricating oil supplying means (40) for supplying a lubricating oil within the differential case (13) to a portion between sliding surfaces of both the clutch plates (12, 14) from the fitted portion (17) between the side gear (11) and the clutch plates (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: OS Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaharu Okazaki
  • Patent number: 7624851
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a rotary drive clutch that is fluid-operable by a piston/cylinder unit rigidly coupled to a clutch shaft and bearing-mounted so as to rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Ortlinghaus-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Seeger, Udo Meller
  • Publication number: 20090277710
    Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, the dry clutch is capable of suppressing transmission of engine rotational fluctuations from the engine to a rider via a vehicle body. In the dry clutch including a driving member (clutch shoe) 66 and a driven member (clutch drum) 62 configured to be engaged with each other and disengaged from each other in a non-lubricating atmosphere to transmit/intercept the motive power of the engine to a drive wheel, a solid lubricant 70 is interposed between the driving member 66 and the driven member 62.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi SUGITANI, Mitsukazu TAKEBE, Fumio TAKEDA, Atsushi AOYAMA, Kotaro KATSUNO
  • Publication number: 20090250305
    Abstract: A starting clutch is disposed between a transmission and an engine and including a wet type multi-plate clutch adapted to transmit a power. The wet type multi-plate clutch comprises a plurality of friction engaging elements housed for an axial sliding movement, a clutch drum for accommodating the friction engaging elements, a clutch hub disposed at an inner diameter side of the clutch drum to support the friction engaging elements for the axial sliding movement, and a piston for applying a pressing force to the friction engaging elements to tighten the wet type multi-plate clutch. The starting clutch includes a housing adapted to accommodate the wet type multi-plate clutch and driven by the engine, and in a condition that oil is filled within the starting clutch, the oil supplied to the housing is flown along an outer periphery of the clutch drum and is discharged from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Manabu Sawayanagi
  • Publication number: 20090223770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch assembly, particularly for use in force transmission devices for motor vehicle, comprising a housing arrangement that is or can be filled with a fluid, and a frictional arrangement that has a first frictional surface arrangement and a second frictional surface arrangement which can be effectively interconnected by means of an actuator. Each frictional surface arrangement is provided with at least one frictional surface-supporting element. A fluid flow can be generated in the housing arrangement for cooling the frictional surface arrangements. The invention is characterized in that means are provided for creating at least one circuit which repeatedly flows through at least one frictional surface-supporting element of the frictional arrangement and conducts the fluid flow when the rotational speed differs between the effectively interconnectable frictional surface-supporting elements of the different frictional surface arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Toros Guelluek, Thorsten Krause, Bruno Mueller
  • Publication number: 20090211866
    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 a fluid cooling means which is arranged downstream of the first volume flow valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Martin STAUDINGER, Marco GRETHEL
  • Publication number: 20090211867
    Abstract: A wet clutch friction plate comprises a metal plate connected to a driving side, friction material layer(s) fixed to one or both side surface(s) thereof. A discharge groove is formed on one of the friction material layers and has an inclination against the direction of rotation from the inner peripheral side toward the outer peripheral side, for discharging lubricating oil from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side, and an inflow groove is formed on the same or other friction material layer to face the discharge groove to receive the lubricating oil from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side. A multiple disc friction clutch apparatus fastened or released by an action of a piston, comprises a clutch drum, a clutch hub, driven plates spline-fitted on the clutch drum, and drive plates spline-fitted on the clutch hub, the drive plate being the wet clutch friction plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: TOMOYUKI MIYAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20090188767
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a clutch has a pump conveying a hydraulic fluid stream via a heat exchanger to a controllable hydraulic valve which divides the hydraulic fluid stream into a first part stream and a second part stream. The first part stream flows to a reservoir via friction linings of the clutch and the second part stream flows to the reservoir via a hydraulic path bypassing the friction linings. The hydraulic system is set up for upgrading a cooling of the clutch by increasing the first part stream at the expense of the second part stream and for reducing the cooling of the clutch by increasing the second part stream. The system is set up for temporarily upgrading the cooling of the clutch in the event of a changeover of torque transfer from transfer via a first part transmission to transfer via a second part transmission of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Niko, Joachim Esser, Peter Baur, Arne Kruger
  • Publication number: 20090127056
    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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Publication number: 20090127528
    Abstract: The present invention is a transmission used with a winch drum. The transmission includes a drive shaft, an output shaft, a hydraulic or pneumatic system, a cooling system, a gear coaxially mounted on the output shaft, and an electric motor for powering the gear. The drive shaft is adapted to drive the winch drum and includes a clutch disc extending generally radially outwards from the drive shaft. The clutch disc has a face. The output shaft coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the drive shaft and includes a friction surface extending generally radially inward. The friction surface has a face opposing the face of the clutch disc. The hydraulic or pneumatic system is adapted to bring the faces into contact, and the cooling system is adapted to remove heat from the friction surface via a fluid coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce A. Copp, Gary L. Veikley, Ryan M. Stanoch
  • Publication number: 20090114498
    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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Ivo Agner, Oliver Nohl
  • Patent number: 7527136
    Abstract: An activation assembly in a transmission for two pressure-activated friction shifting elements positioned immediately behind each other axially, basically on the same radial transmission diameter and are constructed as a disc coupling or a disc brake, each of which is associated with its own servo device. To activate the two shifting elements separately and independent of the pressure, the inner discs (10, 11) of both friction shifting elements are positioned on a common inner disc carrier (16), the inner disc carrier (16) has, with respect to its cross-sectional geometry, a pot axially opened on one side, and the two servo devices are located radially within the pot space (27) formed by the pot-shaped inner disc carrier (16) as well as axially next to each other and basically radially below both disc packets (8, 9) of the friction shifting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Armin Gierling
  • Patent number: 7513345
    Abstract: The present invention is one or more torque converter clutch friction pad attached to a friction plate configured to more easily remove heat generated by the friction of a clutch engaging the friction plate. The invention resides in one or more circular grooves set into the friction surface of the friction pad and connected to a plurality of radial grooves. One or more boats or protrusions functionally attached to the clutch pressure plate and/or the torque converter housing fits into the circular groove. When the clutch is engaged, the boats rotate through the circumferential groove pulling oil from the rear radial groove into the circumferential groove and pushing oil into the forward radial groove. The heat generated in the friction plate is transferred to the oil in the circumferential groove and removed from the friction pad when the rotating boat pushes it into the forward radial groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs, KG
    Inventor: Aliihsan Karamavruc
  • Publication number: 20090084652
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes a first clutch pack having a plurality of first friction disks. The first clutch pack will selectively transfer torque from a torque supplying member to a first torque receiving member. The apparatus also includes a second clutch pack having a plurality of second friction disks. The second clutch pack will selectively transfer torque from a torque supplying member to a second torque receiving member. The apparatus also includes a first rotating manifold having a first cooling inlet for directing a cooling fluid to the first clutch pack. At least a portion of the first rotating manifold is coupled for rotation with at least a portion of the first friction disks. The apparatus also includes a second rotating manifold having a second cooling inlet for directing a cooling fluid to the second clutch pack. At least a portion of the second rotating manifold is coupled for rotation with at least a portion of the second friction disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Martin E. Kummer, Graeme A. Jackson, Jeffrey P. Hawarden
  • Publication number: 20090065320
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in transmitting force includes a housing which at least partially encloses a rotatable disc. The housing has a plate portion with an annular force transmitting surface which is engagable with the rotatable disc. A cooling fluid channel is at least partially defined by a side of the plate portion opposite from the force transmitting surface. A plurality of projections extend into a path of flow of cooling fluid through the cooling fluid channel. A cooling fluid inlet includes a passage having a portion with a large cross section connected in fluid communication with a radially outer portion of the cooling fluid channel. A portion of the inlet passage having a small cross section is connected in fluid communication with a radially inner portion of the cooling fluid channel. Ribs extend across the radially inner and outer portions of the cooling fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jeremy Steven Culmer
  • Publication number: 20090057088
    Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch apparatus comprising a damper device connected to an output member of an engine, a wet type multi-plate clutch housed in a housing, a piston for pressing the wet type multi-plate clutch to tighten the clutch, and an output member connected to an input shaft of an automatic transmission and wherein an output of the engine is connected to or disconnected from the input shaft of the automatic transmission by engaging or disengaging the wet type multi-plate clutch, and further wherein the housing is provided with a discharge oil path through which oil which lubricated the wet type multi-plate clutch is returned toward the automatic transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: MASAKI SAKAI, TOSHIHIRO NARUSE, MANABU SAWAYANAGI, TOMOYUKI MIYAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20090057087
    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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Wonseok Oh
  • Publication number: 20090050431
    Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch apparatus comprising a damper device connected to an output member of an engine, a wet type multi-plate clutch housed in a housing, a piston for pressing the wet type multi-plate clutch to tighten the clutch, and an output member connected to an input shaft of an automatic transmission and wherein an output of the engine is connected to or disconnected from the input shaft of the automatic transmission by engaging or disengaging the wet type multi-plate clutch, and further wherein the damper device includes a damper output portion engaged by an outer diameter portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Masaki Sakai, Toshihiro Naruse, Manabu Sawayanagi, Tomoyuki Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20090038905
    Abstract: A wet clutch having friction surfaces, where at least one friction surface consists of a porous friction lining with essentially flat surface placed on a supporting part. In order to achieve better cooling of the friction lining and supporting part and of the opposing friction surface by means of cooling oil pressed through the porous friction lining under pressure, the friction lining is provided with at least one cut-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Scott Schrader, Yang Liang
  • Patent number: 7487866
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a motor vehicle transmission, preferably a twin-clutch transmission, is connected for cooling at least one clutch of the transmission. The hydraulic circuit is preferably a low-pressure circuit and it includes at least one hydraulic pump, at least one filter element, for filtering the hydraulic oil, and at least one pressure-regulating valve. The circuit-related control sequence and the power consumption of the hydraulic pump are optimized in that at least one adjusting valve is provided in order to control the volume flow of cooling oil flowing to the clutch, in that a pressure-compensation valve is provided in addition, and in that the pressure-regulating valve, the adjusting valve and/or the pressure-compensation valve are arranged and/or formed within the hydraulic circuit such that the pressure difference between the supply pressure and the establishing cooling-oil pressure is essentially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Georg Kruse, Rainer Hofmann, Carsten Adomeit, Lloyd Storey, Shaun Mepham
  • Patent number: 7487954
    Abstract: The present invention is a transmission used with a winch drum. The transmission includes a drive shaft, an output shaft, a hydraulic or pneumatic system, a cooling system, a gear coaxially mounted on the output shaft, and an electric motor for powering the gear. The drive shaft is adapted to drive the winch drum and includes a clutch disc extending generally radially outwards from the drive shaft. The clutch disc has a face. The output shaft coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the drive shaft and includes a friction surface extending generally radially inward. The friction surface has a face opposing the face of the clutch disc. The hydraulic or pneumatic system is adapted to bring the faces into contact, and the cooling system is adapted to remove heat from the friction surface via a fluid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hydralift AmClyde, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Copp, Gary L. Veikley, Ryan M. Stanoch
  • Publication number: 20090032356
    Abstract: A clutch including a reaction plate configured to exert a compression force. The clutch further includes a friction plate having a surface opposing the reaction plate. A friction material layer has a first surface attached to the surface of the friction plate, and a second surface opposing the reaction plate. The second surface of the friction material layer has a plurality of dimples formed therein. Further, a lubrication fluid is disposed between the reaction plate and the friction material layer for transferring the compression force and providing a lubrication layer between the reaction plate and the friction plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: GREGORY MORDUKHOVICH, SERGEI GLAVATSKIKH
  • Publication number: 20090008207
    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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Isao Hirota, Norihiko Tashiro, Satoshi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20080308378
    Abstract: Cooling oil is fed to a second oil space formed on the inner circumferential side of a hub member, and is also fed through a bypass oil passage to a first oil space formed on the outer circumferential side of a drum member. When the friction plates rotate, with grooves in the friction pads attached to the inner friction plates, the cooling oil flows by inertial force through oil holes in the hub member and through oil holes of the drum member, from the first oil space to the second oil space, and from the second oil space to the first oil space, respectively, through the friction plates. Accordingly, the flow of the cooling oil to the friction plates is improved without notches, etc. in the outer friction plates or in the inner friction plates, resulting in an improvement in cooling of the coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuito Abe, Yoshihide Mori
  • Patent number: 7455162
    Abstract: A friction lining plate for a wet-running frictional shift element that can rotate in the assembled condition with no preferred rotation direction, with at least one annular disk-like friction surface that serves for frictional engagement, having grooves through which coolant can flow. The grooves form two overlapping groove sets. Each groove of the first groove set extends at a first angle inclined obliquely to the radial direction and backward relative to a first rotation direction. Each groove of the second groove set extends at a second angle inclined obliquely to the radial direction and forward relative to a first rotation direction. Each groove of the second groove set intersects a groove of the first set in such manner that a groove intersection point is located at the inside diameter of the friction surface or a groove intersection point is located at the outside diameter of the friction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Epple, Jörg Beckmann, Bruno Campaner, Andreas Donges
  • Patent number: 7455159
    Abstract: A torque transmitting unit in the power train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between an engine crankshaft, and a transmission having at least one input shaft with at least one friction clutch. The transmission input shaft is coupled with the crankshaft by the friction clutch, which includes friction disks on the power input and/or output sides, and that are pressed together axially along an axis of rotation of the transmission input shaft to form a frictional engagement through a plurality of disks arranged in alternating layers in the axial direction. The disks are pressed against a stop by an actuator and with an actuating bearing interposed, wherein the actuator is connected to a fixed part of the transmission housing in a rotationally fixed connection. The friction clutch is a wet clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Ivo Agner, Jochen Bergmann, Oliver Nöhl
  • Publication number: 20080277232
    Abstract: The present invention provides 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 comprising the steps of 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 supplying amount of the lubricant oil during an idle rotation of the wet type multi-plate clutch becomes greater than a supplying amount of the lubricant oil during the complete engagement of the wet type multi-plate clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Tomoyuki MIYAZAKI, Shun Kitahara, Manabu Sawayanagi, Masaki Sakai, Yosuke Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20080264749
    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: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Emmanuel Combes, Jerome Victor
  • Publication number: 20080264750
    Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch apparatus disposed between a transmission and an engine of a vehicle and including a wet type multi-plate clutch for transmitting a power, in which the starting clutch apparatus includes a starting clutch having a clutch drum within which the wet type multi-plate clutch is housed and a damper device engaged by the clutch drum, and grease of urea group is contained in the damper device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Masaki SAKAI
  • Patent number: 7431138
    Abstract: A start-up clutch including a disk clutch having an outer disk carrier and an inner disk carrier with a multi-disk clutch pack disposed therebetween. The multi-disk clutch pack is adapted to engage and provide torque translation between the inner and the outer carriers. A piston is adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure to cause the multi-disk clutch pack to engage. A first cavity is adapted to be selectively supplied with pressurized fluid to actuate the piston. A second cavity is adapted to be selectively supplied with pressurized fluid to provide cooling to the multi-disk clutch pack. A first fluid passage adapted to provide pressurized fluid to the first cavity, and a second fluid passage is adapted to provide pressurized fluid to the second fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Heinrich, Hans Juergen Hauck, Michael Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080142331
    Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch disposed between a transmission and an engine and having a wet type multi-plate clutch for transmitting a power, in which the wet type multi-plate clutch includes a plurality of friction plates housed for an axial sliding movement, a clutch drum for housing the friction plates, and a piston for urging a radial central region or therearound of the friction plate to engage the friction plates, and oil which has lubricated the wet type multi-plate clutch is temporarily trapped within the clutch drum and then is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Shun Kitahara, Manabu Sawayanagi, Masaki Sakai, Yosuke Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7383932
    Abstract: A clutch hub provided with a side wall at an end of a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is formed to have convexed and concaved portions to serve as a spline and an oil passage is formed on a tooth of the spline. An oil dam is formed by plastic deformation on the inner peripheral surface of the tooth of the spline with the oil passage formed thereon at a position separated from an open end by a predetermined distance, concaved grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spline with the oil dam formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Kiyokazu Ichikawa, Yosuke Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20080128234
    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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Naoshi Mogami, Isao Hirota, Shouji Yoshida, Tomohiko Tezuka
  • Publication number: 20080128212
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil scoop assembly (2) for using in a stationary housing with machine parts, rotatable therein around a rotational axis. The oil scoop assembly comprises an oil return element (3), which can be connected to the housing and has a wiper (10) for abutting an outer face (21) of a machine part, at least one channel (6), which is supplied by the wiper (10) with oil and which ends in an annular channel (7), extending coaxially to the rotational axis A; and an oil scoop wheel (4), connectable to one of the machine parts, with a plurality of blades (24), distributed around the rotational axis A and which extend into the annular channel (7) and, when the oil scoop wheel (4) rotates relative to the oil return element (3), delivers oil from the annular channel (7). The invention relates further to a clutch arrangement (32) with such an oil scoop assembly (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Utzat, Ralf Schafer, Antonio Correia, Aleksej Katsnelson, Holger Seidl
  • Publication number: 20080128237
    Abstract: A clutch device for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The clutch device includes a housing connected to a drive for rotation in common around an axis of rotation and fillable with a fluid; a first friction element carrier having first internal teeth; first friction elements each comprising a plurality of first external teeth and connected non-rotatably to the first friction element carrier with the first external teeth engaging the first internal teeth, each first friction element and the first friction element carrier defining a first fluid pass-through area; a second friction element carrier having second external teeth; second friction elements each comprising a plurality of second internal teeth and connected non-rotatably the second friction element carrier with the second internal teeth engaging the second external teeth, each second friction element and the second friction element carrier defining a second fluid pass-through area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Fenn, Rudiger Lotze, Arthur Schroder, Jorg Sudau, Christian Struck
  • Publication number: 20080121488
    Abstract: The present invention provides a starting clutch disposed between a transmission and an engine and having a wet type multi-plate clutch for transmitting a power, in which the wet type multi-plate clutch includes a plurality of friction plates housed for an axial sliding movement, and a clutch drum for housing the friction plates, and oil which has lubricated the wet type multi-plate clutch is trapped within the clutch drum and then is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Tomoyuki MIYAZAKI, Shun Kitahara, Manabu Sawayanagi, Masaki Sakai, Yosuke Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7350631
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a clutch drum formed, by press forming, with splines including recessed portions and raised portions, and engaging with clutch plates; and a rotational speed measuring device configured to measure a rotational speed of the clutch drum, and including a surface sensing device disposed outside an outer surface of the clutch drum, and configured to sense movement of the recessed portions and the raised portions of the splines. The clutch drum includes first openings each formed in one of the recessed portions recessed radially inwards, and each confronting the clutch plates radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventor: Jun Furuichi
  • Publication number: 20080073171
    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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: GREGORY MORDUKHOVICH, PAUL D. STEVENSON
  • Publication number: 20080006501
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-disk clutch or multi-disk brake (1, 2), comprising an inner disk carrier (4) carrying internal disks (3) and an outer disk carrier (6) carrying external disks (5), friction linings (7, 7?) on the internal and external disks (3, 5), a first end disk (9), on which a closing force for the multi-disk clutch or multi-disk brake can be applied by a piston (10) of a piston-cylinder arrangement which can be actuated by a pressure medium, and a second end disk (8), which forms an axial abutment for the clutch pack (14) formed by the disks (3, 5, 8, 9), wherein the multi-disk clutch or multi-disk brake (1, 2) and/or the components encompassing the clutch or the brake are configured such that the internal and external disks (3, 5) can be wetted with a cooling oil (13). So as to improve heat dissipation during operation, it is provided that the multi-disk clutch or multi-disk brake (1, 2) is configured such that the cooling oil (13) can be directed axially through the clutch pack (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Josef Haupt, Thilo Schmidt, Peter Schiele, Tobias Miller, Christian Schwemer
  • Patent number: 7308977
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a transmission having a pressurized fluid source includes selectively engageable clutch plates including an apply plate. A piston is movable between an apply position and a release position to respectively engage or release the clutch plates. An apply plate cover cooperates with the apply plate to at least partially form an annular cavity that is sealed to contain pressurized fluid provided by the pressurized fluid source when the piston is moved to the apply position, thereby allowing pressurized fluid flow radially inward across the engaged clutch plates. The annular cavity is opened to allow fluid to empty therefrom when the piston is moved to the released position, thereby allowing centrifugally pumped fluid to flow radially outward across the released clutch plates. A method of reversing cooling fluid flow across clutch plates is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel M. Maguire, Paul D. Stevenson, Paula J. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20070267270
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement includes a first clutch device for establishing a working connection between an electric machine and an internal combustion engine and a second clutch device for establishing a working connection between at least one of the machines and a takeoff. Each of the two clutch devices has its own clutch components in the form of at least one piston and a predetermined number of clutch elements. By means of the piston in question, a pressure space is at least essentially sealed off from a cooling space, which holds the clutch elements. Each of the pressure spaces of the two clutch devices has its own supply line, whereas only one of the cooling spaces of the two clutch devices has its own supply line, the cooling space of the other clutch device being connected by a line leading to the cooling space of the first-mentioned clutch device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Sudau, Peter Fenn, Rudiger Lotze
  • Publication number: 20070251795
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wet-type multi-plate clutch comprising an external toothed plate formed by sticking a friction material onto a core plate and an internal toothed plate formed by a friction material onto a core plate and designed so that torque is transmitted by engaging the external toothed plate with the internal toothed plate and wherein each of the external toothed plate and the internal toothed plate has one axial surface including a convex surface to which a friction material is stuck, and a friction surface from which a surface of the core plate is exposed and wherein the convex surface and the friction surface are opposed to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Ritsuo Toya
  • Patent number: 7287634
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission device, especially for a drive train comprising an internal combustion engine and a twin-clutch transmission having two transmission input shafts and one transmission output shaft, each transmission input shaft being connectable to an internal combustion engine via a clutch of the torque transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteilligungs KG
    Inventors: Ivo Agner, Wolfgang Reik, Olaf Werner
  • Patent number: 7281619
    Abstract: A multiple-disk brake or clutch (1) includes at least one disk (2, 4) in a housing and at least one disk located on a shaft. Coolant is located in the housing (3). A coolant outlet (10) and a coolant inlet (7) of a cooling circuit (9) are located on the housing (3), whereby coolant can be delivered to the coolant outlet (10) by means of the disks (2, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20070227852
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Adam Uhler
  • Patent number: 7264101
    Abstract: A start-up clutch and torsional-vibration damper assembly including a disk clutch having an outer disk carrier and an inner disk carrier, and a torsional vibration damper having a primary element, a secondary element, and a spring dampening mechanism. The spring dampening mechanism is disposed between and operatively couples the primary element and the secondary element. The torsional vibration damper connected in series to the disk clutch such that the torsional vibration damper and the disk clutch are juxtaposed to each other along a common axis with the primary element having substantially the same outside radius as the outer disk carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Hauck, Michael Schaefer, Johannes Heinrich, Dietmar Strauss
  • Publication number: 20070199789
    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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicants: 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